Pregnancy may be exciting, but it can be challenging at the same time. During pregnancy, your body goes through a constant change, and the extra weight your body carries can lead to some sensations you are not familiar with. The common problems complaint by pregnant women are pain and swelling in the legs and feet. However, fortunately, the complaint can be remedied with some easy and possible treatments. Wearing compression socks can be the best way to alleviate pain, swelling, and other discomforts you may face during pregnancy.   

What are compression socks?

Compression socks are specialised garments (different from regular socks in their functionality) used for a variety of purposes. For example, compression socks reduce several leg and foot problems, including pain, aches, swelling, and other discomforts. Compression socks help gently squeeze your legs and feet, promoting blood flow to keep your legs and feet active and healthy. There are several types of compression socks that work accordingly. For example, these are designed in lengths and provide different compression levels. Compression socks that stay behind the knees can minimise swelling in the feet, ankles, and calves. However, thigh-high compression socks are usually recommended to prevent blood from pooling or collecting in the leg veins.

Why wear Compression socks during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are usually recommended to wear compression socks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declares that pregnant women are five times more likely to develop DVT (a leg vein problem) than nonpregnant women. DVT may result in skin discolouration, pain, redness, and a feeling of warmness. The condition leads blood clots to develop in the legs and pelvis, which can reach to lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism. Wearing compression socks can reduce the chances of blood clotting, making it easier for the heart to keep the blood flowing correctly. As well as this, pregnant women are also prone to developing other leg and foot problems, causing discomfort. Wearing compression socks helps you keep your legs and feet healthy.

When should you wear compression socks during pregnancy?

Many medical experts suggest women start wearing compression socks for pregnancy from the first trimester. Usually, women feel the symptoms of swelling in the ankles, pulling sensation in the calves, and blood stagnation. Moreover, pregnant women may also feel the signs of oedema in the hot weather and late evening. So, it is ideally advised to wear compression socks in the morning before you get out of bed.

Sometimes, women feel it difficult to wear compression socks in the last months of pregnancy. It is advisable to ask your loved ones to help you wear compression socks. Remember that you should avoid wearing compression socks if they do not make you feel good or cause discomfort or other medical complications.

Do compression socks for pregnancy have any side effects?

The primary function of medical compression socks is to provide support and compression to your legs and feet. However, wearing compression socks for an extended period of time can cause other problems, such as itching, irritations, redness, and other discomforts. However, poorly fitted compression socks and some fabric types can cause allergies. Remember that your compression socks should neither be too tight nor too loose. It should be snug enough to provide proper compression and supports, helping alleviate discomforts resulting from pregnancy.

Things to consider before wearing compression socks for pregnancy?

If you feel any discomfort during pregnancy, you should consider wearing compression socks. Remember that ignoring mild symptoms can lead to serious illness. During pregnancy, you should be more careful to keep yourself safe from any harm. So, when it is recommended, you must wear compression socks. However, here we come with the possible suggestions shared by experts, helping you choose the best compression socks.

1) Choose a correct size

Finding the correct size of compression socks guarantees maximum benefits. So, you should take the time to know what size fits you. Below is the size chart for the compression socks. This may help you find the best compression sock size for you:

If you are still confused or not sure about picking the best size for compression socks, we advise you to see with your GP or healthcare professionals and let them decide what is the better size for you. Remember that wearing improper size may irritate you and make you feel uncomfortable.

2) Compression level

Compression socks are designed in different levels of compression – from mild to firm. However, graduated compression socks are considered the ideal option for pregnant women. Graduated compression socks are tightly fitted at the ankles and feet, gradually decreasing towards the lower legs.

3) Look and style

If you are about to stay at home, you can wear any type of compression socks that suits you. However, if you are involved in occupational activities or want to go outside for other purposes, you may look for the proper look and style, making you feel no embarrassment. Here at 360 relief, you can find a variety of compression socks, including open-toe zipper compression socks, copper compression socks, and others. We provide you with an extensive range of colours and sizes, helping you choose the best compression socks for pregnancy.