Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy – (Achieve Healthy Leg!)

Pregnancy is an exciting time. The thought of welcoming a new life into the world can bring both joy and anticipation. The moment you realize you have a little one on the way, you may find yourself thinking about the gender, what the nursery will look like and all the things you’ll need before the baby arrives.

For the next 9 months, there will be a lot of changes your body will go through–weight gain, hormones, mood swings, morning sickness–all the ups and downs carrying a growing baby entails. With the average weight gain during pregnancy being 20 to 40 pounds, the added pressure on your lower extremities can affect blood flow to the ankles and feet. This pressure can cause clots, swelling or even vein problems, adding to the discomfort that an expectant mom would already feel during this delicate time.

While the increase of hormones during pregnancy can cause mood changes, they also create that special “glow” an expectant mom has. Hormones are critical to the development of the fetus. But they can also alter the impact physical activity has on you throughout pregnancy.

Estrogen and progesterone production increase during pregnancy. This aids the uterus and the placenta in the formation of blood vessels and nutrient transfer in support of the developing baby. 

Compression Socks for Pregnancy

What you need to know about them

Here’s some unfortunate news, though. With the increased blood flow to blood vessels all over the body, there is added pressure felt in the lower extremities. The symptoms of this excess pressure can be seen when your feet swell up or web-like veins become visible on the legs. Fortunately, this pain and physical discomfort can be soothed by simply putting on a pair of compression socks. 

More and more pregnant women are learning about the benefits of wearing compressions socks during pregnancy. Some new mothers may still not be aware, so here’s the rundown on how compression socks can improve your experience of childbearing.

Who Wears Compression Socks?

Typically, compression socks in the medical field have always been related to patient use in hospitals. Compression socks are highly recommended by medical professionals for people with or at risk for blood circulation problems, people who have just received surgery or people who stand all day at work. Compression socks may also be worn by people who are immobile or are going to be bed-bound for a while.

But it’s not just patients in hospitals who reap the benefits of wearing these socks. Athletes, travellers spending long stretches of time on airplanes and–you guessed it–pregnant women. Anyone can easily access compression socks to alleviate their pain to reduce swelling in the legs and also to avoid even more health complications from the pressure on their lower legs.

Pregnant Women Can Wear Compression Socks Too

Anybody who’s been pregnant, or knows someone who has been pregnant, understand the discomfort of having a huge belly and being miserable from the soreness that comes from walking or just simply standing up. A pregnant woman’s body goes through so many changes while welcoming the new baby. It’s going to be months of discomfort, with more pressure on the legs and feet coming towards the third trimester.

These changes can affect your ability to move and go about your daily life, taking a toll on your feet. Women who experience a lot of the swelling in the ankles can fight these effects of pregnancy by wearing compression socks. You may begin to have difficulty putting on compression socks going into the third trimester because of your growing baby belly. Having a partner’s support with helping to put on the socks can be a moment to bond; just one more trimester left!

Risks of Not Wearing Compression Socks During Pregnancy

Development of Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Spider Veins

Spider veins look like tiny blue and purple tendrils under the skin. Varicose veins sometimes appear blue too, but they also bulge outwards through the skin due to clots in the vessels. These can both appear towards the third trimester of pregnancy. Wearing compression socks can reduce the risk of developing clots in the legs and the likelihood of DVT during pregnancy.

Development of Thrombosis

Thrombosis is a medical term for the formation of a blood clot, known as a thrombus, within a blood vessel. It prevents blood from flowing normally through the circulatory system. With the blood flow needed by a pregnant woman to her uterus, this could be problematic…

Development of Severe Edema (Swelling)

Edema During Pregnancy

Edema, although a normal process for women to go through while being pregnant caused by an additional fluid build-up, can go from mild to severe. It is often experienced in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and feet. This extra retention of fluid is needed to facilitate the baby’s growth, enabling the woman’s body to expand as the baby develops.

Who Should Avoid Compression Socks?

Compression socks are not for everyone. People with certain medical conditions should not wear them at any time, as wearing them could worsen their condition rather than helping it.

If you have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral disease, massive lower edema or a skin infection, you should avoid utilizing these socks unless recommended by your physician. There will be a specific pressure rating for those with severe needs in their lower legs that can be obtained through a doctor only. However, socks of lower ratings can be worn for the purpose of pain and swelling relief does not require a prescription and those are the types that anyone can buy over the counter or online.

How Do Compression Socks Work?

Compression socks exert pressure on the foot and leg, which helps push the blood in the lower extremities back up into the heart. Without compression socks, the blood can pool in the legs, slowing down your circulation. They actually squeeze the legs and the walls of the veins in the legs, releasing lymphatic fluid to prevent swelling and edema in the lower extremities.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks? 

They Protect Your Legs

Maternity Compression Stockings

Increased hormones are absolutely critical for a successful pregnancy, but they can also make mobility more difficult. During pregnancy, your ligaments will become looser, putting you at a greater risk for sprains and strains.

Wearing compression legwear can provide firm support for your legs and feet, giving you added protection. That extra support comes in handy for reducing swelling, too!

Compression Socks Reduce the Incidence of Varicose and Spider Veins

Most pregnant women experience symptoms such as heavy, tired or sore legs and feet. In addition, the risk of venous disorders while being pregnant can be intensified by prolonged sitting or standing, hereditary vein disorders or a pre-existing vein condition. A number of women will develop varicose veins during their first pregnancy, but many women don’t develop varicose veins until a second or third pregnancy.

Compression Socks Can Reduce the Risk of Thrombosis

As you move further into your pregnancy, the risk of DVT or deep vein thrombosis increases by a factor of three to four. One of the reasons for the development of DVT is the change in blood composition that occurs prior to childbirth. To prevent uncontrollable blood loss during birth or in the event of a miscarriage, the blood becomes thicker to help protect the mom and the baby.

As a result, pregnant women have a much higher risk of DVT during the third trimester and after giving birth, too. The new mom should continue using compression therapy just after childbirth to help curtail this problem.

Compression Socks Can Reduce Swelling in the Lower Extremities

Wearing compressions socks during pregnancy can prevent symptoms such as heaviness and tension in the legs. Not only do they promote blood circulation, but they also alleviate the discomfort of swelling in the feet. Though swelling may not begin until the second or third trimester, it is advisable for pregnant women to start wearing compression socks from the first trimester.

Compression Socks Alleviate Soreness

Compression socks help to energize your legs and give you a feeling of lightness throughout the day. Having the constant and gentle pressure support against your legs will aid in circulating lymphatic fluid, alleviating a lot of that soreness associated with being pregnant. Expectant mothers will discover the benefits of compression socks worn during pregnancy, but they may also enjoy wearing them after delivery, too. Light, healthy legs can enable the new mom to fully enjoy spending precious time with their baby.

Have Some Fun with Colourful Compression Socks!

You can keep things interesting with fun patterns on your compression socks. There are different styles and colors to choose from. Pink, neon, heart patterns–there is definitely a great pair out there for everyone. Compressions socks can be a great present for an expectant mom, too. This thoughtful gift expresses your concern for her overall comfort during pregnancy. Something as simple as a bright, colorful pair of these socks can help brighten her day. 

Finding the Right Pressure Rating is Key

With so many health benefits to wearing compression socks during pregnancy, the question is now, “What would be the best compression sock for me?” In choosing your ideal compression socks, it is important to note their milligrams of mercury (mmHg) rating. This refers to how tight the socks are. Compression socks are available with a pressure rating as low as 8 mmHg, all the way up to 60 mmHg.

The pressure rating of 20-30 mmHg is likely the best option for pregnant women. They apply just enough pressure to be comfortable for most women to wear while alleviating mild edema and preventing varicose veins. Note that a pressure rating of 30-60mmHg will only be found in medical-grade compression socks for patients with more serious circulation problems.

How to Choose Maternity Compression Socks?

While buying a pair for yourself, keep in mind the features you would enjoy. Would you prefer a pair that provides adequate warmth, is more flexible or has anti-microbial properties? Are you concerned about how the socks will look with your outfits? Overall, you can choose the best maternity compression socks with the following in mind: 

Measuring the Legs for the Perfect Fit

• Fit – Choose the ones for the job; they should be tight enough to facilitate a snug fit but not uncomfortably tight. As you shop for your maternity socks, look for a pair that won’t fold off the legs or roll down throughout the day. An ideal height would be knee-high compression socks or even thigh-highs.
• Style – There are so many different styles and colors to choose from. Some of them are only ankle height; these are usually worn with sneakers for exercise. Other compression socks are available as knee-highs, thigh-highs or full-coverage pantyhose. Depending on if it is warm or cool weather, you can decide between open-toe or full-coverage compression socks.
• Material – Choose a pair of maternity compression socks made of durable, quality fabric. A good pair of compression sleeves could last a very long time if well cared for. ComproGear sells compression socks made of a combination of nylon and Lycra to give you both durability and flexibility. Most compression socks are also made of fabric that has anti-microbial properties meant to eliminate odors.
• Level of Compression –  Compression socks with an mmHg that ranges from 10 to 15 (which is considered mild), 15 to 20 (considered moderate) and up to 30 (which falls in the firm range) are all viable options for an expectant mom. They can be bought over the counter, but you can check in with a doctor if you’re unsure which pressure rating would suit you best.

How to Wear Maternity Compression Socks?

You can put your compression socks on at the beginning of the day before the swelling in your feet begins. Mornings are when any swelling will be minimal in comparison to the rest of the day. Once your feet and legs have already become swollen, it can be harder to put the compression socks on. 

It is especially important to wear your socks when you know you’ll be doing a lot of walking or standing.  Remember to take your socks off before going to bed at night to give your legs a break from the compression.

Key Takeaways

Wearing compression socks throughout your pregnancy can really make a difference in your legs and overall health condition. They can give you that boost of energy you need to face the challenges of pregnancy and help reduce the unpleasant symptoms that can accompany it.

Maternity compression socks are an essential piece of apparel in every pregnant woman’s closet. Lighten the load during your pregnancy with the best compression socks on the market today to help you achieve healthy blood circulation in the legs and get ready for your baby!

Achieve great leg health with ComproGear!

If you are in fear of drowning in the search for the right pair of compression socks, let us ComproGear help you get the best compression socks! View our website and browse through our sock collections of top-notch quality. They come with a variety of sizes and funky patterns to accommodate your style aesthetic on every different Tuesday.

Last but not least, for a better buying experience for every single customer, ComproGear practices a 100% money-back guarantee policy should you find any flaw or feel unhappy with our products, which we are sure you won’t. Plus, we will not abuse your Gmail account by sending you different marketing mail every 2 hours. It is absolutely our mission to help men and women in the world to achieve better blood circulation in the lower legs for better overall health conditions. We look forward to having you become our customer and we expect nothing less but your great satisfaction towards our socks!

Men and Women! The journey to healthy legs is just one mouse click away!

This page last updated October 27, 2022