Are you struggling with swollen ankles and feet during pregnancy? Compression socks can help improve circulation and alleviate edema (1). However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which compression socks are best for pregnancy.
Compression socks come in different sizes, materials, and compression levels, each offering unique benefits for expectant mothers. Knee-high and ankle socks are popular designs, and the amount of compression varies depending on the area of the body.
To make your search for the best compression socks easier, we’ve compared and reviewed a variety of options. In this article, we’ll discuss the top-rated compression socks for pregnancy and provide you with all the information you need.
Our Top Picks
- Best Knee High Compression Socks: Dr. Motion Therapeutic Graduated Compression Socks
- Best Splurge Compression Socks: VIM & VIGR Graduated Compression Socks
- Best Compression Socks For Everyday Wear: Sockwell Graduated Compression Sock
- Best Copper-Infused Compression Socks: FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Socks
- Best Open-Toe Compression Socks: Preggers Footless Maternity Compression Leggings
- Best Sheer Compression Socks: Jobst Women’s UltraSheer Light Support Knee Highs
- Best Design Compression Socks: fenglaoda Compression Socks
- Best Thigh High Compression Socks: mediven Thigh High Compression Stockings
- Thickest Compression Socks: MadeMother Compression Socks
- Ergonomic Compression Socks: Hi Clasmix Graduated Compression Socks
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Compression Socks For Pregnancy Picks
Dr. Motion Therapeutic Graduated Compression Socks – Best Knee High Compression Socks
- Soft material
- Many styles to choose from
- They are breathable and don’t make your feet hot
- Do very well at preventing your legs from aching
- Ideal for long legs
These socks include a non-binding band and a smooth toe seam for enhanced comfort. They also include steady increases in compression that push extra blood and fluid up your legs toward your ankles to minimize swelling or pooling.
From ankle to calf, three zones of graded compression increase blood flow and reduce edema. These compression socks are exceptionally pleasant to wear and offer support throughout the day thanks to their tested, Class 1 mild compression level of 8–15 mmHg.
VIM & VIGR Graduated Compression Socks – Best Splurge Compression Socks
- The ankle and leg compression is moderate
- The band at the top is just tight enough without being uncomfortable
- These socks are not too difficult to put on
- The socks are extremely adaptable as far as length is concerned
- Expensive but you get what you pay for
These compression socks use integrally-knit progressive compression to offer therapeutic pressure that begins at the ankle and gradually eases above. This outside pressure gives your legs energy and lessens edema. These socks have a 15-20 mmHg compression level, which is perfect for all-day, daily wear.
The 400-needle count, multi-dimensional weave, and moisture-wicking fabric are created for comfort, flexibility, and breathability. Plus, the socks’ all-over high-quality fibers and Spandex provide continuous compression all day long.
Sockwell Graduated Compression Sock – Best Compression Socks For Everyday Wear
- Wide range of styles and colors
- Good compression
- Comfortable
- Very soft
- Not as easy to put on
These compression socks include a smooth toe closure, four zones of graduated 15-20 mmHg compression, and a structure with several features for all-day comfort. In addition, their specially blended yarns aid in temperature control, blister avoidance, and moisture management for the foot. You may want to store these for the colder months because they are a merino wool blend.
FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Socks – Best Copper-Infused Compression Socks
- Provide a moderate amount of compression
- Stay up well during long hikes or working out
- The socks fit well and are comfortable
- Vibrant fun colors
- They are thin and don’t provide a lot of cushion
These compression socks with copper infusion are designed to provide the ideal combination of warmth, compression, and comfort. These women’s compression socks are constructed from quality nylon, which is soft on the skin and provides better breathability to keep you warm and dry all day.
They are supple and sleek to avoid chafing and let you wear them all day without feeling uncomfortable. Plus, they may also be machine-washed and dried quickly. To reuse them, simply hand-wash them in cold water on low heat and hang them dry.
Preggers Footless Maternity Compression Leggings – Best Open-Toe Compression Socks
- They do not slide down at all
- Great tights during pregnancy
- Material is amazing
- Great compression
- Not completely opaque
These maternity leggings with a semi-opaque finish are a fashionable alternative to pregnancy compression leggings. They are made to be worn with a long dress or tunic to hide the rear. Due to their footless design, you may wear them with heels, flats, or sandals with ease and comfort. The moisture-wicking capabilities and breathable nylon/spandex combination keep you comfy throughout the day.
These compression leggings include a gentle gradient compression of 10-15 mmHg that helps enhance circulation, reduce edema, and treat varicose veins. They have a flexible support band that can be folded under or stretched over for pregnancy support. It also stretches your developing belly. Plus, the compression band keeps tight against your stomach when worn above the belly.
Jobst Women’s UltraSheer Light Support Knee Highs – Best Sheer Compression Socks
- Easy to put on
- Fairly comfortable
- Prevents welling well
- Lightweight
- Light compression
With unmatched sheerness and a lightweight design, these stockings are a cut above the rest. The secret to its unique texture lies in its specially crafted blend of yarns and materials, treated with a special finish that wicks away moisture and keeps your skin healthy and infection-free.
Stay cool and dry with the Advanced Comfort technology that offers targeted pressure on the ankle and gradually reduces up the leg, helping to ease those aches and pains. You can choose from silky beige, sun bronze, and classic black shades to match your style.
fenglaoda Compression Socks – Best Design Compression Socks
- The perfect amount of snugness without being so loose
- Fun designs
- The compression socks are a very nice thickness and quality
- Comfortable
- Runs a little large
These fashionable compression socks from Fenglaoda are constructed of 97% polyester and 3% spandex. The compression level is between 20 and 30 mmHg. They gradually diminish at the legs and exert the most support pressure in your ankles.
The intricately patterned, colorful compression socks have a great fit and are reinforced at the toe and heel for more comfort and support. Simply choose your favorite among these humorous compression socks to express your individuality and sense of style.
mediven Thigh High Compression Stockings – Best Thigh High Compression Socks
- Washes well
- Stays up
- Comfortable
- They really work to control the swelling and other CVI symptoms
- These are quite difficult to put on over swollen ankles
These amazing stockings provide a gentle 15-20 mmHg compression without compromising their medical efficacy. The secret is in the Clima-Comfort technology, which keeps you cool and comfortable all day long, while the semi-transparent fabric helps to hide any skin imperfections.
But that’s not all! With their double-knitted footbed, these thigh highs are perfect for any season. The advanced knitting technique ensures a luxurious and comfortable fit that is easy to put on and take off.
MadeMother Compression Socks – Thickest Compression Socks
- They are super soft
- True to size
- The sock goes all the way up
- Would fit women with pretty wide legs
- They are very thick
Looking for a pair of cozy socks to keep your feet warm during the colder months? Check out these compression socks that are perfect for moms who prefer thicker fabrics. Not only do they provide warmth, but they also feature progressive compression to target specific areas of concern.
The foot and ankle areas receive 25-30 mmHg, while the calf and mid-leg get 15-20 mmHg, and the knee gets 10-15 mmHg. Plus, these socks are made with extra padding in the toe box, providing an extra touch of comfort. No matter your size, these adjustable knee-high sleeve cuffs ensure a perfect fit for all.
Hi Clasmix Graduated Compression Socks – Ergonomic Compression Socks
- Really helps keep the blood flowing back up to the heart
- Can wear about 12 hours and not itchy or fall down
- Warmth
- Easy to put on
- No way to tell when they are inside-out
These graded compression socks have ventilation and moisture-wicking features that will keep your feet from feeling hot and sweaty. They are made from a special, breathable fabric with a copper infusion that keeps you warm in cold weather and cools you down in hot weather.
The amount of pressure these socks apply helps them hold up quite effectively just below the knee. However, they don’t pinch the flesh behind your knee as some compression socks do. In addition, there is no need to put additional socks on top of them because they are not as slippery as compression stockings.
How to Choose The Best Compression Socks For Pregnancy?
- Compression Level: The amount of compression is the most crucial consideration when buying compression socks. The millimeters of mercury (mmHg) unit of measurement is used to indicate the pressure level, with a larger value indicating higher pressure. Many socks have graded compression, which means the degree of pressure changes throughout the sock, getting tighter near the ankle. A compression level of 10 to 15 is regarded as light; 15 to 20 is seen as moderate; and 30 is seen as severe (which falls in the firm range).
- Style: There are different types of compression socks, ranging from those that only cover the calf to those that extend all the way up to the knee. Knee-high compression socks are especially beneficial for people with varicose veins on their thighs.
- Material: If you plan on wearing them for an extended period of time, you’ll want to choose a fabric that is comfortable and breathable. Cotton is a good option for sleeping in compression socks. If you plan on exercising in them or being in a hot environment, a nylon-spandex blend may be the best choice for breathability.
- Ease Of Use: Unlike regular socks, compression socks cannot simply be pulled on like other types of socks. Instead, they must be rolled up and placed on the legs like a pair of pantyhose. This can be challenging, especially as the pregnancy progresses and it becomes more difficult to bend over.
What Do Compression Socks Do?
Compression socks are a type of garment that helps to apply pressure to the legs, ankles, and feet. This pressure can help to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Many pregnant women experience swollen ankles and feet, so compression socks can be a helpful way to provide relief. Additionally, compression socks can help to prevent varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (2).
What Are The Benefits of Compression Socks During Pregnancy?
- Reducing Swelling: Pregnancy can cause fluid retention, considering you produce 50% more blood during pregnancy which often leads to swelling in the legs and feet (3). Compression socks help to improve circulation, reducing the buildup of fluid and minimizing swelling.
- Relieving Pain: The increased weight and pressure of the growing baby can cause pain and discomfort in the legs, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
- Preventing Blood Clots: Pregnancy increases the risk of developing blood clots in the legs, which can be dangerous if they travel to other parts of the body. Compression socks help to prevent the formation of blood clots by improving blood flow and reducing the pooling of blood in the legs.
- Supporting The Uterus: Compression socks can also provide support to the uterus and pelvic area, reducing the risk of varicose veins and other complications.
How Many Hours Can You Wear Compression Socks When Pregnant?
You can wear compression socks for up to 12 hours a day to help with swelling in the feet and ankles and take them off before going to bed (4). This can help reduce discomfort and improve circulation throughout the body.
How To Use Compression Socks?
Start by putting them on in the morning before you get out of bed. Make sure that the socks are not too tight, as this could make your condition worse. Once you have the socks on, you can go about your day as usual. If you start to feel any pain or discomfort, take your socks off and consult your doctor.
Is It Safe To Wear Compression Socks Throughout Your Entire Pregnancy?
It is safe to wear compression socks throughout pregnancy, though you may need to size up as your body changes. Compression socks are often seen as a necessity by pregnant women, as they can help with comfort and health. Plus, they can be a comfortable and stylish addition to your pregnancy wardrobe.
