Warning on high heels in pregnancy

Lorraine Jones, from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, said women feltunder pressure to wear stilettos but were risking long-term damage, as well as strains to their ankles and ligaments.

Furthermore, pregnant women routinely wore other unsuitable footwear, such as flip flops, ballet pumps and Ugg boots, she said.

A poll of 1,000 pregnant women for the society found 66 per cent regularly wear flip flops, 32 per cent wear high heels, 53 per cent ballet pumps and 30 per cent Ugg boots.

But Ms Jones said none of these shoes were suitable because they offered little support. "Weight gain and hormonal changes in pregnancy have a huge impact on the body," she said.

"Muscles and ligaments soften and stretch because of an increase in the ovarian hormone, relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis. High heels alter your posture, shorten your calf muscles and place increased pressure on your back and knees."