Are Kate Middleton's High Heels Dangerous for Her Pregnancy?

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Pregnant Kate Middleton is under a bit of fire for wearing heels while visiting New York City this week.

One doctor warned that the shoes might not be the most appropriate choice for an expectant mother.

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"The risk of stress fractures, bursitis and capsulitis (inflamed ligaments) are increased when a pregnant woman routinely wears heels," Dr. Isaac Tabari of the NYC Podiatry Center of Excellence told the New York Daily News. “Pregnant women should not wear high heels every day.”

But the Duchess, who has been towering in black pumps around the city despite being about five months along, shouldn’t have much to worry about.

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“High heels are safe as long as you are steady on your feet,” Dr. Teri Benn, an OB-GYN at FemCare OB-GYN in Miami, tells Yahoo Parenting.

“During pregnancy your center of gravity is shifted, so if you feel like you are at risk of falling, which could cause an impact on the belly, I would say don’t wear heels,” Benn adds. “But if you feel good and steady, them I’m fine with a patient wearing whatever shoes she wants.” 

(Expecting or not, the Duchess of Cambridge’s chic footwear has also earned her accolades on Twitter, with one fan writing,”Kate Middleton is five months pregnant yet still manages to wear heels! She’s my kind of girl! #KateMiddleton #classybird”)

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Of course, Kate isn’t the only high-profile pregnant woman to be captured in stilettos. Blake Lively, Molly Sims and Carrie Underwood, all expecting, have continued to strut their stuff in their favorite shoes as well.

Still, doctors warn that everyone - regardless of pregnancy or not - should be wary of heels, as they’re damaging for any feet, according to studies.