The Best Pregnancy Compression Socks to Prevent Swelling
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but it can also be an uncomfortable experience. As your belly grows, the pressure on your lower body increases, leading to aches and pains in the legs, ankles, and feet. That’s why investing in a quality pair of pregnancy compression socks is essential.
Compression socks provide gentle pressure to the legs and feet, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the most reliable pregnancy compression socks of 2024 so you can find the pair that fits your needs. We’ve included options for every budget and lifestyle to help you find the perfect pair!
Pregnancy Compression Socks: A Buyer’s Guide
Pregnancy compression socks are a great way to maintain healthy blood circulation throughout pregnancy, reduce swelling, and improve comfort. This guide will explore each imperative feature in detail to help you make the best decision
Price
The price of pregnancy compression socks can vary widely depending on the materials and brand quality. Many brands offer budget-friendly options that still provide excellent support and quality. However, higher-priced brands may offer a wider range of features, such as moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial/anti-odor properties. Compare prices and choose the product that gives you the most bang for your buck.
Quality
Besides considering the material quality, also look for certifications from safety organizations such as the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA). Quality construction is essential for both comfort and long-lasting performance. Also, ensure that the materials used are safe for your skin, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful toxins or chemicals that could cause irritation or discomfort.
Support
Good support is essential for pregnant women seeking relief from swollen feet and aching muscles. Look for products that provide graduated compression levels to maximize pressure relief. Graduated compression helps increase circulation, reduce swelling, and improve lymphatic drainage while providing comfort and support throughout pregnancy.
Fit
The socks should fit tightly but not too tight! Always measure your legs before buying a pair of compression stockings, as sizing can vary between brands.
Material
Compression socks should be made from breathable material to help allow air circulation. Synthetic materials are often used for their lightweight feel. However, natural fabrics such as cotton provide more breathability and may be more comfortable during long wear.
Compression Levels
Compression socks come in various compression levels ranging from mild to medical grade. It’s important to find a pair of socks with the right compression level for your needs. Too little compression won’t provide adequate relief, while too much could restrict circulation or cause pain or discomfort. Look for graduated compression levels, ranging from low at the foot to high at the ankle, to help increase circulation, reduce swelling, and improve lymphatic drainage while providing comfort and support throughout your pregnancy.
Design
Choose a design that suits both your style preference and practical needs. Consider factors such as whether it will show through clothing or not. Many brands offer stylish designs that are designed not to show through clothing, even when worn all day!
Ease of Use
We recommend looking for a product with an easy on/off design. Some brands feature pull tabs in key areas to make putting them on easier! Most compression socks have elastic bands in key areas, which prevents slippage when walking around.
Moisture-Wicking
Moisture-wicking fabrics keep feet dry by drawing moisture away from the skin. This helps prevent blisters caused by friction against wet skin. During pregnancy, keeping feet dry is especially important due to swelling, which causes feet to retain moisture much more easily than before. Look for products with advanced wicking capabilities to stay comfortable during long days on your feet!
Relief Benefits
When looking into relief benefits offered by various brands, seek products designed with pregnant women in mind. Look for graduated compression levels explicitly designed for improved blood flow, reduced swelling, increased lymphatic drainage, etc.
Comparing Top Pregnancy Compression Socks of 2024
Gripjoy Pregnancy Compression Socks – Best Overall
Gripjoy Pregnancy Compression Socks are ideal for those looking for added support and circulation. These knee-high socks provide 15-20 mmHg of support to help improve blood flow without feeling constricting. They feature unique non-slip bottoms that help you avoid slipping and tripping. The best part of these compression socks is the stylish and cozy design. Made with a luxurious cotton blend, they are breathable while maintaining a perfect fit. These socks come in four beautiful designs to complement any wardrobe. There are also three different sizes to fit different needs.
Apart from during pregnancy, these compression socks are perfect for wearing during long shifts, travel, yoga, or exercise. They are comfortable and convenient, and that is why these socks are our best overall pick.
Pros
- High-quality, durable materials
- Provides the perfect level of compression
- Versatile design options
Cons
- The under-foot padding can be softer
Wanderlust Pregnancy Compression Socks – Most Comfortable
The Wanderlust Maternity Compression Socks provide exceptional benefits and features for expectant mothers. These socks are designed with medical-grade graduated compression, ranging from 25-30 mmHG at the foot and ankle, 15-20 mmHG in the middle of the leg, and 10-15 mmHG under the knee. This ensures maximum efficacy in relieving edema, varicose, and spider veins. The adjustable sleeve cuffs provide a perfect fit, no matter your size or shape.
Constructed with luxurious brushed gray cotton that allows for ventilation while keeping you warm, these pregnancy compression socks also feature firm plantar arch support and an extra padded toe box, providing extra comfort while walking or lounging. Putting on the socks is easy, and they stay in place all day long while being simple to take off at the end of the day. Plus, they are incredibly durable and can last dozens of washes without losing their amount of compression therapy and treatment. No matter your expectations or needs, these compression socks for pregnancy will provide reliable comfort every time.
Pros
- Fits well over large calves
- Supportive compression with breathable cotton material
- Soft and comfortable to wear
- Does not bunch up or roll down
Cons
- Putting socks in dryer may damage compression
Fenglaoda Pregnancy Compression Socks – Best for Lower Leg and Foot Swelling
The Fenglaoda Pregnancy Compression Socks are an excellent choice for comfortable and stylish compression socks. Made with 97% polyester and 3% spandex blend fabric, these compression socks provide ultimate comfort, breathability, and durability so that you can wash them by hand or machine.
These compression stockings provide 20-30mmHg of circulation compression, which doctors and trainers recommend to relieve leg pain and improve blood circulation. It offers the highest support pressure at the ankle, gradually decreasing along the legs. With these compression socks, you can express your style while staying comfortable! There is no need to get bored with uninteresting colors or designs, as the colorful designs of these socks will make sure you stand out from the crowd. The toe and heel portions are reinforced for added support and comfort.
Pros
- Available in fun patterns and colors
- Provides enough compression to reduce swelling
- Helps improve circulation
- Comfortable and easy to put on/take off
Cons
- Not suitable for medical needs such as DVT
Double Couple Pregnancy Compression Socks – Best for Long Hours
The Double Couple pregnancy compression socks feature a unique combination of comfort and quality. They provide an innovative compression therapy to improve air circulation and keep your feet dry and comfortable. It also features an ergonomic design that fits closely from your toe to your leg. An added benefit includes seamless cushioning between your toes, widening and thickening to help reduce muscle soreness. The reinforced heel and toe support provide unmatched comfort, making them an excellent choice for athletes, fitness workouts, hiking, tennis, cycling, or airplane traveling.
The compression socks are made from durable materials and feature a fashionable look with breathable fabric that maintains joint stability regardless of activity. Expectant moms have noted how comfortable the socks are and how they help reduce fatigue and swelling in their lower legs. With this product, consumers can promote healthy circulation and blood flow while seated during long drives or flights, making it an excellent investment for your legs.
Pros
- Prevent varicose veins
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
- Eliminates excess motion
- Helps reduce dizziness caused by blood flow problems
Cons
- Only available in black color
BELAIR Pregnancy Compression Socks – Pregnancy Relief, Comfort & Support
The BELAIR Maternity Compression Socks are a stylish and practical option for expecting mothers. This product provides superior support and comfort. The sleeve wraps around the leg, providing relief from achy legs due to its tailored graduated compression design. The material is an 80% nylon and 20% Lycra blend, which provides the perfect balance of support and comfort.
The socks are designed to reduce swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs, as well as help to prevent varicose veins. It also helps to manage edema and swelling during pregnancy. The breathable and comfortable hybrid composite material of the socks makes for an effortless fit as it wraps around the leg with 360-degree uniform feather-light support.
If you’re looking for quality maternity compression socks that provide both style and function, look no further. With its superior fit, breathability, comfort, and ability to reduce swelling and pain, these socks are sure to be your go-to choice when looking for compression wear that offers support throughout your pregnancy.
Pros
- Provide relief from varicose veins and restless legs
- Durable, breathable fabric prevents feet from sweating
- Moisture-wicking capabilities
- Decreases swelling in feet and ankles
Cons
- Can be too tight near back of knee
People Also Asked
A: Wearing pregnancy compression socks is beneficial because they support the legs, ankles, and feet, reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout pregnancy. They can also help to prevent varicose veins, fatigue, cramps, and other discomforts associated with pregnancy.
A: If your compression socks are too tight or you wear them for too long, there can be a risk of potential circulatory issues or decreased blood flow to the lower legs or feet. If the compression level is too strong, there may be a risk of nerve damage in the lower extremities.
A: When purchasing pregnancy compression socks, it is important to ensure that you get the right size to provide the correct level of support and comfort. A medical professional can advise you which size will be best for you depending on your needs and preferences.
A: It is not necessary to wear pregnancy compression socks throughout pregnancy. Many women choose only to wear them as needed for comfort during particular symptoms or stages of their pregnancy.
A: No health risks are associated with not wearing pregnancy compression socks since they are primarily used for comfort or relief from certain symptoms such as swelling or varicose veins. However, individuals with circulatory issues may benefit from wearing them more regularly or for longer periods as recommended by their healthcare provider.
A: The amount of pressure provided by your maternity compression socks should depend on your individual needs and preferences and any medical advice your healthcare provider has given you. Generally, the pressure should be enough to provide support and comfort while allowing adequate circulation in the legs and feet.
A: When buying a pair of maternity compression socks, look for breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics so that your feet stay dry and comfortable while wearing them. It is also essential to look for stretchy fabrics to accommodate changes in your body shape throughout different stages of your pregnancy.
A: Running-style maternity compression socks tend to be slightly thinner and more lightweight than regular ones, as they are designed for running activities rather than everyday use or long-term wear during pregnancy. However, both types offer similar levels of support. They can be worn for both activities or daily use depending on your needs during particular stages of your pregnancy.
A: When caring for your maternity compression socks, it is recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any damage that could occur due to improper care or cleaning methods, such as machine washing or drying on high heat settings, which may shrink or damage the fabric fibers in the sock material. Hand washing in cold water with mild detergents designed specifically for delicate fabrics is usually safest for these garments.
