Pregnancy, Maternity, and Compression Socks: Learn about this Health Essential

So, you’re expecting? Congratulations! Expecting a baby, especially your first, is a truly exciting and sometimes anxiety-inducing time in a woman’s life. Whether you’re a first-time mom or experienced parent, every pregnancy is different and can be quite hard on your body. As your body changes to accommodate the little bundle of joy growing inside you, you may experience a range of discomforts, aches, and pains. For example, edema, a mild swelling of the ankles and legs during pregnancy, is a common symptom. It often occurs or gets worse as your due date approaches. In addition, you may also notice varicose veins, which again is quite common in pregnant women. Luckily, compression socks are effective in not only relieving the discomfort caused by these symptoms but also preventing them from getting worse. Read on to discover how compression socks can help you while you are expecting.

Why wear compression socks during pregnancy?

There are numerous benefits to wearing maternity compression socks. While you may not need them in your first trimester, by the second and third trimesters they will definitely come in handy. Here are a few benefits of maternity compression socks for moms-to-be:

1. Reduce swelling

During pregnancy, especially around week 27, mothers-to-be may experience swelling in their body, mostly in the ankles and feet. Also known as edema, this mild swelling occurs as body fluids increase to nurture mother and baby. Because of the increased blood flow to your pelvic veins and vena cava, these fluids can accumulate in your tissues. This in turn causes swelling in the ankles and feet (and sometimes the hands), which, while normal, can be uncomfortable and even painful.  By applying pressure and gently squeezing the legs, compression socks can help reduce the swelling and alleviate some of the discomfort.

2. Improve circulation

As your hormones increase during pregnancy, you may be prone to blood clots. This occurs as your growing uterus puts more pressure on your veins. While deep vein thrombosis is not common during pregnancy, it can be dangerous if left untreated. To help improve blood circulation, particularly in the lower limbs, slip on a pair of maternity compression socks or stockings. In fact, compression socks are regularly used to prevent clotting or pooling in people prone to these conditions.

3. Relieve aches and pains

Unfortunately, many pregnant women experience sore feet and legs, especially if they gain weight quickly. In fact, swelling is very common, particularly as you get further along in your pregnancy. As compression socks improve blood flow, they also help reduce aches and soreness.

4.  Minimize the appearance of varicose veins

Many people will develop varicose veins in their life. Pregnant women are unfortunately more prone to these dark purple or blue veins. While they aren’t typically a cause for concern, most of us think they aren’t very attractive. Luckily, compression socks improve blood circulation and can thus help reduce the look of (and even prevent) varicose veins. 

How to choose the right maternity compression socks?

Compression socks and stockings come in various styles and levels of compression. When choosing a pair of maternity compression socks, you should consider the following:

1. Fit: for compression socks to work, you need to pick a pair with a tight and firm fit. However, you don’t want to pick a pair that is too tight or uncomfortable. Additionally, they should not be difficult to pull on. Look for gentle to moderate compression when you are expecting.

2. The level of compression: Compression is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHG). For expectant mothers, you should pick a light to medium level of compression. For example, socks with less than 16 mmHg (light compression) are ideal for pregnant women. They are designed to improve circulation, while relieving tired legs. They also prevent minor swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs and reduce the risk of minor varicose veins. Medium compression socks (between 15 mmHG and 20 mmHG) are perfect for pregnant women at risk of venous thrombosis, who have varicose veins, or who are experiencing moderate swelling in the legs. 

3. Graduated compression: Graduated compression stockings or knee-high compression socks provide more compression at the ankles. Compression eases higher up on the calf making them more comfortable for many pregnant women.

4. Style: While compression socks have numerous health benefits, there is no reason they can’t also be stylish. Supporo’s Fashion Compression Socks offer a trendy and casual look along with the therapeutic benefits of compression.

How and when to wear maternity compression socks?

If you don’t have swollen or aching feet, then you may only want to wear compression socks when you will be on your feet a lot. As pregnancy-related swelling usually gets worse in the second and third trimesters, wearing compression socks may then be beneficial. You should slip them on first thing in the morning as swelling is usually less severe. And it is easier to prevent swelling then to try and reverse it. Plus, getting compression socks on over already swollen legs can be tricky. You should only wear the socks as long as they are comfortable. But remember, there is no need to wear them while you are lying down or sleeping. As your legs and feet are at the same level as the rest of your body, your blood circulation is not affected by gravity.

Maternity compression socks offer numerous benefits for expectant mothers. Whether you wear them to reduce swelling or to minimize varicose veins, compression socks are a great tool to improve blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart. In addition, the level of compression can help with the severity of symptoms and alleviate some of the common pregnancy-related aches and pains. Typically, pregnant women should look for light to medium levels of compression. But most importantly, mothers-to-be should ensure the socks fit right and are comfortable.

Shop Supporo’s wide range of high-quality compression socks today. Made from high-end Italian fabric, our comfortable and stylish compression socks are a great way to take control of your health while relieving everyday aches and pains.