Can compression socks help ease pregnancy discomfort?

Pregnant woman using Ostrichpillow Bamboo Compression Socks

Pregnancy is a challenging time, both physically and mentally. Along with the excitement and anxieties that come with becoming an expectant parent, pregnant women can experience a great deal of discomfort that can interfere in their daily lives. Symptoms like acid reflux, sciatica, nerve pain, water retention, nausea and exhaustion are some of the more common ailments most people think of when pregnancy is mentioned. But another symptom that might be lesser-known is swollen feet, legs, and ankles. Because blood flow and fluids are both dramatically increased during pregnancy, a woman’s lower extremities might swell and become uncomfortable — or even painful. One solution? Compression socks for pregnancy. Compression socks can help ease the discomfort and provide relief from swelling.

Compression socks for pregnant women

As a pregnancy progresses, pain, discomfort, and pressure from added blood and fluid (as well as extra weight) can make lower-extremity edema worse. Compression socks, like these from Ostrichpillow, help constrict blood vessels in the legs and feet, preventing painful swelling. Compression socks should be put on in the morning, right before getting out of bed. This helps ensure legs and feet are minimally swollen, allowing the socks to be most effective at preventing swelling. 

 Pregnant woman

Compression socks can help with spider veins

Compression socks may also be effective as a tool to help prevent varicose veins during pregnancy. Varicose veins, or spider veins, are swollen, painful veins — most often found in the legs and feet — that become overfull with blood. Because a pregnant woman’s blood pressure and blood volume is altered during pregnancy, these veins may become overworked and appear as dark red, purple, or blue lines on the skin. They may be temporary and resolve on their own, or they may become permanent. 

Compression socks can help ease the discomfort of spider veins and may help prevent them if used consistently. If you know you’re going to be on your feet a lot, or will be driving long distances or taking a long flight, compression socks may be a good option. 

Varicose veins can increase a person’s risk for deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot, which can be fatal if left untreated. Compression socks are a simple, effective tool that can be used to help ease pain and discomfort in pregnancy, helping to reduce swelling and aid in the prevention of spider veins. 



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