Denise Van Outen's maternity style

Television presenter Denise Van Outen showed off a stylish baby bump once again as she stepped out to launch her own maternity fashion range.

The 35-year-old, who is expecting her first child with husband Lee Mead in a few weeks, was in London to display some of the designs for her clothing line.

Denise teamed up her dress with a pair of five-inch stilettos. But her choice of footwear could have been slightly more subdued, according to a medical expert.

Dr Sarah Brewer, who regularly gives medical advice on television and radio, said: "High heels when heavily pregnant is just a terrible idea."

"As women get bigger the centre of gravity changes, so tottering along in stilettos puts an enormous strain on the back."

Women in late stages of pregnancy have more elastic ligaments and muscles due to a hormone known as relaxin, and the weight gain may also result in widening of the feet, she said.

Wearing uncomfortable shoes at this stage can, therefore, potentially cause serious damage to feet and joints. Mothers-to-be who want to wear high heels should do so only for very short periods, she added.

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