What Are The Types And Benefits Of Compression Socks For Pregnancy?

What are compression socks?

Compression socks are a recent innovation in the world of medicine. You may have heard about them, but you probably don’t really know what they are or why they are important. Here’s all you need to know before wearing compression socks. Compressions socks are specially designed to apply pressure to the leg, ankle and foot to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. They’re the perfect solution for anyone with problems with their legs or ankles, whether post-workout recovery, varicose veins, or general tiredness.

Many pregnant women are worried about the physical effects of pregnancy on their bodies, and one of the biggest concerns is swollen feet and ankles. Compression socks are an inexpensive solution to help alleviate swelling, but you can also use compression socks for pregnancy for other benefits as well. This article is a detailed account of the uses and benefits of compression socks for pregnancy. As well as this, we will make you know about the common types of compression socks and how they work. So, let’s start the discussion here;

Types of compression socks?

Generally, there are three types of compression socks: graduate compression socks, anti-embolism compression socks, and nonmedical support hosiery. All these types are specified for their uses and benefits.

1. Graduated compression socks

Graduated compression socks offer the strongest level of compression that is higher at the ankles and gradually decreases towards the top. These socks help strengthen medical specifications and are specifically designed for mobility to achieve a certain length. Typically, you need a professional fitting to wear graduated compression socks. Graduated compression socks that end below the knee help prevent peripheral oedema or swelling in the lower legs resulting from fluid build-up. However, graduated compression socks extended to the thigh or waist are specifically designed to reduce blood pooling in the legs and prevent orthostatic hypotension.

1. Anti-embolism compression socks

Anti-embolism socks are specifically designed to reduce the possibilities of venous diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Anti-embolism socks are similar to graduated socks in providing gradient compression. However, the compression level is different. These socks are specifically designed for those who are immobile.

Read this Too: Exercise by Practicing Yoga Regularly

1. Nonmedical support hosiery

You can wear nonmedical support hosiery without any prescription. There are specifically suggested to get relief from aching and tired legs. These socks help provide uniform compression – less pressure than prescription compression socks.

Benefits of compression socks for pregnancy

Compression socks are used for several purposes. However, below are the leading benefits of compression socks for pregnancy:

1. Reduce swelling

During pregnancy, your body produces 50% more body fluids which can lead to excess swelling. Compression socks deliver gentle pressure to the legs and ankles, helping reduce swelling and other discomforts.

1. Improve blood circulation

When your uterus grows during pregnancy, it exerts more pressure on the veins. As well as this, specific hormones enhance the chances of blood clotting, leading to a condition like deep vein thrombosis. Compression socks help prevent the risks of blood pooling and blood clotting. Moreover, increased blood circulation helps ease body pain, aches, and other discomforts.

1. Improve lymphatic drainage

Compression socks exert pressure on the legs or feet, helping trapped lymph fluid to flow better through the lymph vessels. As well as this, these compression socks also act as an extra force for the muscles to work against. This directs the body fluid to drain out of the area.

1. Fewer chances of varicose veins

Pregnancy increases the chances of developing several venous diseases, such as varicose veins. The varicose vein condition happens when the small valves (prevent blood from flowing backwards) inside the veins become unable to work properly. Blood does not flow smoothly to your heart; however, it collects inside the veins, making them swollen and enlarged. Varicose veins can be identified from their colours. For example, they turned to dark purple and deep blue. They may look like little ropes or knots running alongside your legs. Compression socks help improve blood flow throughout your legs, reducing the size of the enlarged veins to their normal.

1. Relieve aches

It is a common complaint from pregnant women that their legs are constantly achy or sore. You must wear compression socks whenever you feel soreness and aches in your legs. However, you should wear the correct type of compression socks. You can take help from your healthcare professional to select the best compression socks. Moreover, you should also wear compression socks under the prescribed amount of time suggested by your healthcare professional.

Tips for selecting the best compression socks for pregnancy?

Wearing a suitable device guarantees maximum benefits. This is why healthcare professionals suggest choosing the right product accordingly. Here we come with the possible suggestions recommended by experts to select the best compression socks for pregnancy:

Size:    Usually, people think they have to choose compression socks in the same size they used to wear for their regular socks. But remember that some brands design lettered sizes similar to pantyhose. The majority offer compression socks in a variety of sizes, including small, medium, large, and extra-large. Know what is your size and choose the compression socks accordingly.

Pressure:        Compression socks are also classified into different categories based on their compression levels. The compression level is available in compression socks from mild to extreme levels. Consult your healthcare professional to know what you exactly need, and then choose the best compression level.

Practicality:    You should not treat or wear compression socks as you take the regular ones. They must be rolled onto your legs, similar to pantyhose. It becomes more difficult to bend over when your pregnancy time is near its end, so ensure that it is easy for you to take on and off your compression socks.

Find the best compression socks for pregnancy

If you are pregnant and experience swelling, aches, or other discomforts in your legs, ankle, or feet, you may wear compression socks. Here we would like to add again that you need to choose the correct type of compression socks and wear them for the suggested amount of time. We recommend you visit 360 relief, where you can find a variety of compression socks for pregnancy to help manage your leg problems.