Final answer:
Low-heeled shoes are recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy to prevent or relieve lower back pain by helping maintain a more natural posture and reduce strain. They also mitigate other foot-related issues and support a woman's changing body.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the last trimester of pregnancy, the recommendation for a woman to wear low-heeled shoes primarily aims to prevent or relieve lower back pain. This is because as the fetus grows, the pregnant woman's center of gravity shifts forward, increasing the curve in her lower back and adding stress to the spinal vertebrae. Low-heeled shoes help maintain a more natural posture by reducing the strain on the lower back. Moreover, comfortable footwear during pregnancy can also help mitigate leg cramps, leg swelling, and joint pain, though these are not the primary reasons for the specific advice to avoid high heels.
High heels typically increase pressure on the ball of the foot and can lead to conditions like metatarsalgia and alter balance, leading to a greater risk of falls, which is particularly risky during pregnancy. Furthermore, as the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the veins in the legs, potentially increasing the risk of circulatory problems and clots. Therefore, wearing low-heeled shoes is a preventive measure to support a woman's changing body and avoid additional health complications associated with high heels.