Compression socks can be helpful during pregnancy. When should you start wearing them and what do they even do? I get a lot of questions about them, and I think they’re a useful tool that isn’t talked about much — so let’s dive a bit deeper into them.
Before we get going though, there are a LOT of tools out there that a lot of people don’t know about during pregnancy and birth. I recommend this to get your “toolbox” full!
Ok, we’re going to dive into WHY you might want to wear compression stockings, and things that would make you want to wear them.
Why Wear Compression Socks During Pregnancy
In general, compression stockings are worn to:
Stop Swelling — It uses the regular movements of your calf/feet to push the fluid back up to your heart.
Stop Pain — If fluid is pooling in your legs (may not always show as swelling — called venous insufficiency) and making it painful, socks can again help push that fluid back up to your heart.
Stop Blood Clots — Along with fluid, blood can pool in those veins in your legs and cause blood clots.
Stop Varicose Veins — Although the compression stockings won’t fix varicose veins, they can help them not get worse (larger) or hurt as much.
Pro Tip: Arteries help PUMP blood through your veins out to your body. Veins don’t pump, they just let the work from the heart and arteries push it back to the heart — it’s the “end of the journey” for your blood.
While we’re talking stockings – don’t miss my hospital bag packing list:
When To Wear Compression Stockings During Pregnancy?
In general, when you want to stop any of those things.
Many women don’t feel the need for compression stockings. If you’re young and aren’t on your feet a lot — many people don’t wear them. But, many do (or could be helped by wearing them).
Swelling
If you’re finding a lot of lower limb swelling compression stockings could help that.
Painful Legs
Although most often this is combined with swelling, but if you find your legs are very painful with standing for long periods — you may want to consider compression stockings.
If it’s an option, sitting with your fee raised is a good option to help with this as well.
Blood Clots
Due to how pregnant women’s blood functions during pregnancy (see my post on if pregnant women are immunocompromised) they are at a higher risk for blood clots.
Beyond that, there are times that blood clotting may be more likely:
Airplane Travel — since you’re stuck in one spot and aren’t moving your legs as much, you’re at a higher risk during this type of travel (or even train travel, etc) — a good time to put on the compression stockings (even if you don’t wear them other times).
Hospital Stay/ Bedrest — If you’re in the hospital or stuck on bedrest you are at a higher risk of blood clots. The only issue is that putting compression stockings on is that you may over-exert yourself putting them on. So, that would be something to weigh the risks/benefits. Even during these times you can still work your legs to prevent clots (using your feet to “step on the gas” and then lift it can help prevent cloths).
Extremely Sedentary Jobs — If you’re sitting at a desk all day, it can make clots more likely. Hopefully most workplaces will allow you to get up and stretch your legs now and then (or ask for a sitting/standing desk).
If you’re thinking, where the heck do I get these that don’t look like my grandma dressed me? — stay tuned, I’ll share some of my favorites!
When Should You Wear Compression Stockings
In general the baby/fluids are enough to really mess with you until you’re obviously showing. That means not til’ about 20 weeks or so. But, after 20 weeks if you’re having swelling, painful legs, or are at a high risk for blood clots you may want to talk to your provider about wearing them.
Great Compression Socks for Pregnancy
The good news is that there are a lot of fun compression socks out there these days. Here are some good options:
Heads up! 👀 There may be affiliate links in here – I might earn a smidge with your click. No cost to you, just good vibes! Check my boring stuff for deets.
Remember that compression stockings come at varying levels of compression. I recommend starting lower (15 mm Hg) and then building up (>30 mm Hg) if you’re still noticing the swelling (the more compressive, the harder they are to get on — and you may need your partner’s help).
** Be sure to measure your calf to pick the right size!
These come in a lot of cute stripes. Medium Compression
I like the fun heels on these — and they are a higher level of compression.
Kindred Bravely makes a lot of great maternity/pregnancy wear and people love them. These socks don’t look any different than other socks, but have a good mid-range of compression
I like the colors that these come in (less crazy, which can be good or bad depending on what you want).
I hope this helped you figure out what would be best for you.
Like I said — there is a LOT about pregnancy, birth and life after baby that can be made easier, or safer just by getting some expert tips. The Online Prenatal Class for Couples was created for just such a thing. It is:
- Fast – be done in just three hours with the main class!
- Available – taught on demand, it’s ready when you are!
- Training for TWO – turn your partner into a teammate, not just a cheerleader
Want to do a vibe check before diving into the whole thing with me? — check out my free labor pro tips. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
A nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth.
YOUR Birth Priorities: How to make them clear