One of the most common complaints pregnant women have is swelling, pain, and cramping in the legs. The situation gets worse when you start developing varicose or spider veins. However, you can still prevent this from happening by wearing compression socks during pregnancy.
It brings much-needed and almost instant relief.
What Are Compression Socks?
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Compression socks or support socks are specialised stretchy socks that are designed to provide extra support and improve blood circulation in the body. They may look similar to non-compression diabetic socks or traditional dress socks, but they all have different functionalities.
The primary purpose of compression socks during pregnancy is to offer graduated pressure on the foot and ankle. This helps you stay comfortable for a longer period.
A pair of compression socks can be your support system when working, cooking, walking, or doing any other physical activity. These socks can be worn anytime during the day and even while sleeping.
When To Wear Compression Socks In Pregnancy?
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Before buying compression socks (during pregnancy), you must first understand how they work. Our body works by pumping blood to all extremities as equally as possible. Gravity, however, may cause the blood to get accumulated in the lower legs and feet. This sometimes results in conditions like edema, thrombosis, and phlebitis.
This is where compression socks are incredibly beneficial. These rubber or spandex socks have strong elastics that create required pressure on the legs, feet, and ankles. It compresses the surface veins, muscles, and arteries to make the blood flow freely. Hence, the blood returns to the heart, and there is minimum blood pooling in the lower body.
You must invest in a pair of compression socks during pregnancy if you experience:
- Edema
- Thrombosis
- Phlebitis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Varicose veins
- Swelling
- Feeling heavy
- Legs cramps
- Leg pain and discomfort
Note: Make sure you consult your doctor to get the most suitable compression socks during pregnancy.
Do You Need Compression Socks During Pregnancy?
The answer is: YES! You need compression socks during pregnancy.
According to a study, 8 out of 10 women experience edema (feet swelling) during pregnancy. Another study found that compression socks significantly improved leg symptoms during pregnancy and reduce saphenous vein reflux. Other reasons why you might need compression socks in pregnancy is because they:
- Improve blood circulation in the body.
- Relieve aches and pains.
- Might prevent varicose or spider veins.
- Minimise leg and foot pain.
- Help in problems with edema, DVT, and phlebitis.
- Make your travel comfortable and easier.
- Help with lymphatic drainage.
Types Of Compression Socks Available In Singapore
The compression socks you might need will differ based on the amount of required circulation in the body. For different compression levels, fabrics, and patterns, you must get an opinion from the doctor before choosing the right one. There are three types of compression socks available in Singapore for different purposes.
- Non-medical support hosiery: These are elastic support stockings and help with fatigue and pain in the legs. They do not provide graduated compression and can be bought over-the-counter without any prescription in Singapore.
- Medical graduated compression socks or stockings: These are best for pregnancy and anyone with poor circulation and lymphatic drainage problems. They help improve blood circulation and reduce reflux in the feet.
- Anti-embolism or thrombo-embolic deterrent (TED) socks: These help prevent deep vein thrombosis. They have gradient compression that varies from graduated compression socks and is mostly used to treat bedridden patients.
If you’re pregnant and still trying to figure out whether or not to buy compression socks, don’t think twice. They can be your best friend in easing pain as you get ready to welcome your bundle of joy. All you need to make sure is to get the perfect fit and wear them right.
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