Pregnancy brings incredible joy and significant physical changes. Among the less celebrated aspects are leg swelling, aching feet, and the increased risk of varicose veins. Many expectant mothers find relief through compression therapy, which provides support exactly when the body needs it most. This guide explores how compression socks can help during pregnancy and what to consider when choosing maternity compression.
Why Legs Swell During Pregnancy
Leg swelling, medically known as peripheral oedema, affects the majority of pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester. Understanding why this happens helps explain how compression therapy provides relief.
Increased Blood Volume
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by approximately 50% to support your growing baby. This dramatic increase puts additional pressure on blood vessels throughout your body, including the veins in your legs. The veins must work harder to return this increased volume to the heart.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, cause the walls of blood vessels to relax. While this relaxation supports the pregnancy in various ways, it also reduces the efficiency of venous return. Veins that are more relaxed don't push blood upward as effectively, allowing more fluid to pool in the lower extremities.
Physical Pressure from the Growing Uterus
As your baby grows, the expanding uterus puts pressure on the major blood vessels in your pelvis, particularly the inferior vena cava, which returns blood from your lower body to your heart. This pressure can slow venous return, contributing to swelling in the legs and feet.
Changes in Posture and Gait
The shift in your centre of gravity during pregnancy changes how you stand and walk. These changes can affect how efficiently your calf muscle pump works, potentially reducing its effectiveness in pushing blood back toward your heart.
Normal vs. Concerning Swelling
Some leg swelling during pregnancy is normal, especially late in the day or in warm weather. However, sudden or severe swelling, particularly if accompanied by headache, visual changes, or swelling in the face and hands, requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate preeclampsia.
Benefits of Compression Socks During Pregnancy
Compression socks offer multiple benefits for expectant mothers:
Reduced Leg Swelling
By applying graduated pressure, compression socks help prevent fluid from accumulating in your legs and feet. Many pregnant women notice a significant reduction in ankle and calf swelling when wearing compression consistently.
Decreased Leg Fatigue and Aching
Heavy, tired legs are a common complaint during pregnancy. Compression support helps reduce the fatigue associated with carrying extra weight and managing increased blood volume. Many expectant mothers find they can stay on their feet longer with less discomfort when wearing compression socks.
Prevention of Varicose Veins
Pregnancy increases the risk of developing varicose veins due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes. Compression socks support vein walls and improve blood flow, which may help prevent varicose veins from developing or worsening during pregnancy.
Reduced Risk of Blood Clots
Pregnancy increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to changes in blood clotting factors. While compression alone cannot eliminate this risk, maintaining good blood flow through compression therapy is one component of reducing DVT risk.
Improved Energy Levels
Better circulation means more efficient oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues. Many pregnant women report feeling more energised when wearing compression socks regularly.
When to Start Wearing Compression
Many healthcare providers recommend starting compression therapy early in pregnancy, even before noticeable swelling develops. Prevention is often more effective than treatment, and early use may help prevent varicose veins from developing in the first place.
Choosing Compression Socks for Pregnancy
Compression Level
For most pregnant women without specific medical conditions, compression levels of 15-20 mmHg are appropriate and comfortable for daily wear. If you have existing venous issues or your healthcare provider recommends it, 20-30 mmHg may be appropriate. Always consult with your midwife or obstetrician before using higher compression levels during pregnancy.
Style Options
- Knee-high socks: The most popular choice, easy to put on even as your belly grows, effective for most pregnancy-related swelling
- Thigh-high stockings: Provide more coverage if swelling extends above the knee; may be recommended for varicose veins
- Maternity compression tights: Full coverage with a supportive belly panel designed for pregnancy; popular in cooler months
Special Features for Pregnancy
Look for maternity-specific compression garments that include:
- Expandable belly panels that accommodate growth
- Extra-wide bands that don't dig into swollen areas
- Seamless toe construction for all-day comfort
- Moisture-wicking fabrics to manage increased perspiration
- Easy-on/easy-off designs for later pregnancy when reaching your feet becomes challenging
Tips for Wearing Compression During Pregnancy
Morning Application
Put on your compression socks first thing in the morning before getting out of bed or soon after waking. Your legs are least swollen at this time, making the socks easier to apply and more effective throughout the day.
Getting Help
As pregnancy progresses, putting on compression socks becomes more challenging. Don't hesitate to ask your partner for help, especially in the third trimester. Some women find it helpful to sit on the edge of the bed with their feet elevated on a footstool.
Gradual Introduction
If you're new to compression, start by wearing your socks for a few hours at a time and gradually increase wear time. This allows your body to adjust to the sensation.
Monitor Your Comfort
Pregnancy can cause day-to-day changes in swelling. If your socks feel too tight or uncomfortable, remove them and consult with your healthcare provider about whether you need a different size or compression level.
Pregnancy Compression Guidelines
- Start early, ideally in the first trimester for prevention
- Choose 15-20 mmHg unless otherwise directed
- Put socks on before getting out of bed
- Remove before sleeping unless advised otherwise
- Consider maternity-specific styles as pregnancy progresses
- Re-measure as your body changes
- Ask for help putting on socks in later pregnancy
Combining Compression with Other Strategies
Compression socks work best as part of a comprehensive approach to managing pregnancy-related leg symptoms:
- Elevation: When resting, elevate your legs above heart level to promote drainage
- Movement: Regular walking and ankle exercises help activate the calf muscle pump
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain healthy circulation
- Sleeping position: Lying on your left side reduces pressure on major blood vessels
- Avoiding prolonged standing: Take regular breaks if your work requires standing
- Comfortable shoes: Low-heeled shoes with good support complement compression therapy
After Pregnancy
Leg swelling typically resolves within a few weeks after delivery as blood volume returns to normal and hormone levels stabilise. However, many women find continuing compression therapy for several weeks postpartum helpful, especially if they developed varicose veins during pregnancy.
If you experienced significant venous issues during pregnancy, your healthcare provider may recommend ongoing compression. For future pregnancies, starting compression therapy early may help prevent recurrence of problems.
Compression socks offer a safe, drug-free way to manage many common leg complaints during pregnancy. By supporting healthy circulation, they help expectant mothers stay comfortable and active throughout their pregnancy journey.