

If the swelling is extreme, one leg is more swollen than the other, or you have high blood pressure along with swelling, contact your OB right away! How Do Compression Socks Work?Ĭompression socks gently squeeze your feet and legs, massaging the muscles and forcing blood to flow back up to the rest of the body. If your swelling fits this description, then compression socks can provide significant relief. By the time you wake up in the morning, the swelling should be mostly gone because you’ve been in a horizontal position for hours. Normal pregnancy swelling builds throughout the day, then lessens when you put your feet up for the night or go to sleep.

Up to 80% of women experience swollen feet and legs in the third trimester of pregnancy. What Kind of Swelling Is Normal During Pregnancy? All of this results in edema (swelling), varicose veins, leg cramps, and aching feet – yikes! The good news is that you can combat these unpleasant leg and foot issues by wearing compression socks or stockings during pregnancy. Because your hormones cause the walls of your veins to relax, blood can pool in your legs and feet. As pregnancy progresses, your body retains extra fluids and manufactures more blood to provide for your growing baby. And don’t forget that knee-length stockings should always come two fingers below the knee bend.It’s no secret that pregnancy comes with its share of bodily woes! Growing a new life is magical, but it has some definite drawbacks for your legs, ankles, and feet. Then slip your foot in and unroll it over your leg. Hold the top of your stocking and roll it down to the heel. This is because your legs are the least swollen during this time of day. It’s advised to put on your stockings as soon as you get out of bed. In fact, medical experts actually recommend wearing them during pregnancy to prevent the development of varicose veins.ĭoctors say 20-30 mmHg strength for the first to second trimester is a healthy place to start, and women can increase their hose to 30-40 mmHg at the end of the second to third trimesters. If you’re pregnant, doctors say there is absolutely no harm in wearing compression stockings. For women looking to wear them with maternity skirts and dresses, they even come in a variety of colours ranging from beige to black. Stockings can also be knee-high in length, or extend all the way up to your thighs. Pressure can range from light to very strong, depending on the condition you are trying to treat. It’s important to consult with your doctor or physiotherapist to find a fit that’s right for you. Chronic pain resulting from long hours of standing or sports-related injuriesĬompression stockings come in a variety of lengths and pressures.Swelling, aching and heaviness in the legs.
