To help relieve the discomfort of "heavy legs" during pregnancy, many doctors recommend wearing medical compression stockings during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters (starting from the twelfth week). Plus size compression stockings not only provide support but also improve blood circulation and prevent problems such as varicose veins.

Why Do Women Get Heavy Legs During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the pregnant woman's body goes through many physiological and biochemical changes as the baby grows. In particular, fluctuating hormone levels and weight gain in the body can lead to greater pressure on the venous system, resulting in a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Here are some of the common causes:

• Weight gain.
• Increased hormone levels in pregnant women, especially increased progesterone, can cause the blood vessel walls to relax, thereby interfering with the normal flow of blood and making it easier for blood to stagnate in the lower limbs.
• As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the veins in the abdomen and lower limbs, restricting blood return, and causing blood to accumulate in the legs and produce a heavy feeling.

These factors work together to cause the heavy leg feeling that many pregnant women experience during pregnancy and even cause varicose veins or edema problems.

Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks During Pregnancy

Wearing compression stockings offers multiple benefits to pregnant women, especially in terms of improving leg discomfort and increasing circulation. Specific benefits include:

Improved Blood Circulation

By applying moderate pressure on the calves and ankles, maternity support stockings promote blood return and reduce the accumulation of blood in the lower limbs, thus relieving the feeling of heavy legs.

Prevention and Relief of Varicose Veins

Compression stockings can effectively reduce the risk of varicose veins caused by pregnancy. By providing targeted compression, it helps to reduce the burden on the vein walls and prevents veins from swelling and dilating.

Reduces Edema

During pregnancy, pregnant women often experience edema in the lower extremities due to hormonal and circulation changes in the body. Wearing compression stockings maternity can help reduce the symptoms of edema and prevent excess fluid from accumulating in the ankle and calf areas.

Relieve Leg Fatigue

As pregnant women often have to endure long periods of standing or sitting, compression stockings maternity can effectively reduce leg fatigue and help improve comfort in daily activities.

Increase Overall Comfort

By reducing heaviness and discomfort in the legs, compression socks allow pregnant women to perform their daily activities with greater ease, especially when standing, walking, or exercising for long periods, providing more support and comfort.

What mmHg Compression Socks for Pregnancy?

When selecting compression socks during pregnancy, units of pressure are usually expressed in **mmHg (millimeters of mercury)**. Compressions that provide mild (10 to 15 mmHg) to moderate (15 to 20 mmHg) compression are preferable because they provide enough pressure to improve circulation and reduce the mild swelling experienced by most pregnant women. If the pressure level is too high for your situation, Dr. Hoskins says you run the risk of cutting off circulation.

Different pressure intensities are appropriate for different needs and symptoms:

• 8-15 mmHg: These light compression stockings are for pregnant women who don't have serious leg problems, and are suitable for daily use to help prevent mild edema and leg fatigue.
• 15-20 mmHg: This is the most commonly recommended compression strength for most pregnant women, it is effective in relieving heavy legs, fatigue, and mild varicose veins, and is suitable for the needs of most pregnant women.
• 20-30 mmHg: Medium compression stockings are suitable for pregnant women who are already experiencing more pronounced varicose veins or edema, and can provide stronger support and improve severe leg discomfort.
• 30-40 mmHg: These high-intensity compression stockings are usually recommended by doctors for pregnant women with severe varicose veins or those who need special support.

Easy Way to Put on Compression Stockings During Pregnancy

We learned how compression socks can help pregnant women. However, compression socks may not be easy to put on for some pregnant women, especially since bending and stretching become more difficult as the belly grows larger during pregnancy. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective tool, Sock Aid, that can help pregnant women put on compression socks easily and avoid unnecessary stress and discomfort.

Preparing the Sock Aid

Place the Sock Aid in front of your feet, making sure that both sides of the device's loops are ready to touch the compression stockings. Ensure that the Sock Aid's cord or handle can be easily pulled.

Place the compression stocking into the Sock Aid

Align the toe portion of the compression sock with the opening of the Sock Aid and gently pull the sock into the device. Make sure that the heel portion of the compression sock is facing outward and that the sock tube fits perfectly into the device.

Putting your foot into the Sock Aid

Sit on a firm chair and place your feet into the Sock Aid, making sure the toes are properly aligned.

Pulling the Sock Aid cord

Hold the handle or cord of the Sock Aid with one hand and the top of the compression stocking with the other. Pull the cord slowly pull the compression sock up the ankle and gradually lift it along the leg.

Adjusting the sock position

When the compression sock is fully on the thigh section, gently smooth the opening to ensure there are no wrinkles and to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Remove Sock Aid

Once you have finished putting on your socks, easily remove the Sock Aid so you can adjust the tightness of your compression stockings to ensure they are comfortable and fit well.

What Should Pregnant Women Bear in Mind When Wearing Compression Stockings?

When wearing compression socks during pregnancy, pregnant women need to pay attention to the following points:

Choose the correct compression level

Choose a compression stocking strength that suits your symptoms. For general leg discomfort, it is recommended to choose 15-20 mmHg compression stockings; for more serious varicose veins or edema, choose 20-30 mmHg compression stockings.

Wearing time

It is recommended to wear compression stockings during the day when you need to be active, especially when standing, walking, or sitting for a long time. They do not need to be worn at night when sleeping.

Maintain proper hygiene

Wash your compression socks daily to keep them clean and comfortable. Avoid wearing socks that are too tight as they may negatively affect blood circulation.

Choose the right style

Plusock has different styles of compression socks including knee length and full length styles. For the upcoming Christmas season, Plusock offers Christmas compression socks. For a better price, choose the style that suits your active needs and ensures comfort and practicality. Make the holidays fun for moms and dads.

Related read: The History of the Christmas Stocking 

Consult your doctor

If a pregnant woman has serious vein problems or other health issues, she should choose the right compression socks with her doctor's advice and follow his or her recommendations for wearing time and strength.

Why Plusock Compression Sock?

Plusock compression socks are the preferred choice of many pregnant women due to their specialized design and high-quality materials. It is ergonomically designed to provide proper compression to the calf and ankle, soothing leg fatigue and edema while maintaining a comfortable fit. In addition, Plusock's breathability and softness make it ideal for extended wear during pregnancy. Its compression strength, which meets medical standards, provides adequate support while avoiding excessive tightness and ensuring blood flow.

FAQ

How Long and How Often Should I Wear My Medical Compression During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women should decide when to wear compression stockings based on their symptoms. Usually, compression stockings can be worn during the day when you are standing or walking for long periods, while they do not need to be worn at night when you are sleeping. If your symptoms are more severe, consult your doctor to determine the optimal length of wear.

What Are the Risks of Wearing Compression Socks During Pregnancy?

While compression socks are safe for the most part, they can cause poor blood flow or skin discomfort if worn incorrectly. Therefore, it is important to choose a compression strength and style that suits your needs. If there is any discomfort, stop using them immediately and consult your doctor.

How Can I Improve My Circulation During Pregnancy?

You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramps in the calf muscles: bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times. rotate each foot in a circle 8 times one way and 8 times the other way.

Summarize

Wearing compression socks during pregnancy is an effective way to relieve heavy legs, edema, and varicose veins during pregnancy. By choosing the right strength of compression stockings, wearing them correctly, and maintaining good wearing habits, pregnant women can better support and soothe their legs and reduce discomfort. Whether you wear compression stockings for daily activities or on the advice of your doctor, the goal is to ensure the health and comfort of both mother and baby.