Compression socks can help decrease leg swelling during pregnancy
IN THE NEWS: Pregnancy can cause swelling all over the body, including the feet and legs. Wearing light and breathable compression socks can help to increase blood flow.
Dr. Donna Baick, an obstetrician-gynecologist at UCI Health, spoke with Forbes about how the socks can help to alleviate such conditions as leg edema, cramps, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots.
“Compression socks are specialized stockings that help improve blood flow and support the lower legs and feet. They can help pregnant women alleviate painful swelling of the legs and feet, which can also lead to varicose veins.”
She also discussed how compression socks work, what pregnant women should consider when choosing a pair, along with the importance of double checking the fit with their doctor.
“Compressions are graduated, which are tighter at the ankle and gradually decreases upward. The 15 to 20 mmHg compression socks offer milder support and may be more comfortable and best for mild swelling.”
“Socks that are 20 to 30 mmHg provide more support and may be better for pregnant women with varicose veins and more swelling. Whatever you choose, you should consult with your physician to determine if compression socks are appropriate for you and to review proper type and fitting.”
Baick specializes in chronic pelvic pain, prenatal and maternal care, laparoscopic surgery, perimenopause and menopause. Her research interests include obstetrics, gynecology, maternity and women's options services. She is an Orange County Medical Association Physician of Excellence.
She is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology with the UC Irvine School of Medicine.
About UCI Health
UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The 1,317-bed system comprises its main campus UCI Medical Center, its flagship hospital in Orange, Calif., the UCI Health — Irvine medical campus, four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and a network of ambulatory care centers across the region. UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to the only Orange County-based National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).