Pregnancy is an exciting and challenging time. Your body is constantly changing, and the extra weight you're carrying around can lead to some sensations you're not used to, including backaches and pain in your legs and feet. Fortunately, there's a simple way to alleviate some of that pain: pull on a pair of compression socks.
Also called compression stockings, these socks gently hug the legs and provide support for tired, swollen limbs.
Photo credit: Midwivesofnj
What Are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are therapeutic stockings that squeeze the legs and ankles, helping your blood vessels work more efficiently. They improve circulation by allowing the muscles and arteries in your lower limbs to relax, and encouraging the blood to flow back to your heart.
Compression socks are available in different lengths and provide different levels of pressure. Stockings that sit below the knee can reduce swelling in the calves, ankles, and feet. Thigh-high compression stockings prevent blood from collecting, or pooling, in your veins.
There are two main types of compression socks: anti-embolism stockings and graduated socks.
What are the benefits of wearing compression socks?
Revitalizes your legs - The best compression socks help to improve blood flow in your lower legs and this helps to give an increased amount of energy.
Keeps the water retention and swelling at bay - Poor circulation tends to lead to swelling and water retention in your legs and ankles.
Improves muscle recovery in your legs - The compression from the socks helps to reduce the stress on your muscles which is extremely important for athletes.
Decreases the achiness in your legs - Reduced blood flow in your legs can cause them to feel achy and heavy at times. The compression helps to improve the blood flow and eliminates the achiness.
Improves sleep quality - Compression socks have been shown in some instances to help with restless leg syndrome which can seriously affect your ability to get a good night's sleep.
Helps when you need to stand for a long time - Compression socks are the most effective when you are up and moving or standing. They have shown to be very helpful for people who stand for long periods of time.
Helps to improve varicose veins - Compression socks for men and women are believed to be helpful in preventing blood from pooling inside the veins in your lower leg. This causes them to bulge and gives them a twisted appearance. As the blood flow improves there is less pooling and reduces the swelled appearance.
Improves leg health - As normal blood flow is restored the overall feeling in your legs is improved.