Is it safe to wear high heels while pregnant?  Women and celebrities alike enjoy making a fashion statement in heels and aren't willing to part with them when they are pregnant.  Some even try to balance the extra weight and not topple over in six inch heels. 

Not only does the "pregnant in high heels" appear to look uncomfortable, but some think it is completely absurd and dangerous.  The main concern is the risk of falling and injuring the mother and the unborn baby.  Pregnancy not only adds weight, but also shifts one center of gravity forward (in front of you).  High heels also shift the center of gravity forward and may force women more prone to falls.  Feeling dizzy is common sometimes while pregnant and adding your shifting weight forward in heels may not be the safest way to get around.

Your feet also swell up due to fluid retention especially in the third trimester, and women may have a more difficult time wearing their favorite high heels even after giving birth. 

Easing Swollen Ankles

There are some steps you can take to prevent swollen feet and ankles. These can also help to ease the discomfort if your feet and ankles are feeling swollen already. Try to:

• Avoid standing for long periods
• Wear comfortable shoes – avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell
• Put your feet up as much as you can – try to rest for an hour a day with your feet higher than your heart, for example propped up with cushions as you lie on the sofa
• Do the foot exercises described below

You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles and prevent cramp in the calf muscles:

• Bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times 
• Rotate your foot in a circle eight times one way and eight times the other way
• Repeat with the other foot 

The other pregnancy symptom women have to contend with is back aches, joints, and cramps and wearing high heels can make those pains worse.  So it is probably best to make sure you have flatter shoes ready to slip on to avoid increased pain and potentially falling.  

The risk of falling with or without injury exists and pregnant women should consider this before donning a pair of high heels.