The Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy (That’ll Feel Good All Day)
Compression socks are the pregnancy hack that’ll help manage your aches and swelling
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Each trimester of pregnancy has a standout symptom that defines that stage, and for the third trimester, that symptom is generally swelling of your legs, ankles and feet. When I talked to Erica Chidi, doula, health educator and CEO of LOOM, about what to expect in your third trimester of pregnancy, she said end-of-pregnancy swelling can be attributed to the extra blood flow (your blood volume increases by 50 percent) and “your growing uterus can interrupt the flow of blood, making fluid build up in your legs. Hormonal changes also make your body hold on to more water.”
While mild swelling during pregnancy is relatively unavoidable, compression socks can help your extra blood flow and get the extra fluid moving. Aside from swelling, Julie Lamppa, APRN, Certified Nurse-Midwife at Mayo Clinic, says that other ailments like “deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism are more common during pregnancy and the postpartum timeframe,” and compression socks can help prevent blood clot-related issues by keeping your blood circulating. While compression socks will keep your blood moving, if you’re ever concerned, you should reach out for professional medical guidance.
Lamppa also says that compression socks are a great travel companion, especially if you’ll be immobile for more than a couple of hours (think a three-hour flight or an out-of-state road trip).
Whether you want to manage pregnancy swelling, prevent blood clots or give your achy legs and feet a good squeeze (or all three, if we’re being honest), these compression socks can help.
Best Overall Compression Socks
Made of thin, breathable nylon (and 9 percent spandex), Comrad’s knee-high compression socks comfortably hug your feet and legs while allowing cool air to flow through. The wide band at the top of the socks helps them stay in place without sliding down or digging into your calf. The brand uses a proprietary fabric technology, SmartSilver, that leverages silver's antimicrobial properties to reduce odor. I wore these socks during a road trip from North Carolina to New Jersey when I was six months pregnant and they were comfortable, didn’t budge and despite sitting for hours at a time, my feet didn’t feel swampy at all.
Best Compression Socks for Comfort
The thin, stocking-like feel of other compression socks might be off-putting if you’re new to wearing compression socks. Bombas’ Everyday Compression Socks are made of over 60 percent cotton, which means they wear like your regular everyday socks—just with an extra satisfying squeeze. You’ll also have extra support around your foot with the honeycomb design that wraps around your arch, which is helpful if you spend a chunk of time standing or moving around while pregnant.
Best Compression Socks for Running
Running, jogging or just going for a quick walk around your neighborhood is a great way to stay active during pregnancy. But when your ankles are swollen and your legs are puffy, any activity that exceeds getting dressed can feel like a reach. These compression socks have a seamless toebed to prevent the irritating rubbing feeling that can happen mid-run (or brisk walk). Made of breathable, moisture-wicking mesh material, you can break a sweat without your feet feeling gross or slippery. The compression is on the higher end, which can help soothe shin splints and achy post-workout calves.
Best Open-Toed Compression Socks
If you absolutely loathe the idea of wearing socks but need relief from swelling, open-toe compression socks are the answer. Made to offer the same foot support as closed-toe compression socks, the open-toe version is a good choice if you’d rather be barefoot. Your toes have a full range of motion, while your ankles and legs enjoy a tight squeeze.
Best Compression Socks for Travel
When we talked to Dr. Kenneth T. Borkowski, lead physician at Women’s Health Group, about traveling while pregnant, he said that while traveling during pregnancy is generally considered safe, sitting for more than a few hours can increase your risk of developing a blood clot due to interrupted blood flow. To combat that, Dr. Borkowski says below-the-knee compression socks, along with staying hydrated and getting up to move around, can do the trick. This pair of travel compression socks is made of a blend of merino wool, bamboo rayon and nylon and has a lightly cushioned sole for added comfort.
Best Compression Socks for Wide Calves
While the squeeze of compression socks are designed to feel tight but comfortable, if you have wider calves, they can feel overly constricting and roll down instead of staying in place. Wellow’s compression socks come in seven calf sizes, up to XL-Wide, so you can find a comfortable fit. Along with inclusive sizing, Wellow socks are made of 63 percent bamboo, making them feel more like soft PJs for your feet rather than extra-tight stockings.
Most Stylish Compression Socks
Aside from feeling good on your feet and legs, you might want a pair of compression socks that are simply stylish. This pair by Kindred Bravely is made of a viscose bamboo mix (so it's super soft), offers a higher compression of 20 - 30 mmHg and the designs are cute enough that you won’t mind wearing them.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
Firsthand professional and personal experience. As a mom and a Babylist commerce editor, I’ve researched, tested and tried countless maternity and postpartum products.
Expert POV. We spoke to Julie Lamppa, APRN, Certified Nurse-Midwife at Mayo Clinic and Dr. Kenneth T. Borkowski, lead physician at Women’s Health Group to learn more about why compression socks are helpful during pregnancy, what to look for in compression socks and how compression socks are measured.
Feedback and reviews. We reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on staff about their real-life product experiences. We also asked parents at Babylist HQ about the compression socks they used to survive the third trimester.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mmHg should I look for in compression socks for pregnancy?
The abbreviation mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury and measures the pressure created by a column of mercury. In terms of compression socks, Lamppa explains what to look for in terms of mmHg: “For pregnant women who desire compression socks for tired legs, minor swelling or minor varicose veins, over-the-counter socks should work well (15-20 mmHg). As symptoms progress to moderate-to-severe swelling or varicosities, the pressure should be increased to 20-30 mmHg. Severe symptoms may need 30-40 mmHg.” Quick health reminder—if you have severe swelling, speak to your healthcare provider.
Can I sleep in compression socks?
The short answer is yes, you can sleep in compression socks—specifically if your doctor gives you the O.K. Lamppa says that sleeping in compression socks is actually unnecessary for most people, though. “Gravity is your friend when you’re lying flat so blood circulates through your legs much easier,” Lamppa explains. Plus, bedtime is a good time to give your legs and feet a break from the constant compression.
Should I take a break from wearing compression socks?
Wearing compression socks during pregnancy or postpartum is safe for you and your baby. However, wearing them for several days straight can cause skin irritation because the constant pressure on your legs and feet can push down on them. Taking them off for bedtime or replacing your socks with elevating your feet instead can give your skin a much-needed break.
