compression socks & pregnancy
Compression socks are always a good idea, especially if you are pregnant and suffer from any swelling. They are also great for long flights, people who are on their feet all day or sit at a desk all day, athletes, elderly...pretty much anyone.
For my pregnant mamas the benefits of compression socks can really help you through both pregnancy and the postpartum period. Check out the complete rundown for my pregnant mamas below.
BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS
Increase circulation to your legs and feet (helps if you either stand or sit for long periods of time)
Relieve fatigued, aching legs
Prevent swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs
Improves muscle recovery after exercise
Prevent blood clots or swelling during air travel
Prevent varicose veins
When buying compression socks make sure you purchase ones that are certified graduated compression. I wore very ugly medical looking ones when I was pregnant with Charlie, but discovered Comrad compression socks with this pregnancy and I really love them. They are great for everyday use and have a compression range of 15-20 mmHg (medium compression). I linked them, HERE.
If you need something stronger I would recommend a range of 20-30 mmHg. You can find a chart which offers a rundown of the different ranges and which range you might need, HERE but I would start with the 15-20 mmHg socks.
There are also compression tights (I wore these with Charlie) and compression thigh highs along with compressions socks.
HOW YOUR LEGS CHANGE DURING PREGNANCY
"Here’s the deal your heart has with your legs: your heart will pump blood down and your leg muscles and veins will pump it back up.
However, blood volume, a growing uterus, and hormones relaxing your body so you can unhinge for birth all contribute to not-so-great circulation. Your legs often can’t handle their part of the bargain and they end up like balloons that have been filled with water and everything is pooling at the bottom. What’s worse is that it’s often exacerbated by sitting or standing for long periods of time – your legs have gravity working against them, not with them. They become swollen, tired and achy and even increase your risk for blood clots (especially when you’re flying).
So this is where compression gear comes into play.
If you took that same balloon and held it tightly in your hand, it couldn’t expand as much and it would be easier to pump any fluid back up.
Compression socks ( or compression hose; pressure stockings; support stockings or gradient stockings) keep everything (you guessed it) ‘compressed’ by being very tight at the bottom and gradually get looser as you go up (sort of like inverted Spanx). It’s like a little elevator to help your legs with their new heavy lifting of fluids to help your heart out – it’s the reason why so many athletes and runners use them." - P.C.