Why Wear Compression Socks During Pregnancy

For pregnant women who want to stay active or need to be on their feet for long periods of time, compression socks for pregnancy can provide much needed support as your feet and leg muscles adjust to a heavier workload. Swelling (edema) in the feet and lower legs is a common discomfort among pregnant women, especially in the third trimester as blood volume increases.

Preventing Common Challenges

Varicose veins, sometimes called spider veins, also occur frequently during pregnancy. In addition to being uncomfortable, these large swollen veins can increase your risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT.) DVT can be a life-threatening condition exacerbated by poor circulation that causes a blood clot. Motif maternity compression socks help by reducing the size of the blood vessels in the legs, which boosts return blood flow to the heart, preventing it from collecting in the lower extremities. *If you are at high risk of blood clots or DVT, or if you experience extreme swelling, contact your healthcare provider.

When to Wear Maternity Compression Socks

Gradient compression socks for pregnancy deliver a graduated pressure, with the greatest pressure at the foot and ankle and the level of compression gradually decreasing on the way up the calf. The best time of day to put on compression socks is at the start of the day, before getting out of bed, when swelling is minimal. Once your legs become too swollen, it can be difficult to put them on. If you don’t frequently experience feet and leg swelling or varicose veins, you may only need to wear them when you know you’ll be on your feet for an extended period. Because Motif gradient compression socks are not as tight at the top as at the bottom, they are easy to take off at the end of the day. It’s not necessary to wear them while you sleep, when your feet are level with your upper body. Socks should be washed in lukewarm or cold water with mild soap.

Fit and Style 

The best compression socks for pregnancy will provide firm external support to the feet, ankles and lower legs but should not be painful or make your toes feel tingly. Most pregnant women prefer a medium to firm level of compression to alleviate the most common aches and pains. Motif’s knee-high compression socks include a soft elastic band at the top to secure socks in place while being non-restrictive throughout the day. There are a range of style options available, from bold, bright patterns to discreet, neutral solids.

How to Put on Maternity Compression Socks

1. Take your hand and put it inside your sock.

2. Grab just above the heel of the sock inside.

3. Pull the sock back over the foot of the sock.

4. Put the sock on your foot, starting with your toes completely into the front of the sock.

5. Take your fingers and grasp the top and middle of the sock and pull it over your calf, all the way up to your knee.