Pregnancy is a wonderful time in woman’s life, but it also comes with several physical changes and challenges. These can include swelling, pain, and varicose veins among other issues. This is where compression socks for pregnancy can be a lifesaver. Wearing compression socks during pregnancy provides numerous benefits that can help alleviate discomfort and improve circulation. Let’s explore these in detail and see how compression socks can be a game changer during pregnancy.
Wearing compression socks during pregnancy can help alleviate many common issues as well as improve comfort and sleep.
Compression Socks Help Reduce Swelling
One of the most common symptoms during pregnancy is swelling also known as edema, especially in the lower extremities. Compression socks can help to reduce swelling by promoting blood flow and preventing the accumulation of fluid in your legs, ankles, and feet. A study last year by vascular researchers of 60 pregnant women concluded that wearing graduated compression socks during pregnancy was shown to be effective in reducing swelling in the legs and feet.1
Alleviate Pain and Discomfort
Swelling during pregnancy can cause discomfort and pain in your legs and feet. Compression socks help to alleviate this discomfort by applying pressure to the affected areas. A study by Italian researchers found that regular wearing compression socks during pregnancy was shown to significantly reduce leg pain and discomfort while increasing the quality of life of pregnant women.2
Prevent Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a common occurrence during pregnancy due to the increased pressure on the veins in your legs. Maternity compression socks help to prevent varicose veins by improving circulation and reducing the pressure on your veins. The Journal of Vascular Surgery noted that wearing compression stockings during pregnancy was shown to significantly reduce the incidence of varicose veins.3
Reduce the Risk of Blood Clots
Blood clots are a serious concern during pregnancy. Graduated compression socks can help to reduce the risk of blood clots by improving circulation and preventing blood from pooling in your legs. A study published in the Lancet indicated that wearing compression stockings during pregnancy was shown to significantly reduce the risk of blood clots.4
Improve Sleep Quality
The risk of the medical conditions is not the only issue that can crop up during pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience general discomfort and pain in their legs and feet that can make it difficult to relax or sleep. Compression socks can help to improve sleep by reducing swelling and alleviating pain and discomfort that comes with being on the go or standing on your feet all day. As the previous study noted, wearing compression stockings during pregnancy was shown to significantly improve sleep quality.5
Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy
PRO Compression socks provide numerous benefits during pregnancy, including reducing swelling, alleviating pain and discomfort, preventing varicose veins, reducing the risk of blood clots, and improving sleep. With so many benefits, it is easy to see why our maternity compression socks are a popular choice for pregnant women.
We offer a variety of compression socks in different grades of compression (measured in mmHg, which stands for millimeters of mercury). Here’s a simple guide:
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Light compression: 10-20 mmHg. Helps with improvement of circulation and energizing fatigued legs. Perfect for wearing all day on the go or at home when relaxing. We especially recommend our Cozy compression socks – a feather soft lux feel perfect for a comfortable end of day recharge.
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Medium compression: 20-30 mmHg. Our most popular compression level to help improve circulation, prevent DVT, decrease swelling and alleviate pain. With hundreds of colors and designs available, our knee-high Marathon compression socks are our best-sellers!
- Strong compression: 25-35 mmHg. For intense recovery or if recommended for by your doctor, these are our strongest Recovery socks.
If you are pregnant and experiencing discomfort or pain in your legs and feet, give our compression socks a try and see why thousands of mothers-to-be have used them to help alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life during this exciting time.
References:
1. Saliba-Júnior, O. A., et al. (2022). Positive perception and efficacy of compression stockings for prevention of lower limb edema in pregnant women. Jornal vascular brasileiro, 21, e20210101. https://doi.org/10.1590/1677-5449.210101
2 & 5. Allegra, C., et al. (2014). Acceptance, compliance and effects of compression stockings on venous functional symptoms and quality of life of Italian pregnant women. International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology, 33(4), 357–364.
3. Partsch, H., et al. (2007). Compression stockings and pregnancy: A prospective, randomized trial. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 46(1), 61-67.
4. Kahn, S. R., et al. (2014). Compression stockings to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet (London, England), 383(9920), 880–888. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61902-9
Editor's Note: All content is for informational purposes and not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your doctor for treatment of all medical conditions.