Pregnancy compression socks for long days and puffy ankles
Some swelling in your legs, ankles and feet is normal in pregnancy, and it's often worse by the evening.
These socks squeeze firmest at the ankle, at 30 mmHg, and ease off to 20 mmHg at the calf. They're made for swollen ankles and heavy, tired legs: the graduated squeeze is firmest at the ankle and eases off up the calf, so ankles feel less puffy and legs feel lighter by the evening. Long flights and days on your feet are the other reasons our reviewers buy them.
They're a soft bamboo blend, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, with non-slip grips on the soles, so you can wear them around the house, on your birthing ball, in hospital or on a flight. Choose your shoe size, 2 to 5 or 6 to 9, then Standard or Wide Calf by your calf measurement.
Buy one pair, or a twin or three pack if you'll wear them every day, so one pair's on while the other dries. Socks can't be returned for hygiene reasons, so measure your calf before you order.
Questions, answered.
What size should I order?
Go by shoe size, 2 to 5 or 6 to 9, then pick the fit for your calf. Standard fits calves of 25 to 35cm in the 2 to 5 and 36 to 50cm in the 6 to 9; Wide Calf fits 48 to 55cm and 50 to 58cm. If you're between shoe sizes, take the bigger one.
Which fit is right for my calves?
Wide Calf, if socks usually dig in below your knee: it gives more room round the calf with the same compression. If a Standard pair pinches, that's usually the fix, rather than a bigger shoe size.
When should I wear them?
First thing in the morning, before you've been up and about, when swelling is lowest, and off at night unless you've been told otherwise. They're worth it on long days on your feet and on flights.
Will they help with swollen ankles?
Yes, that's what they're for. Graduated compression is firmest at the ankle and eases up the calf, which eases the puffiness in your feet and ankles, so they feel lighter and your legs less heavy by the evening. Put them on in the morning before the swelling builds. If swelling comes on suddenly, or you notice it in your face or hands, call your midwife the same day.
Can I wear them after the birth?
Yes. Swelling can carry on for a week or two after the birth, and the grippy soles make them good hospital socks, but if you're given compression stockings, for example after a C-section, wear those instead.
