Pregnancy is one the most exciting phase of life, yet this is the most delicate time as well. You need to take care of every action of yours to ensure that your baby is safe. Due to hormonal imbalance, your body observes a lot of changes during pregnancy including weight gain. This, in turn, leads to unusual pains in several body parts including legs and feet. To manage such irritating issues, there are many items available in the market. But the most beneficial way is to pull on a pair of compression socks during pregnancy.
However, if you have not known them before, pregnancy is the right time you should consider using them. This article takes you through compression stockings, how to choose them, and their benefits.
In This Article
- What Are Compression Socks/Stockings?
- How to Use Compression Socks During Pregnancy?
- Which Compression Level is Right For You?
- Amazing Benefits of Compression Socks During Pregnancy
- How to Choose the Best Compression Socks During Pregnancy?
- Top 3 Best Compression Socks Brands in India
What Are Compression Socks/Stockings?
Often compression socks are known as compression stockings. Generally, these kinds of stockings are pretty long in size. They give extra support to your legs and tired limbs. These are one type of therapeutic stockings, and it gives relief to your ankle and legs by allowing your blood vessels to work more efficiently. The basic working principle is very simple. It applies more pressure on the feet and ankles and less pressure on the legs. Thus, allowing the blood to flow from the legs to the heart.
As you proceed to your due date, your body produces more fluids. Additionally, the growing uterus exerts more pressure on the veins causing swollen feet and legs. This condition, which is also known as edema, is pretty common during pregnancy, and anywhere after 22 to 27 weeks of pregnancy, women observe this symptom. Wearing compression stockings can help you to relax your legs in this tough period.
[Read : Feet Swelling During Pregnancy]
How to Use Compression Socks During Pregnancy?
You can wear these socks anytime when you are walking or sitting somewhere. You can wear compression stockings when you get up in the morning and continue wearing them throughout the day. As these are tight enough, make sure you wear them before your legs start swelling. There is no need to wear these stockings at night because your legs are relaxed and can have better blood circulation at night.
[Read : Swollen Ankles in Pregnancy]
Which Compression Level is Right For You?
You can find different types of compression socks with different lengths. These are designed based on various usages. Some compression stockings fit below the knees which reduces calves, ankles, and foot swelling.
However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before selecting compression stockings.
Here are some different compression levels designed for a variety of usages.
a) 8 to 15 mmHg
This provides gentle compression that energizes your legs and feet.
b) 15 to 10 mmHg
This has mid-level compression strength and is beneficial to give relief from aches, swelling, and moderate-intensity varicose veins.
c) 20 to 30 mmHg
These compression stockings are mostly used by pregnant women. It provides moderate pressure, also known as class-I compression, and is good for edema, DVT, and varicose veins.
[Read : Edema -Swollen Legs And Feet During Pregnancy]
d) 30 to 40 mmHg
In case of severe varicose veins and edema, doctors may suggest these. It provides class-II level compression and should be used only after the doctor’s suggestion.
e) 40 to 50 mmHg
These socks provide Class-III or the highest level of compression and are used to treat critical cases of DVT, post-thrombotic syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, etc.
Amazing Benefits of Compression Socks During Pregnancy
There are several ways that compression can help you during the pregnancy period. Here are some benefits.
1. Improves Blood Circulation
Due to the weight increase and hormonal imbalance, normal blood circulation gets hampered during pregnancy. Moreover, the growing uterus places extra pressure on the veins. Compression socks provide pressure on your ankles, feet, and legs that helps the blood to flow toward the heart, thus improving blood circulation.
2. Helps Reduce Swelling
Usually, while you are pregnant, your body produces excess fluid as much as 50% more than normal. This causes more swelling or edema, especially in your legs. By applying extra pressure on the right places, compression stockings can really help to reduce swelling during pregnancy.
3. Minimize Varicose Veins
When the valves of the veins do not operate perfectly, it disturbs the blood circulation in the body. During pregnancy, sometimes you observe pinkish or bluish veins on your legs. It is known as varicose veins. It is a common symptom during pregnancy but is really painful. Using compression stockings can help to improve your blood circulation. This reduces the chance of varicose veins and eventually, gives great relief from pain.
4. Relieve Aches
If blood does not circulate properly in your body parts, it starts aching. During pregnancy, this phenomenon is common in your legs because of the weight gain and the baby bump. Compression socks promote blood circulation from the legs to your heart, it gives relief from aches.
How to Choose the Best Compression Socks During Pregnancy?
The stockings that suit you, can give you maximum benefits. A wrong selection may harm you and your unborn.
Here are a few points while buying compression stockings during pregnancy.
1. Easy to Wear
Wearing compression socks is not similar to wearing regular ones. The compressive force makes it a tough job. Make sure the socks are easy to wear. Some brands offer zippers that make it easier to wear.
2. Comfortable
The socks must be comfortable. You need to wear it for a long and therefore, it should not bite your skin or hamper blood circulation. Consider using a good brand.
3. Select the Right Length and Size
Make sure you select the perfect length and size. Else it will create discomfort.
4. Select the Correct Compression Level
It is the most critical parameter when you are selecting compression socks for you. Excess tightness can hamper blood circulation and results adversely. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before selecting compression stockings.
Top 3 Best Compression Socks Brands in India
Now that we have learned about the benefits and the usage of compression socks during pregnancy, let us know about a few brands that offer the best compression socks for you when in need.
1. Vissco Varicose Vein Stockings
These compression stockings are made of breathable material and are of thigh length. Using them can soothe your legs from aches, edema, and soreness. You can choose the size according to the size chart available.
2. TOFLY Firm Support 20-30mmHg Opaque Maternity Pregnancy Compression Socks
The knee-high compression stockings from TOFLY give firm support to your legs. They help in soothing conditions like edema, spider veins, and varicose veins.
3. LighSele Zipper Compression Socks 15-20 mmHg
LighSele knee-high compression stockings provide comfort for your legs during pregnancy. These are zipper compression socks and are easy to wear and take off. They help in enhancing blood circulation and relieve leg pains and aches.
Compression stockings are great during pregnancy, but you must be cautious before buying. Selecting the wrong one rather worsens the situation. Consider all the above-mentioned points and consult your gynecologist to opt for the right one that suits your body.
Read Also: How to Choose Maternity Leggings During Pregnancy?
