Compression socks in pregnancy: what they are for and how to choose
Graduated compression socks are a common pregnancy purchase. Here is what the NHS actually says about them, what the trials found, and the swelling you should never put a sock on.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Compression socks apply graduated pressure to the lower legs. The NHS mentions them in pregnancy for varicose veins and for journeys over 4 hours, alongside drinking water and moving about every 30 minutes or so. Evidence on swelling is limited. Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, or one painful, swollen leg, needs a call to your midwife or doctor, not a sock.
Why legs swell in pregnancy
The NHS explains that some swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and fingers is normal: your body holds more water than usual, and through the day that water gathers in the lowest parts of the body, especially in hot weather or after a lot of standing. The pressure of your growing womb can also affect blood flow in your legs. Swelling that comes on gradually is not usually harmful to you or your baby, though it can be uncomfortable.
Sudden swelling is different. Call your midwife, GP or labour ward immediately if you have a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet, a very bad headache, or problems with your vision such as blurring or flashing lights. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia (NHS).
When compression comes up in pregnancy
| Situation | What the NHS says |
|---|---|
| Varicose veins | You may be able to use compression stockings in pregnancy; procedures and surgery are not usually recommended while pregnant. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the right type |
| Flights over 4 hours | Small risk of blood clots (DVT): drink plenty of water, move about every 30 minutes or so; graduated compression or support stockings from a pharmacy help reduce leg swelling |
| Car journeys over 4 hours | Flex and rotate your feet, wiggle your toes; compression stockings can increase blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots |
| In hospital | If you are more likely to get DVT, you may be given compression stockings while you are in hospital |
What the research shows
A Cochrane review of treatments for varicose veins and leg swelling in pregnancy found only seven small trials (Smyth et al., 2015). The one comparing compression with rest, in 35 women, found no significant difference in lower-leg volume. Small trials suggested water immersion and reflexology may help swelling, but the authors note these are based on very few women. So compression socks are a comfort and travel tool backed by NHS advice for specific situations, not a proven fix for everyday swelling.
How compression socks work
Graduated compression is tightest at the ankle and gradually looser up the leg. The NHS describes compression stockings as putting pressure on your lower legs, which improves blood flow and can help with swelling and pain. Socks come in different lengths and compression levels; the NHS describes hospital compression stockings as knee-high elastic socks.
- Everyday support socks are sold in pharmacies and shops without prescription.
- Medical compression stockings come in graded classes and are chosen with a doctor or pharmacist; the NHS stresses getting the right type for you.
If you have a condition affecting your circulation, diabetes, skin problems on your legs, or you have had a clot before, ask your doctor before wearing any compression.
What to look for in pregnancy compression socks
| Feature | Look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Graduated compression | Firmest at the ankle, lighter up the leg | That is how the NHS describes compression working |
| Compression level | A light everyday level, or the class your doctor or pharmacist chose | Stronger is not better without advice |
| Size chart | Based on ankle and calf measurements | The right pressure depends on the right size |
| Length | Knee-high (the length the NHS describes for hospital stockings); longer styles only if advised | Easier to put on with a bump |
| Top band | Wide and soft, so it does not roll or dig | A tight band works against you |
| Fabric | Breathable, moisture-wicking blends, reinforced heel and toe | Comfort on long days and journeys |
What you really need, and what is nice to have
| Really useful | Nice to have |
|---|---|
| One or two pairs in your measured size for travel or long days standing | Extra pairs to rotate through the week |
| Advice from a pharmacist or doctor if you have varicose veins or a medical condition | A pair of donning gloves to grip the fabric |
| Comfortable shoes that do not pinch as your feet swell | Patterns or colours you enjoy wearing |
Printable checklist: compression socks
Sizing and wearing them
- Measure in the morning, before the day's swelling builds: ankle at its narrowest point and calf at its widest, and the length if the chart asks for it.
- Use the brand's size chart: sizes depend on these measurements, not on your shoe size alone.
- Put them on before you get up if you can, turning the sock inside out down to the heel and rolling it up the leg.
- Smooth out wrinkles: a fold or a rolled top can dig in.
- Take them off at night unless your doctor says otherwise, and check your skin.
- Stop and get advice if you notice pain, numbness, tingling, skin colour changes or marks that do not fade.
Other things that help swollen ankles
From the NHS:
- Avoid standing for long periods.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks; avoid tight straps or anything that pinches as your feet swell.
- Rest with your feet up as much as you can.
- Walk regularly through the day and do foot exercises: bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times, then rotate each foot in a circle 8 times each way.
Is this normal? When to call
Gradual swelling of the ankles and feet, worse at the end of the day, is common and usually harmless, says the NHS. Sudden swelling, or pain and swelling in one leg, is different and needs a call the same day. For urgent advice in the UK, NHS 111 or your maternity unit; in the US, your OB or midwife; in an emergency, 911 (US) or 999 (UK).
Red flags: a sock is not the answer
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Throbbing pain or swelling in one leg (rarely both), usually calf or thigh, with red, blue or darkened skin or swollen veins | Possible DVT: urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 in the UK, your OB or urgent care in the US; your maternity unit if you have its number |
| Shortness of breath or chest pain | Call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) |
| Sudden swelling of face, hands or feet, severe headache, vision changes | Call your midwife, GP or labour ward immediately (possible pre-eclampsia) |
The NHS lists being pregnant, or having had a baby in the previous 6 weeks, among the situations that raise the risk of DVT.
Questions parents ask
Are compression socks safe in pregnancy?
The NHS says you may be able to use compression stockings for varicose veins in pregnancy and suggests graduated compression stockings for long journeys. It also advises talking to a doctor or pharmacist about the right type, especially if you have a medical condition or circulation problem.
Do compression socks stop swollen ankles?
The research is thin. A Cochrane review found one small trial (35 women) with no significant difference in lower-leg volume between compression and rest. Raising your feet, walking and avoiding long standing are the NHS first steps.
Should I wear compression socks on a flight while pregnant?
For flights or car journeys longer than 4 hours, the NHS suggests drinking water, moving about every 30 minutes or so, and says graduated compression or support stockings from a pharmacy can help reduce leg swelling.
Can I sleep in compression socks?
Follow the instructions given with your socks or by your doctor or pharmacist. Daytime compression socks are usually put on in the morning and taken off at night.
Sources
- NHS — Travelling in pregnancy (long-distance travel, compression stockings) checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Varicose veins (treating varicose veins in pregnancy) checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — DVT (deep vein thrombosis) checked October 13, 2026
- Smyth RM, Aflaifel N, Bamigboye AA (2015), Cochrane — Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy (PMID 26477632) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.