Wearing Compression Socks During Pregnancy – What You Need to Know

Inside: All about compression socks during pregnancy that you need to know.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but it comes with its challenges too. As your body prepares to support a life growing inside you, it undergoes many changes. Right from when you conceive to the birth of your baby to postpartum, it’s an uncomfortable and tedious journey for new mommies, both mentally and physically.

During pregnancy, the uterus puts more pressure on the vena cava, the vein responsible for carrying blood from your feet to the heart. You can feel sore feet, swollen ankles, and other discomforts in your legs. This condition is called oedema, and it is common among 75% of pregnant women. It gets severe over time, especially toward the end of pregnancy, and doesn’t go until your little munchkin arrives. This means that you might have to bear the pain for anywhere around 27 weeks. Fortunately, you have compression socks, a pair of therapeutic stockings that hugs the legs and feet tightly to alleviate the pain.

These socks apply more pressure on ankles and feet than legs, which helps blood vessels work more efficiently. As the muscles and arteries in your lower limbs are relaxed and circulation is improved, blood flows properly back to your heart.

Is Wearing Compression Socks Safe in Pregnancy?

You’re wondering – are copper compression socks safe during pregnancy? Pregnant women often fret about whether it is safe to wear copper compression socks during pregnancy. Considering how tight these stockings can be, their concern is justified. However, there is no need to worry because doctors have recommended them after meticulous research. They assure that these stockings are actually beneficial as they prevent varicose veins.

Having said that, make sure to consult your physiotherapist to find the right fit, as the pressure can vary depending on your condition.

 

Benefits of Compression Socks During Pregnancy

If you’re wondering when to start wearing compression socks during pregnancy? The answer is you can start wearing compression socks for pregnant women during first trimester, because of the benefits we discuss below.

 

Improved blood circulation:

During pregnancy, your uterus puts weight on your legs that disrupt blood flow. Moreover, due to imbalanced hormone changes, the chances of blood clots increase, leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Wearing compression socks while pregnant is the easiest and most effective way to improve blood flow and mitigate the chances of clots.

 

Relief from pain:

As you progress with your pregnancy, your leg pains get severe. This is because of the child’s extra weight that your body carries, which hampers blood circulation. With compression stockings, pregnant women can relieve the pain and aches, especially toward the end.

 

Prevent varicose veins:

Varicose veins are the blue or purple ones that occur more frequently when valves in your veins don’t work properly. It prevents blood from flowing smoothly to your heart and creates a pool inside the vein, making it enlarged and swollen. One of the best benefits of compression socks is that they are designed to keep such side effects at bay and ensure proper circulation.

 

Reduced swelling:

A pregnant woman’s body generates 50% more fluids to support her growing life. As a result, you experience excess swelling in your feet and legs. Copper compression socks address this concern by providing gentle pressure on your feet and easing the discomfort.

How to Choose the Right Compression Socks?

 

Easy and Comfortable Fit:

Because compression socks are tighter, the way you put them on is different from regular socks. You need to roll them up, which gets more difficult as you move further in your pregnancy journey. Prefer pull-on style stocking with zippers as they are convenient to wear. Also, make sure that they gently hug your skin rather than squeezing it too hard.

 

Compression level:

There are different pressure levels, from gentle to firm. For pregnancy, medium to the firm will work best, providing the best comfort and proper circulation.

 

Right length:

As compression socks come in different sizes, styles, and lengths, you have more options to choose from. We would suggest knee-length or thigh-length as they are more effective for women suffering from oedema or varicose veins.

 

Cost and value:

Compression socks are costlier than regular socks, but there is not much price variation in different brands. For better value, buy from brands that offer multipacks rather than a single pair.

When to See Your Doctor?

Although wearing compression socks during pregnancy is highly recommended by doctors, and you don’t need a prescription to buy them, make sure to visit your doctor in case you face any trouble with them. If you notice issues, such as redness, skin irritation, change in skin color, infection, or swelling, book an appointment with your doctor. Take their advice and understand the reason behind these problems. If needed, change the size and length for better convenience and relief.

 

 

Author Bio
Rory is the R&D Director and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Defence a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone. If you’d like to get in touch, email Rory at [email protected] or visit copperclothing.com for copper-infused clothing, pet accessories, and more.