Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the experts when it comes to foot health, and some have recently voiced concerns about pregnant women risking the health of their feet to try and keep up with celebrity trends instead of wearing shoes that are more supportive and foot friendly.

A survey of 1,000 pregnant women in the U.K. found that 50% are still ardently following celebrity fashion. Up to 30% of women risk foot health by wearing high heels during pregnancy and 60% wear flip-flops , 30% wear Ugg boots, and 53% wear ballet pumps most of which lack necessary arch support.

More than two thirds of the women surveyed reported foot problems such as swollen ankles, swollen feet, and arch and heel pain,

Foot Specialists are urging women to wear supportive, wide-fitting shoes to stay comfortable and avoid long-term damage.

The hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy cause muscles and ligaments to soften and stretch, so high heels can cause damage to your back and knees and other joints, proper support is really needed by your feet during these months.

Save yourself the painful and damaging repercussions of wearing unsuitable footwear, be kind to yourself and your feet, there are many attractive and sensible footwear options available these days, so you should be able to find plenty to mix and match with your maternity clothes.