During pregnancy, your legs — and the veins in your legs — are under a lot of added pressure. The best tool we have for alleviating this pressure is compression stockings or socks. Before you dismiss them as something for little old ladies, let us make a solid case for them.
Who needs compression stockings?
Typically, a doctor will prescribe compression garments to treat and prevent varicose veins, edema (fluid retention), and deep vein thrombosis. Studies show a mixed bag of effectiveness. On one hand, they’re proven to relieve a feeling of heaviness in the legs and to reduce the risk of edema, but on the other hand, they don’t seem to reliably prevent or treat varicose veins [1].
So why wear them?
A few reasons. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy place additional stress on the venous (vein) system [2]. As your uterus increases in size, it presses on the inferior vena cava [4]. And rapid weight gain and swelling impairs circulation. The result is a feeling of heaviness in your legs, often accompanied by pain.
This may appear as early as the beginning of the second trimester. Your experience may range from pretty light to severe. Besides the heaviness, common side effects of this pressure on your venous system are nodular enlargements of the saphenous veins, crampa, pain, and edema, which can be worse in the heat of summer [5].
Compression stockings can’t cure varicose veins, but they are effective in controlling the main symptoms and can prevent them from worsening [1, 2].
How do I buy what I need?
Start by asking your doctor. If they see signs of edema, they’ll want to investigate to make sure it’s not the result of something more serious.
If they prescribe compression stockings, find out what size and degree of compression you need. There are four levels of compression ranging from light to stronger compression, and your doctor will know which is most appropriate for your condition [1].
The size is usually measured by your:
ankle circumference;
calf circumference (the widest part of your lower leg);
thigh circumference;
length from heel to thigh.
When should you not wear compression stockings?
There are several contraindications where you should consult your doctor, including:
peripheral arterial disease;
wounds and ulcers on the legs;
massive leg edema;
pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure;
allergic reaction to the stocking material, or certain skin conditions [1, 6].
