Are you pregnant and need to protect your legs from circulatory problems? Did you know that compression socks can make a difference during your pregnancy?

Compression socks for pregnancy can bring different benefits to your well-being, as they provide relief and give proper support to your legs, helping to keep them healthy and in good condition.

We invite you to read on to find out how compression socks can help you prevent circulatory problems or even give you the relief you need if you already have them.

What are compression socks?

First of all, let’s talk a little about what compression socks are and how they work. These socks are a medical device manufactured to treat circulatory problems in the legs and alleviate their symptoms, that is, they exert a therapeutic effect on the area. In addition, they have a certain grade of compression measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

The pressure they exert on the legs is comfortable and controlled, allowing them to be worn securely daily. It is important to mention that the best is pressure that is gradual, being greater in the ankle area, and as it approaches the knee area the compression decreases (graduated compression). This difference in compression favors venous return as it facilitates blood flow to the heart.

They are designed for people suffering from poor venous circulation and for those at risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency. Another purpose is to help prevent edema, swelling of the legs, or fluids to not pool in the legs.

Compression Socks for Pregnancy

It is no secret that during pregnancy the body goes through a series of changes, from hormonal to physical, and among these changes we can mention the effects on blood circulation. Read on and we will tell you more about it.

During pregnancy there is an increase in weight and blood volume, the blood coagulates faster and the veins dilate more, which can compromise the proper venous return of blood and increase the risk of circulatory problems. It can also increase the likelihood of blood clots forming in the veins of the legs.  In addition, the uterus exerts constant and direct pressure on some veins, which can partially block them, thus affecting your venous system.

Relaxin is ten-fold for pregnant women in some studies, which tells all your ligaments to be looser to prepare for the birth of the baby. That means your arch of your foot may flatten, sometimes causing an increase in shoe size that doesn’t go back! Not yet tested, but compression socks in general may help support your feet and lower legs to “hold it all together.”

All this can cause pregnant women to experience pain, heaviness, numbness, swelling and tiredness in the legs (and feet) and even varicose veins. And that is why compression socks for pregnancy are recommended to promote the health of the lower limbs, being able to name among its benefits:

• Promote blood circulation
• Relieve discomfort and pain in the legs
• Help with fluid retention in the lower extremities
• Support the veins
• Reduce postural hypotension (which causes dizziness when standing up)
• Prevent venous insufficiency
• Prevent the appearance of varicose veins during pregnancy and postpartum
• Prevent venous stasis (accumulation of blood in the veins of the legs) that favors thrombus formation
• Prevent venous ulcers
• Prevent blood from refluxing into the foot
• Prevent general fluids from accumulating in the legs

It is important to mention that the circulatory problems in the legs associated with pregnancy do not disappear immediately after childbirth, so it is recommended to use compression socks throughout pregnancy (as a preventive and therapeutic method) and for at least two months after the birth of the baby. This way you will enjoy healthier, discomfort-free legs during the postpartum period.

What are the best compression socks for pregnancy?

Ideally, compression socks for pregnancy should be manufactured to high quality standards to provide you with the comfort and health benefits your legs deserve, with an appropriate medical grade of compression, that are easy to wear and that are available in different sizes for your comfort. In addition, they should be made of a material that allows your skin to perspire, especially considering that during pregnancy sweating increases.

Elitone BetterSleep compression socks provide medical grade compression (20-30 mmHg), which will help reduce leg heaviness and reduce foot swelling and painful symptoms. Get healthier and more rested legs with the Elitone compression socks we have for you, we assure you will enjoy your pregnancy more. Plus they are fun and not boring skin-color!

FAQs

What is the easiest and most correct way to put on compression socks?

One disadvantage of compression socks is that they are often difficult to put on, especially the higher compression ones, so we’ll give you a few tips to make the process of putting them on less complicated: First, you should turn the sock up to the heel and, holding it inside out, insert your toes and then slide it over itself, covering the foot towards the heel.

Next, center the heel inside the sock and pull up slightly, just around the heel. Next, hold the socks with both hands and pull it up to the ankle. Smooth out the creases and, with both thumbs inside the sock, make upward circular motions. The objective is to continue pulling the sock upwards in short sections (approximately 2 fingers) until it is in its final position, avoiding holding or pulling it at the top because it could tear.

Among other recommendations we can mention is to put them on in the morning just after waking up because that is when the legs are less swollen. Before putting them on make sure your feet and legs are dry, you can also use talcum powder to make sure they are dry and help the socks slide better. Last but not least, remember to be careful with rings and nails, as they could tear it.

Can I sleep with the compression socks on?

Although compression socks can be worn without problems during the day (when you are awake and moving), it is not recommended to wear them when you sleep. Also, keep in mind that when we are lying in bed gravity does not affect blood flow, that is, when you are in a horizontal position for a long time as is the case when sleeping, venous blood can easily return to the heart because your circulatory system does not have to fight gravity.

How many hours should I wear compression socks?

There is no specific number of hours during which you should wear them, so you can wear them continuously throughout the day (always under the recommendation of your treating physician). But remember to take them off when you sleep and, of course, when you bathe.

Due to their daily use, it is recommended to replace the socks every 3 to 6 months.

Can I wear compression socks after a cesarean section?

Of course, compression socks are beneficial both after childbirth and after a cesarean section to promote circulation and prevent circulatory disorders in the lower extremities.

When should I not wear compression socks?

We have already mentioned the many benefits that compression socks offer you, but like everything else, there are some cases in which their use is not indicated, such as: People with diseases that affect sensitivity in the lower limbs (such as diabetes), people with inflammatory skin pathologies (such as ulcers of non-varicose origin) or people with arterial circulation disorders.

Now that you have all the necessary information, do you feel ready to take the next step and avoid circulatory problems in your legs during pregnancy? Our Elitone BetterSleep compression socks will be your best ally to improve circulation, reduce swelling and prevent complications in your lower limbs during and after pregnancy. We are sure they will give you the support you need to make this stage as comfortable and full of energy as possible.