Bearing a child and being a mother is the epitome of womanhood to most women and cultures. A majority of women feel that this is the happiest of their lives, another heartbeat growing in their own bodies.
Along with the anticipation of the arrival of an unborn child, many physiological changes occur. As another human being grows inside the woman, it also needs to be supplied with proper nutrition, blood, oxygen, and whatnot. After the first trimester, the woman slowly grows more significant from the belly to the nose and, later, the arms and legs.
1. Leg Pains During Pregnancy
As body fluid increases to nurture both the mother and the baby, pressure builds up from the uterus where the womb is. A woman’s most affected body part is the legs because it carries all the load. Different leg problems take place during the second and third trimesters. Those are:
- Edema or fluid retention - as the baby grows, the uterus presses on the veins, which slightly hinders blood circulation from flowing from the legs to the heart.
- Varicose veins - as blood volume slowly increases and weight adds up, blood vessels dilate, resulting in minor blood pooling.
- Foot pain - loosening of the ligaments takes place, which also triggers plantar fasciitis.
- Leg cramps - the muscles easily tire due to extra weight and a change in accumulation of calcium.
- Foot and ankle swelling - it happens is due to pregnancy hormones and an increase in blood volume as the demand for nutrients and oxygen builds up.
2. Compression Socks For Expecting Mothers
As your belly grows every month and leg problems are slowly appearing, you may need to wear compression socks until the time you give birth. Compression socks help by applying pressure at the feet, ankles, and calves.
When the muscle tissues are tightened, it affects the blood vessels causing them to shrink, which will allow proper circulation of blood and fluids at the lower extremities.
Benefits of Compression Socks During Pregnancy
- Pain relief
- Minimize the growth of varicose veins Reduces swelling Boosts blood circulation Drains the lymph nodes
- Reduces swelling
- Boosts blood circulation
- Drains the lymph nodes
Compression socks are safe to wear, especially if you have errands to do or you will be on your feet most of the day. And by night time, it would be best to remove those socks and let your feet rest as you sleep.
There are different tightness levels of compression socks, and every level is intended for specific needs for leg problems.
Pressure levels
- 8–15 mmHg
- 15–20 mmHg (ideal pressure for pregnant women)
- 20–30 mmHg
- 30–40 mmHg
- 40–50 mmHg
Compression or pressure levels at the 15 to 20 mmHg range are perfect for expecting mothers and for the daily use of an individual with no medical condition. Although if swelling is on the moderate side, you may want to opt for a tighter compression, also consult your ob-gyn for further advice.
3. How to Choose a Good Pair of Compression Socks for Pregnancy
If you don’t have a serious medical condition, it may be confusing which compression socks to buy. The primary consideration you have to think about is your well-being, so keep these few things in mind when buying a pair:
- Perfect compression
- Gentle fabric
- Easy to wear
- Customer review or feedback
4. Key Takeaway
Pregnancy is an important time to take care of yourself because a mother is carrying another human being in her belly. Whatever carelessness to the body may also affect the baby. So if you’re an expectant mother, don’t just be cautious of what you eat, be also careful of your body, especially of your legs.