Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
Pregnancy is a very special time for expecting women. It changes your body in many amazing ways to support your little one, and it also puts a lot of pressure on your legs. Aching feet, swollen ankles, and varicose veins may sound familiar.
We’ve found compression socks – which provide extra support to help decrease swelling – to be an unsung hero of pregnancy. If you’re experiencing swelling in your ankles and calves, or if you spend a lot of time on your feet, we recommend them wholeheartedly!
Below, discover what compression socks do, the benefits of using them, and what to look for when purchasing a pair. You’ll soon see why they’ve made the list of our most useful pregnancy products.
We like
We don't like
Important Reasons To Wear Compression Socks While Pregnant
When you are pregnant, your blood volume increases by 50%. This increased blood volume causes your veins to open up, which can lead to swelling and varicose veins. Wearing compression socks during pregnancy is recommended by many healthcare providers because they can combat the swelling, aching, or the risk of varicose veins that accompanies pregnancy.
Decrease Swelling
Compression socks apply even pressure to your lower legs to decrease swelling while helping to maintain blood flow in the veins of the leg. The pressure helps to reduce the size of the blood vessels in your legs, which improves their ability to push the blood back up to the heart.
Reduce Aches and Pains
Studies have noted compression socks may help relieve leg pain and the achy feeling many people often experience in pregnancy, as well as help prevent varicose veins.
Relieve Nausea and Dizziness
Compression socks also can be used to combat some nausea and even dizziness that is experienced in pregnancy (yes, even the nausea and vomiting symptoms often experienced in the early days of pregnancy!).
Tips For Buying The Right Compression Socks
If your healthcare provider has recommended you wear compression socks, you may be wondering how to find the right pair. Remember, the stocking has to be comfortable because you will wear it eight to 10 hours a day.
Essentially, when purchasing compression socks, you will want to consider the fit of the stocking, the level of compression, and the material it is made of. Generally, you can find compression socks at pharmacies, from your healthcare provider, or online.
Get The Perfect Fit
As with anything you wear during pregnancy, your compression socks shouldn’t be too tight (this can cause pain and impact your circulation). You want a firm fit, but no pinching, tingling or numbness in your toes or feet.
Conversely, if your compression stockings are too loose, they won’t provide the pressure needed to reduce swelling, improve blood flow, and alleviate pain. Most compression sock manufacturers offer a size guide that you can refer to when making your selection.
A sock that uses calf measurements — and sometimes ankle measurements and shoe size — will help you get a comfortable fit. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a store that can fit you for a pair of compression socks. An expert fitting like this can help ensure you get the right size.
Made with a medium level of compression, these socks will feel amazing on your feet after dealing with aches and pains. They are snug enough, without being too tight, to feel supportive. They’re made with 15-20 mmHg compression level, and feature a honeycomb arch support.
We like
We don't like
Sometimes you don’t need a full, knee-length compression sock. This ankle compression sleeve has open toes, and works well to alleviate swelling, pain, and provide relief. They can be worn all day long, and even under your normal everyday sock.
We like
We don't like
Amazing for everyday wear, travel, prolonged sitting, or standing, these socks are perfect to help minimize swelling while reducing fatigue. They’re comfortable to wear, and soothes and energizes tired feet. They feature a seamless toe closure, graduated compression, arch support, and a super soft and lightweight cushion sole.
We like
We don't like
Consider The Level Of Compression
There are different levels of compression available, from light to firm. When shopping for the best compression socks for pregnancy, it is important to know that they are graded based on the level of compression.
For average compression sock users, they’re likely looking for a compression of 15 to 20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury of pressure). This is a light compression that is good for mild or general swelling. If you have a history of swelling like venous insufficiency or lymphedema, you may want to look for 20 to 30 mmHg. This is especially important if you have significant swelling that doesn’t go away when you get up in the morning. Most pregnant people fall into this range. Most pregnant people feel best with a 20 to 33 mmHg strength sock.
If you have significant swelling or a chronic condition, your healthcare provider might recommend a high-strength compression that requires a prescription. Remember your healthcare provider can always recommend what level of compression is best for you.
Made from 60% viscose, 15% spandex, 23% elastane, and 2% nylon, these compression socks provide 20-30 mmHG compression, targeted at the ankle while decreasing toward the opening of the sock. They will help increase comfort, reduce soreness, and even alleviate pain from swelling while you’re pregnant.
We like
We don't like
These mild compression level socks (10-15 mmHG) provide pressure at the ankle, which gradually sprawls up the leg, lessening in compression level. If your feet are achy, your legs are tired and sore, and seeing swelling, you will love these socks. The knee high length will help improve circulation through the calf. It’s exactly what expecting mothers need.
We like
We don't like
These compression socks only go just past the ankle, and they are perfect for those who are looking for more ankle and arch support. They will reduce pain, muscle fatigue, and swelling around your ankle and feet. They’re also easy to plop on everyday or whenever you’re needing a little extra relief.
We like
We don't like
Choose Your Fabric
80% of compression socks are made with a nylon blend. However, there are some that are made of wool, which may be ideal for people in colder climates. You may even find a few that are made of cotton, but these are typically not recommended for significant edema. Nylon fabric compression socks are much stronger than cotton and provide better compression.
These knee-high compression socks offer firm support, feature moisture-wicking nylon, and provide you with 24 hour support. They will give your feet comfort and ease throughout the day from the moment you put them on until you take them off.
We like
We don't like
Treat your feet, ankles, and legs to these knee-high socks that provide graduated compression. The ergonomically designed socks are aimed to promote blood circulation and oxygen flow. They prevent fatigue while supporting recovery from pain and discomfort — they are miracle workers.
We like
We don't like
These compression socks have over 67 thousand reviews, and for good reason! The 85% nylon and 15% spandex socks combine fashion, technology, and science to bring you the ultimate amount of comfort. The fabric is durable, breathable, and remains at an optimal temperature. Your entire body will feel better once throwing these on.
We like
We don't like
When to Where Compression Socks
Typically, you wear compression socks during the day, especially if you’re going to be on your feet a lot or you sit for long periods of time at a desk. Wearing compression socks while pregnant can always be beneficial while you’re traveling. There is some evidence that compression stockings can help to prevent blood clots in the legs and are particularly useful while flying or traveling long distances by car.
While there is no time limit on how long you can wear compression socks, you probably do not want to wear them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Instead, put them on in the morning and take them off when they are no longer comfortable or when you are able to put your feet up instead.
Most healthcare professionals advise against wearing compression socks to bed at night. Not only are you less likely to experience swelling at night when your feet and legs are in line with your heart, but there also are some risks (they can become like a tourniquet and cut off your circulation). Taking the socks off at night also will allow your skin to breathe.
Your tired and sore feet deserve these effective, true medical grade graduated compression socks. They provide 25-30 mmHG at the foot and ankle, and 15-20 mmHG in the middle of the leg and calf, as well as 10-15 mmHG under the knee. The knee high fit is comfortable and can fit expecting mothers of all shapes and sizes.
We like
We don't like
Make your feet extremely happy with these compression socks with 20-30 mmHG of compression. They are soft, cushioned, and will keep your blood flowing. Plus, they’re so so cute.
We like
We don't like
Made with light cushioning, these knee-high compression socks are made with breathable, mesh fabric. They help keep your feet cool, and hug your muscles to help them feel more energized.
We like
We don't like
Feel Better With Compression Socks
Swollen feet and ankles late in pregnancy are common complaints, but that doesn't mean you have to grin and bear it. Compression socks may be just what you need to reduce the swelling and improve your comfort — especially toward the end of your pregnancy.
If you are experiencing mild swelling that did not come on suddenly, talk to your healthcare provider about compression socks and whether they would be right for you. Compression socks for pregnancy can be such a necessity.
For more hints, tips and recommendations, check out our shopping guides. Our parenting edit is also there to help you make informed decisions on pregnancy and parenting products.
