Last Updated on December 16, 2020
You’ve noticed that you have swollen feet and legs. Has your doctor recommended support stockings?
If so, then you’re looking for the best compression socks for pregnancy.
Maternity compression leggings improve circulation and reduce swelling and achiness. They may also help prevent varicose veins and prevent blood clots.
You can learn more about medical compression socks below.
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If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.
You’ll never have to settle for boring beige if you choose these graduated compression socks.
These graduated compression socks come in 3-packs with several bright colors and patterns. It’ll be hard for anyone to guess their real purpose by looking at them.
Plus, these pregnancy compression socks have copper fibers woven through them. The copper neutralizes odor and conducts electricity, which might have a positive effect on circulation.
To get the right fit, you’ll need to know your shoe size and the circumference of your calf. We feel this is the best compression socks during pregnancy.
If you don’t have a tape measure, don’t worry. Wrap a piece of string or even headphone cords around the thickest part of your calf muscle. Then hold that up against a ruler or yardstick to figure out the measurement.
Although the colors and patterns are more somber, these knee-high compression stockings are made of breathable cotton.
They are hypoallergenic and made to feel soft on the skin. They shouldn’t ever chafe roll down, or feel too tight.
Wash them every day if you can, or at least after every two times you wear them. To keep them in top condition, clean them by hand in lukewarm water. We feel this is the best maternity compression socks out there.
If you can’t air-dry them, dry them in the machine in the gentle cycle on low.
If you’re not sure that pregnancy stockings are for you, try these socks with mild graduated compression.
They are available in a wide range of sizes. They suit women who wear shoe size 5 up to 13.5.
There are 4 colorful striped versions to choose from, all of which are made from Lycra and nylon. As a result, they dry very quickly. They may also help prevent varicose veins and blood clots. We feel this is the best maternity compression socks out there.
The Cross Stitch Technology provides support for the arch of the foot, too.
Of course, Dr. Scholl’s makes compression socks. These consist of 99% polyester and 1% spandex and fit shoe sizes 4 through 10.
Happily, they are machine-washable, and they air dry rapidly. We feel this is the best maternity compression socks out there.
They are rated for 10 – 15 mmHg of compression, ideal for soothing aching legs and feet. Unlike some brands, these have wiggle room in the toes.
The company offers a 1-year guarantee and also prevents blood clots.
Throughout this article, you’ll keep seeing the term “mmHg.” It’s a measurement of pressure that refers to millimeters of mercury.
When you see it written like “20mmHg,” you’ll know that the higher number is the amount of pressure on the foot and the lower number is what’s at the top of the sock.
Now you know what “graduated compression“ means. We feel this is the best maternity compression socks out there.
Not only do these medical stockings provide graduated compression, but they also have padded bottoms.
There is extra cushioning under the toes, along the sole of the foot, at the heel, and along the Achilles tendon. But to prevent them from feeling too hot, they have ventilation strips in those areas.
At the top, they have a non-slip cuff. That way, they don’t roll or slide down.
The elastic material is 65% polyamide, 20% elastin, and 15% Lycra. Choose from the different compression level and a variety of colors.
When it comes to the level of compression, it varies, Compression level is measured in mmHg and ranges from 10 to 15 (which is considered a mild level of compression), 15 to 20 (moderate), and up to 30 (which falls in the firm range)
The pattern and color selection here is overwhelming. You’ll never have to look like you’re wearing medical hose at all.
The only con is that there are only two sizes in reality: small/medium and large/extra-large.
But at least they offer a refund with no questions asked if you’re not pleased with the socks. We feel this is the best maternity compression socks out there.
Here are open toe socks that come with a money-back guarantee. Unfortunately, they only come in nude or black.
Open toe compression socks can be more comfortable in hot weather.
These have a cushioned sole that’s nice for athletes and those who are on their feet all day.
If you have to swell in your knees or thighs, or varicose veins higher on your legs, try thigh-high stockings.
These are made of nude-colored spandex and have a reinforced heel. Yes, they look exactly like something you’d buy at the pharmacy.
On the plus side, they have a silicone band at the top to keep them in place. This is better than purchasing pantyhose as there’s no panty part to put pressure on your belly.
Also, they are machine-washable in warm water. We feel this is the best maternity compression socks during pregnancy.
These support hose for pregnancy are designed to reduce fluid retention and prevent embolisms.
To ensure you select the correct size, you’ll need to measure your ankle, calf, and thigh.
Not only can you wear them during the day, but they are also made to wear in bed if needed. It helps that they have an expandable panel on the thigh and open toes.
The material is nylon and spandex, and it’s hand-washable. There’s also a silicone grip around the top to prevent slippage.
Choose from beige or white.
The highlight of these compression stockings is a zipper on the side. It goes from just above the ankle all the way to the top.
That means you can slip them on like a shoe, then zip them closed. It’s much more comfortable than bending over to roll them up when your belly is in the way.
They have graduated compression from 15 to 20 mmHg.
The only downside is the limited color selection: beige or black. But they come with a 100% money-back guarantee.
I saw a few sites recommending Lemon Hero’s zippered compression socks, too. They are available with either 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg ratings.
Moreover, they come in a wide selection of sizes, including wide calf and petite length. (Really, we need better terms for these things, don’t we?)
The elastic open-toe design fits pretty much any foot size. It also feels nice on a hot day and looks a little classier in sandals.
Anyway, this pair of compression socks come with a 100% guarantee and prevents blood clot if there is any.
Now, we’ve moved from mild to moderate compression socks that offer 20-30mmHg (which means they offer medical-grade compression)
This brand offers at least 16 colors and sizes small to extra large.
The fabric is both anti-static and anti-odor. It wicks away sweat so that your feet and legs feel dry.
There are a reinforced heel and a toe seam, but I haven’t seen complaints about the stitching rubbing anyone the wrong way.
The Mojo socks come in a wide range of sizes, from small up to 6XL. But the color selection is limited to white, beige, and black. If you have varicose veins on your thighs, be sure to get thigh-high stockings.
The American-made compression socks are 78% nylon, 22% Lycra. The ones I selected for the review are open toe, but they also make closed toe. Some models have a silicone grip around the upper band.
They have graduated compression that’s tighter on the foot and less firm on the leg. Some women find these to be more comfortable, especially when wearing compression socks for long periods of time.
The company points out that you should replace compression socks about every 3 to 6 months so that they maintain the proper pressure.
Hold the presses – it turns out that Mojo also makes colorful compression socks. They look very athletic as if they could’ve been manufactured by a major sports brand.
Moreover, they aren’t just nylon and spandex. They contain 20% CoolMax. That’s excellent for helping you stay comfortable when you’re physically active or it’s hot outside.
You can get them in size small to 6XL.
Don’t you hate it when you can feel the seam in your socks? This kind has special stitching which is more comfortable.
Furthermore, the ComfortFlex system keeps the socks up without cutting off your circulation. The 80% nylon and 20% Lycra fabric lets airflow, too.
You can get them in sizes small through XXL, and they come in various colors.
If you think these look like socks that runners wear, you’d be correct. They are a sporty option for pregnant women as well.
Like most similar compression socks, they are nylon and spandex, which means they don’t feel wet for long as we go away from sweat and dry quickly.
Get the size you need from small to XXL.
It’s hard to resist these colorful and cute compression socks. From polka dots to stripes, they don’t look like medical stockings.
But they offer moderate compression from your foot to your knee. If you have varicose veins on your thighs, be sure to get thigh-high stockings.
It starts with the reinforced toe and the arch support to prevent plantar fasciitis. Then, there’s the reinforced heel with cushioning and the no-slip cuff at the top. All along the way, there’s moisture-wicking fabric.
Is it possible to find argyle compression socks? Yes, and stripes and holiday patterns, too.
All of them come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. And all of them are machine-washable.
At the time of writing, there was even a deal to purchase extras at a discount.
Here are thigh-high compression stockings up to size 5XL. They’re all available in basic black or beige, although some have colored stripes.
The material is 72% nylon, 24% Lycra, and 4% silicone (for the grip around the top cuff).
There are no tags or seams to irritate your skin.
Before we go any further, I recommend that you speak to your OB/GYN about compression stockings. They will recommend how much pressure you need and when you should wear them.
In the meantime, here are some general guidelines. Also, keep in mind to use compression socks on at the start of the day.
The compression socks should feel firm and tight, but not uncomfortable.
Usually for pregnant women, wearing compression socks ensures good blood circulation or blood flow.
They will be easier to put on in the morning before you have any severe swelling. Ease them on by unrolling them upward instead of pulling on them like regular socks.
There’s no problem wearing them all day, although they may feel a little warm in the summer. They are helpful for standing and sitting, but not needed when you’re lying down.
Also, you don’t need to sleep with a compression hose (unless your doctor suggests it).
The different styles of compression stockings include knee-high, thigh-high, and ankle socks.
These come in varying levels of compression, or how much pressure they put on the skin.
Mild compression is rated at 10 to 15 mmHg. Sometimes you’ll find TED hose (also called anti-embolism stockings) rated at 8 to 18 mmHg.
Next, moderate compression ranges from 20 to 30 mmHg. After that, you’ll need a prescription to buy anything firmer.
Graduated compression is another option that might be more comfortable. It’s firm on the foot and ankle with less pressure up higher on the leg.
The sources I double-checked, like the American Pregnancy Association, recommend knee-high or thigh-high compression hose with mild to moderate compression for most pregnant women.
If you have varicose veins on your thighs, be sure to get thigh-high stockings.
And, to make things easier on yourself, try open-toe compression socks to keep you cool. There are also ones with zippers that are easier to put on.
Now, let’s help you find the best maternity compression socks for your needs.
Stop putting up with swollen ankles and sore lower legs. You need to wear a pair of compression stockings for pregnancy and feel better at the end of the day.
If you are experiencing deep vein thrombosis or DVT, the condition is more common and has a higher risk of developing in pregnant women, the doctor may recommend wearing compression socks. Compression stockings can help massage muscles and ensure smooth blood circulation.
If you find them difficult to put on, get a zippered pair. And if they feel too hot, go for open-toe.
Even if you feel embarrassed to wear compression stockings in public, no one will know what they are when they have cheerful jack-o’-lanterns or bright stripes on them, and keep in mind it is important to choose the best compression socks.
After you’ve given your new compression socks a few days’ trials, please come back and tell us about your experience.
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/swelling-during-pregnancy/faq-20058467 What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy — and what can I do about it? by Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.,
2. https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-concerns/swelling-during-pregnancy/
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