Compression socks for pregnancy are almost a dirty little secret. Consistent use of them is so effective and helpful but rarely talked about in American OBGYN offices. Although prescription of compression socks for pregnancy ailments is routine in Europe, most American pregnant women have never even heard of using them. If you are pregnant and newly postpartum, read on to see why you need to starting using compression socks today! Pregnancy brings about nausea, dizziness, swelling, and general fatigue. This Is due to all the hormones in your body and especially the massive amount of increasing blood volume in your body and your blood vessels increasing in diameter to support your pregnancy. Compression socks help reduce the diameter of the blood vessels in your legs thereby helping pump blood back into the heart. This means less discomfort for you and less swelling throughout your entire pregnancy (if you consistently use them). Because blood is pumping more effectively in your body, the soreness in your calves is reduced. Swelling unfortunately is common in pregnancy BUT preventable. Women without pregnancy or health complications can prevent calf and ankle swelling through compression socks and regular magnesium use (that’s a blog post for another time on the miracles on magnesium). Almost every pregnant women is wary of developing varicose veins. Compression socks through the same mechanism as described above help prevent the formation of varicose veins. Additionally, this helps prevent clot formation and ultimately reduces your chances of developing deep vein thrombosis. Win win for you pregnant mama! In 2017 in the International Journal of Women’s Health a randomized crossover trial found that compression sock use also reduced nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (see reference below). In Germany, many OBGYNs prescribe first trimester compression sock usage for this exact reason. Cheap, easy to use, and multiple benefits. Why aren’t compression socks on your feet right now?! So how to use them...
Look for compression socks that cover the entire foot up to the back of the knee. Amazon has great sources. Look for 10-20 mmHg for pressure...ideally between 15-18 mmHg is the sweet spot. Put them on first thing in the morning when you go to work or begin your day actively. Do not wear them the whole day. If you are on your feet all day, take them off as soon as your shift is done. As for me, I was pregnant during my clinic residency so I had to be on my feet treating patients all day. I would put my socks on right before my first patient and take them off after my last patient. If my day was really long I would take them off during my lunch and then put them back on after to let my skin breathe. Sometimes this was 10-12 hour shift days. This is ok as long as the material is not too tight. Use common sense.
If you have any questions send me an email over to dr.sarah@balancedmamachiro.com
Cheers to a healthier pregnancy!
Reference: A randomized crossover trial on the effect of compression stockings in nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Mendoza E, Amsler F. Int J Womens Health. 2017:9 89-99.
Compression stockings could be a non-pharmaceutical instrument to alleviate nausea and vomiting symptoms during early pregnancy.
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