Although it is an exciting happy period in your life, pregnancy is also a journey through feelings, states, and sensation. Swollen, achy feet and lower legs can make it so much more challenging. Not to mention struggling to fit into your shoes, dealing with pain and discomfort when sitting down for long periods of time, or feeling sluggish all the time. The good news is that there are simple, at-home remedies to these problems - and they’re stylish, too!

Are compressions socks good for pregnancy? Yes, they are one of the most widely recommended tools to help you manage circulatory changes during this time. This is thanks to seven key benefits, including:

• Reduced swelling

• Better blood flow

• Lower risk of developing blood clots and DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

• Relief of pain and cramps in your legs

In this article, we’ll cover the full range of science-backed benefits of compression socks for pregnant women, when and how to wear them, and how to choose the right pair for your needs.

Pregnancy places a lot of new demands on your circulatory system. The overall fluid volume in your body increases by 30 to 50% (most of it is your blood) and can cause fluid retention and hormonal shifts to take a toll. Additionally, the extra weight from the growing uterus also places more pressure on your veins.  

These changes can make it more likely to develop edema (swelling), leg cramps and pain, varicose veins, or even blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Research on pregnancy-related edema actually shows that 8 in 10 women experience some degree of swelling during pregnancy. 

To increase blood flow and release pressure on the circulatory system, you can wear graduated compression socks that apply therapeutic pressure on the lower legs. Vim & Vigr socks are tighter at the ankle and gradually release the hold as they move up the leg. This supports the veins, while encouraging blood to flow up toward the heart (instead of pooling at the ankles and feet).  

Medical research has shown that by supporting natural blood flow, graduated compression can help manage swelling during pregnancy, promoting healthy circulation at a time when your whole body is having to work harder than usual. 

Studies show that 80% of women experience edema during pregnancy. As blood volume increases by up to 50%, the extra fluid and the growing uterus put additional pressure on the veins. Fluid then accumulates in the legs and feet.  

Graduated compression socks apply the greatest pressure at the ankle and gradually decrease it up the leg. This helps encourage blood and fluid back up toward the heart, preventing it from pooling and creating that “heavy” feeling. Research has found that compression stockings for edema can help reduce pregnancy-related swelling and the discomfort associated with it.  

In everyday life, this translates into less tightness around the ankles, more comfortable shoes, and legs that don’t feel so heavy after a day of sitting, standing, or walking. For best results, put on your compression socks first thing in the morning, before swelling has had a chance to build up. 

During pregnancy, lower leg circulation can get sluggish and, if you struggle with peripheral blood flow, you can then start to experience pins and needles, numbness, pain, and discomfort. We’ve seen that blood volume increases overall, so slower circulation becomes even more critical. 

As a result, you’re likely to experience not just swelling and discomfort, but also a pervasive feeling of fatigue and low energy. Wearing compression socks is known to improve circulation through two ways:

• Stimulate healthy blood flow that energizes the legs throughout the day
• Massage and support the lower legs, soothing aches and pains as you sit or stand at work

Research tells us that, during pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase the risk of blood clots up to five times compared with when you are not pregnant. Additionally, as the fetus grows, the blood vessels come under more pressure. These changes can make it easier for blood to pool in the lower legs, which may contribute to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in a deep vein (most commonly in the leg).  

Graduated compression socks support blood flowing back toward the heart and may be recommended as part of a broader approach to reducing blood clot risk during pregnancy. Wearing graduated compression socks can be especially useful during long periods of sitting or standing, including travel days.  

PLEASE NOTE: If you have a personal or family history of DVT or blood clots, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider about whether compression socks are appropriate for you.  

Between 48 and 65% of pregnant women experience leg cramps - this is normal as your body adapts to carrying the extra weight causing your leg muscles to work harder during the day. Changes in circulation (increased blood volume) can also contribute to the feelings of heaviness and discomfort. Graduated compression socks support better blood flow, while providing gentle pressure around the calves. This can reduce some of the pain - up to 33% according to one medical study.  

For many women, wearing compression socks during the day at work or while sitting for extended periods of time, can be really helpful to reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort. They are an easy tool to keep blood moving through the lower limbs, all while looking stylish, too. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the pressure on blood vessels caused by hormonal changes and added body weight during pregnancy can lead to developing varicose veins. These appear when the walls and valves of the veins are weakened, which can cause blood to leak from the veins and pool in the limbs. The result is the lumps we notice on the lower legs, which can also become painful and lead to legs feeling itchy or cramping. With each pregnancy, this risk increases - which makes it even more important to have a tool to lower your exposure.  

Compression socks for varicose veins take pressure off the blood vessels and stimulate blood flow out of the legs and toward the heart. They reduce some of the impact of walking and landing on hard surfaces, which also benefits the lower leg veins and muscles. Finally, preventing blood from pooling in the lower leg veins reduces the risk of them becoming damaged.  

However, please bear in mind that compression cannot eliminate already present varicose veins. It can still reduce discomfort and prevent them from getting worse. 

During pregnancy, sleep can already become more difficult and restless. Leg discomfort will only make it harder to settle down at night or sleep continuously. Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, particularly when you’re not moving the rest of your body. Research suggests that this condition affects up to 34% of pregnant women.  

One study of pregnant women showed that compression could be helpful here: wearing compression stockings led to a reduction of RLS symptoms by around 50% and was associated with better sleep quality and less sleepiness during the day. The steady sensory input created by leg compression can be a reason for reducing RLS symptoms (although the mechanism is still being studied). 

Additionally, leg cramps can also interfere with sleep and many pregnant women struggle with them (even as many as 75% of cases). If you wear compression socks during the day, stimulating blood flow and supporting the muscles, this can help soothe the lower limbs and reduce the risk of cramping.  

You don’t necessarily need to wear compression socks while you sleep to get the benefits. Daytime use may feel more practical and comfortable; however, you can also refer to our guide to sleeping in compression socks when pregnant or check with a medical expert if that is appropriate for you. 

Compression socks may be a medical-grade piece of clothing, but they do not have to look clinical to be effective. During pregnancy, a well-designed stylish pair of graduated maternity compression socks can be your practical support tool and a colorful, feel-good addition to your wardrobe.  

Vim & Vigr stylish compression socks for pregnancy are available in multiple fabrics to keep you comfortable, not too warm or too cold (cotton, merino wool, nylon and moisture-wick nylon). Design options range from solid single colors to stripes, plaids, and more playful patterns.  

That means you can choose a pair that matches your mood, the weather, your outfit, and the day ahead. As you already adapt to many changes during pregnancy, wearing something comfortable that feels more “like you” can bring a moment of enjoyment during the day (and long-lasting medical benefits in parallel). 

There is no single “right” time to start wearing compression socks during your pregnancy: some women feel the need for relief from the first trimester, while others don’t struggle with discomfort until later on. Things change if your job involves a lot of sitting or standing, if you travel a lot, or if you have a history of medical conditions. The key is to start before symptoms become uncomfortable, as this will give your body more support as it adapts throughout pregnancy (especially the blood vessels). 

Swelling is less of a problem earlier in a pregnancy, especially for women who don’t suffer with poor circulation normally. However, blood volume starts to increase and with it, impacts on your circulatory system. Wearing compression socks during the first trimester may therefore reduce the risk of swelling, pain, or other issues. 

Swelling in the feet and ankles tends to become more of a problem as the pregnancy progresses. The additional weight of the growing baby and the increased blood flow also place extra pressure on the veins. You may find yourself feeling tired, heavy legs more often now. 

To benefit from their effects, put on compression socks first thing in the morning, before the legs get a chance to swell. Wear them throughout the day to help manage swelling, soothe aches, and massage and support the lower legs. 

Once you have your baby, circulation doesn’t just simply return to normal. There is a high risk of developing blood clots postpartum (for around four to six weeks). If you have had a C-section, that can increase your risk even more.  

Postpartum compression socks can provide useful support against swelling and fatigue. Your healthcare provider may recommend them depending on your own history and how you delivered, specifically to reduce the risk of blood clots. Additionally, full-leg compression can be useful after delivery, particularly thanks to the support in the pelvic area. Check out our guide to the best postpartum compression leggings to learn more. 

Finding the best compression socks during pregnancy and beyond is easy. You simply need to be aware of the key choice categories and their impact.

All compression socks apply therapeutic pressure to the lower legs to improve circulation, but they can feel quite different, depending on the compression level. During pregnancy, the most relevant categories are: 

• 15-20 mmHg - suits mild swelling and everyday wear; you can easily adjust to these socks if it’s your first time wearing compression garments and they will be useful long after you’ve had your baby, too.

• 20-30 mmHg - firmer, better if you suffer from significant swelling or if you have varicose veins; may need an adjustment period (our tip: wear them for 2-3 hours at first, then gradually increase the time as you get used to them). 

Anything above 30 mmHg typically requires a prescription. Learn more about choosing the right mmHg level in our guide and discuss it with your doctor. 

As you seek better comfort during pregnancy, aspects like breathability, softness or moisture management are crucial. You may also become more sensitive to temperature changes or more prone to sweating, so choosing the right fabric will also be relevant for that. 

At Vim & Vigr, you can choose from several fabrics depending on how and when you plan to wear your socks. Cotton is the classic all-arounder thanks to its softness and versatility. But it has limitations around moisture wicking in hot weather. Moisture-wick nylon is a blend that lets you work out or enjoy warmer days without getting sweaty feet. Merino wool is a great option for keeping feet warm or cool, as it’s a temperature regulator. And there is also a nylon collection for sleek, flexible comfort. 

Finally, sizing is key to getting the benefits of compression: buy socks that are too large and they’ll simply roll down; go too small and you’ll feel uncomfortable and avoid wearing them. Your sizing needs can also change when you’re pregnant, as the calf muscles or your ankles swell. So don’t take your measurements for granted - take them again before ordering. 

Measure your calf circumference and ankle first thing in the morning, when swelling is usually at its lowest, and compare your measurements with the Vim & Vigr sizing guide. Vim & Vigr compression socks are sized using shoe size and calf circumference, so pay particular attention to your calf measurement as your pregnancy progresses. The right pair should feel comfortably supportive without digging in, bunching, or continually rolling down.

Wearing compression socks during pregnancy will make you feel more comfortable, reduce the risk of blood clots and edema, and re-energize your legs despite the increase in blood volume and weight pressure. Our experts also have a few tips to maximize your benefits: 

1. Put on your compression socks first thing in the morning, when your swelling is at its lowest. Why not keep them by the bed so you can roll them up right away?

2. Wear the socks most of the day if you can (of course, start with shorter periods and increase gradually as you get more comfortable). Take them off before bed, unless your doctor specifically advises overnight wear.

3. Replace your socks when they start to lose firmness. You’ll notice the elastic stretching out - compression effectiveness then decreases. 

4. When you notice feet feeling swollen and general lower limb discomfort, pair compression socks wear with elevation and rest. If you can elevate your legs for 15-20 minutes at a time during the day, you’ll reduce the pressure on your feet, help blood and fluid circulation, and amplify the effect of compression. 

Yes, compression socks are generally safe to wear for most pregnant women. They are actually recommended by many doctors and midwives for their soothing effects, support, and boost in blood flow. However, consult your healthcare provider in case you have a history of circulatory issues or a familial history of circulatory issues during pregnancy.  

For everyday pregnancy wear, 15-20 mmHg compression socks are available over the counter and do not require a prescription. They are also easy to adjust to, come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and can be worn whenever you need them. For firmer compression levels, we do recommend medical guidance and you will need a prescription for over 30 mmHg of compression.  

Again, speak with your medical provider if you have certain medical conditions, peripheral artery disease in particular. Compression socks are generally not recommended for people with diabetes that affects circulation or feeling in your lower limbs, or if you suffer from pre-eclampsia. Additionally, you should not wear them over open wounds, cuts, or grazes, or skin infections. Stop wearing your socks if you feel severe and sudden swelling or pain on one side of the body, or if they make your legs and feet go numb or tingle (the latter may just indicate the wrong sizing). 

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