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Pregnancy compression socks: easing swollen legs and when swelling needs a doctor
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- 15 to 20 mmHg maternity knee-high socks. Best for: Ankle swelling and tired legs in pregnancy. See options on Amazon
- Maternity compression tights with an expandable waist. Best for: Veins above the knee or whole-leg heaviness. See options on Amazon
- 20 to 30 mmHg stockings for pregnancy varicose veins. Best for: Painful varicose veins, after your provider agrees. See options on Amazon
- Compression sock donning aid. Best for: Later pregnancy when bending is hard. See options on Amazon
Why legs swell and veins appear in pregnancy
MedlinePlus notes that most women have some swelling during pregnancy. medi lists swollen legs, spider veins and varicose veins as common pregnancy complaints that compression stockings may ease.
There is also a clot angle. medi says the risk of thrombosis is four to five times higher during pregnancy and the period after birth, and the CDC lists pregnancy and the first 3 months after giving birth among the risk factors for blood clots with travel. That does not mean everyone needs compression, but it is a good reason to ask at your next appointment, especially before a long trip.
First: swelling that is not normal
MedlinePlus says more severe swelling during pregnancy may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition with high blood pressure. Contact your provider right away if:
- You have more than mild swelling, or swelling suddenly increases.
- Swelling is new or worse in only one leg.
- A leg is red, warm or painful.
MedlinePlus says to call 911 or your local emergency number for shortness of breath or chest pain. None of these are compression sock situations.
Choosing a level and a style
Sigvaris lists 15 to 20 mmHg for achy, heavy or slightly swollen legs and as a level that may help prevent varicose and spider veins during pregnancy. This level is sold without a prescription. Firmer stockings, such as 20 to 30 mmHg for existing varicose veins, are usually chosen with a doctor.
medi says knee and thigh stockings are both options, along with maternity tights with a special waist section. It notes a growing waist section does not constrict and can be worn up to the ninth month.
| Style | Fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Knee-high | Ankle and calf swelling | Easiest to put on as the bump grows |
| Thigh-high | Veins above the knee | Can slip; harder to reach |
| Maternity tights | Whole-leg support | Warm; hardest to put on |
medi says a specialist can measure you and choose a stocking based on things such as your tendency to fluid retention. Measure in the morning, and re-measure as your body changes.
Putting them on with a bump
Bending gets harder as pregnancy goes on. A few things help:
- Put them on in the morning, sitting on the edge of the bed, before swelling builds.
- Use rubber gloves or a donning aid for grip. medi notes a doctor can prescribe a donning aid along with the stockings.
- Ask a partner to help with thigh-highs or tights later in pregnancy.
- Take them off at bedtime, as medi advises. Rest with your feet up in the evening; a pregnancy wedge pillow can make side sleeping more comfortable.
Travel while pregnant
The CDC says trips longer than 4 hours carry some clot risk, which is higher with pregnancy, and that some people may benefit from graduated compression stockings after talking with a doctor. It also suggests walking every 1 to 2 hours and flexing your ankles while seated. If you are planning a long trip, ask your provider whether compression makes sense for you.
After birth
medi says wearing compression after pregnancy may help, after checking with your doctor. The CDC counts the first 3 months after giving birth as a time of higher clot risk, so follow the advice of your care team. For daily wear guidance, see how long to wear compression socks.
What to look for when you buy
15 to 20 mmHg maternity knee-high socks
Best for: Ankle swelling and tired legs in pregnancy
Sigvaris lists 15 to 20 mmHg for slightly swollen legs and possible prevention of varicose and spider veins in pregnancy. Knee-highs are easiest to put on as the bump grows.
Watch out: Not a fix for sudden or severe swelling, which needs a provider check.
See options on AmazonMaternity compression tights with an expandable waist
Best for: Veins above the knee or whole-leg heaviness
medi describes maternity tights with a growing waist section that does not constrict and can be worn up to the ninth month.
Watch out: Warm in summer and harder to put on late in pregnancy.
See options on Amazon20 to 30 mmHg stockings for pregnancy varicose veins
Best for: Painful varicose veins, after your provider agrees
Sigvaris lists 20 to 30 mmHg for varicose veins and calls it the level doctors prescribe most often.
Watch out: Get your provider's okay first, especially with high blood pressure or diabetes.
See options on AmazonCompression sock donning aid
Best for: Later pregnancy when bending is hard
medi notes doctors can prescribe a donning aid with the stockings, which makes daily wear more realistic.
Watch out: Practice with it before you need it most.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are compression socks safe during pregnancy?
- For most people, yes, and medi says your doctor should decide on medical-grade stockings. Ask first if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or skin problems.
- When should I start wearing compression socks in pregnancy?
- There is no set week. Many people start when legs begin to ache or swell; your provider can advise based on your symptoms.
- What compression level is best for pregnancy?
- Sigvaris lists 15 to 20 mmHg for pregnancy-related leg symptoms. Higher levels should be prescribed.
- Is swelling in pregnancy a concern?
- Some swelling is common. MedlinePlus says more than mild or sudden swelling may be a sign of preeclampsia, so contact your provider.
- Should I wear compression socks after giving birth?
- medi says wearing them after pregnancy may help, after checking with your doctor.
Sources
- Medical compression stockings (MCS) in pregnancy (medi.de), medi
- Foot, leg, and ankle swelling (medlineplus.gov), NIH / MedlinePlus
- Compression levels and when to wear which one (sigvaris.com), Sigvaris
- Understanding Your Risk for Blood Clots with Travel (cdc.gov), CDC