No matter how much we love being pregnant, we know how hard it can be, too, especially during the latter stages. It gets more and more uncomfortable to do anything. Strain and varicose veins on our legs, not to mention our aching and swollen feet, definitely makes the waiting game for baby's arrival even tougher for us moms. (Btw, edema in pregnant women is normal, but make sure to consult with your doctor if you're experiencing unusual swelling that doesn't go away.)
Now comes the pregnancy compression socks. In today's blog, we will answer the questions: when, why, and what type/s you should wear.
WHEN is the right time to wear compression socks during pregnancy?
Believe it or not, a lot of experts actually recommend to start wearing compression socks early on in your pregnancy. Wear it in the morning, before you get out of bed. It's important to have the best pregnancy compression socks before the swelling starts as it works better staving it off than reversing it.
WHY wear pregnancy compression socks?
Compression socks provide relief and help manage varicose veins. It helps with the proper blood circulation and flow to your ankles and feet to lessen the swelling and discomfort. If you're the type of person who spends a lot of time standing on your feet during the day or if you live a sedentary lifestyle and you're sitting on most days, then you most definitely need this, too.
Okay, you're into getting your first pair of pregnancy compression socks. What type should you wear?
The first important factor to know about compression socks is knowing the compression level. Compression levels are measured in mmHg or "millimeters of mercury", which is how we measure pressure (also used in blood pressure). 10-15 mmHg is considered as mild, 15-20 mmHg is moderate, and 20-30 mmHg is considered as firm range. Anything above 30 mmHg will require prescription. In finding the right type for you, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
When it comes to fit, we want the compression socks to be firm and not tight, so be mindful about this.
For style - it depends on your needs and what your lifestyle is. If you're an on-the-go preggo mom looking for compression socks that goes well with your sneakers, then go for the shorter ones. If you have varicose veins on your legs and your thighs, there are knee-high compression socks and pantyhose compression stockings available as well.
Of all the things we should be worrying about during this time, it's more important than ever to make sure that we get the best support that our bodies need… and with compression socks for pregnancy - swelling, discomfort, and varicose veins can be the last things for you to worry about.