Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Keep this in mind as leaning over and rolling on a pair of socks or stockings will become significantly harder as you reach the end of your pregnancy! You don’t need to wear them at night when your feet and legs are at the same level as the rest of your body. With 15 to 20 mmHg of compression, these low-cut socks offer just the right amount of support to energize your legs during daily walks or other doctor-approved exercises. First of all it can be a successful treatment of sore and tired legs which is a common problem amongst pregnant women. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Always confirm the sizing chart with a specific brand for sizing compatibility before purchasing a pair of compression socks. For legs that do not have any noticeable symptoms, preventative wearing of support pantyhose or support stockings can really give your legs a boost of energy and put more spring in your step. You’ll find that they’re usually offered in lettered sizes that are meant to correspond with your shoe size. If you're considered high risk for developing DVT, your doctor may recommend that you wear compression hose. Hey, if you have to wear compression socks, you may as well flaunt them — and with cute prints featuring skulls, polka dots, pineapples and more, that’s exactly what you’ll want to do. These socks come in an affordable three-pack that features the recommended 15 to 20 mmHg of compression. in Your Life, Why Giving Birth in the Squatting Position May (or May Not) Be for You, Treating an Ear Infection During Pregnancy, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Every expecting mother should have at least one pair of compression socks for pregnancy! But Lemon Hero created a workaround with an open-toe design that relies on zippers to safely and comfortably get them up and around your calves. Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy Overall : Best Compression Socks for Travel During Pregnancy : Best Compression Socks for Exercise During Pregnancy : Best Compression Socks for Everyday Wear During Pregnancy : Sockwell Women's On-the-Spot Graduated Compression Socks. They're also moisture-wicking, which not only keeps your feet feeling fresh, but makes them easy to wash and dry if you find yourself without a clean pair. A belly band provides many benefits to pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters. The levels can be found on this table that shows us a range of between a minimum of 8mmHg right up to 50mmHg and the fit that’s right for you would depend on your circumstances and what your doctor recommends. Thanks to graduated compression (25 to 30 mmHG at the foot and ankle, 15 to 20 mmHG in the middle of the calf and 10 to 15 mmHG below the knee), these socks not only help prevent swelling when you’re on an airplane, but they are also easy to take off when you arrive at your destination. “Compression stockings help massage the muscles and result in blood being forced to move upwards towards the rest of the body.” This boosts circulation and helps to relieve swelling, she adds. The condition is more common in moms-to-be than in other women of the same age and can cause life-threatening complications if left untreated. Also good? But when you’re pregnant — especially as you get further along — compression socks become your BFF, helping relieve painful swelling in your legs and feet. The JOBST maternity compression stockings range The squatting birth position allows gravity to do some of the hard work and may even have other benefits for both you and baby. Price: $$While they’re the priciest option in our guide, these socks are super comfortable so you can wear them all day. Most people think of compression socks as something that older people wear. Compression socks and stockings can help prevent and treat varicose veins during pregnancy and ease the swelling in the feet and ankles known as edema. If you ever have questions about that, though, you should consult your doctor about it. Price: $If you like the idea of compression socks but hate to have your toes enclosed, these are a great alternative. Here’s our process. But compression socks can help to prevent blood clots or pooling. They occur when the valves in your veins aren’t working properly, and are a common side effect of pregnancy. The compression stockings for pregnancy come in a variety of styles. Energetic, healthy legs allow you to fully enjoy spending time with your baby. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is another concern during pregnancy. Compared to regular socks, compression socks cost significantly more. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Price: $Not everyone wants a pair of compression socks that scream boring and look like something out of a pharmacy. In most cases, mild swelling during pregnancy, also known as edema, is normal (although you should always tell your doctor about severe swelling that doesn't go away). 2020 Feb;35(1):46-55. doi: 10.1177/0268355519846740. Therefore, compression stockings are advisable from the beginning of pregnancy until the end of the high-risk period of up to six weeks after having given birth. Here's what it can do for you. The FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Socks are a stylish and effective — score! Compression stockings Compression stockings are a specialized hosiery designed to help prevent the occurrence of, and guard against further progression of, venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. These socks are 20 to 30 mmHg (which means they offer medical-grade compression) and exceptionally comfortable. The bad news? If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. We'll cover some effective ways to deal with the…, You've heard swelling in pregnancy is normal, but you know it can also be cause for concern. To select our top picks, we focused on the following features: All of these socks come in at less than $35, with the majority under $20. Methods: A prospective randomised controlled study in the outpatient department of the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, including women with uncomplicated pregnancies <12 weeks at outset of study. They give a 20 to 30mmHg compression, which is ideal for pregnant women. Compression stockings should be removed at bedtime, but if this is not possible they can be worn continuously for up to a maximum of 7 days. Price: $No one wants to wear the same pair of socks over and over again — especially when they’re as essential as compression socks. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you’re interested in getting maternity compression socks, it is important to first consult with your physician, who will be able to prescribe the best compression socks according to your individual … Price: $While most of the socks in our guide are 15 to 20 mmHg, these feature a graduated compression range with 15 to 20 mmHg in the middle and calf and 25 to 30 mmHG in the feet and ankle. Generally speaking, around 20-30mmHg compression stockings have proven useful in helping to improve blood circulation during pregnancy, during labor, and the weeks following birth. These graduated compression socks feature 15 to 20 mmHg but a lightweight weave, so they’re perfect for any time of year and for those who prefer to spend most of their time outside. This increased blood flow, combined with the pressure of your expanding uterus on the pelvic veins and your vena cava (the large vein on the right side of your body that returns blood from your lower limbs to the heart), fluid can accumulate in your tissues. There are three kinds of compression stockings: There are three kinds of compression stockings: Support pantyhose: These can be found online or in most … Price: $Compression socks are notorious for being difficult to put on. Arch and heel support, a seamless toe so you won’t get blisters or corns (a must if your shoes are starting to feel tight) and padding on the sole to soften the impact on your feet. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2020, Swollen feet during pregnancy is very common, but that doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable. 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