Have you been experiencing sleepless nights since you got pregnant? Feeling of discomfort and swelling, particularly on your legs, and you notice that it’s slowly progressing. Of course, going through these things can be frustrating at times, especially when your days are busy.
But what can cause all these things during pregnancy? And what are the possible remedies that can help you, especially at night when your body needs rest? If this is your first pregnancy, there are things that you may not understand as your body goes through different changes, and you need to know how to address the discomfort you may be feeling.
1. Causes of Discomfort During Pregnancy
As your belly begins to grow, specific changes happen inside your body. It supplies all the needed oxygen, fluids, blood, and nutrients essential for the cell building of another human. Your baby is dependent on everything you feed your own body.
So with all these being absorbed in your body, every organ in you produces and works double this time. These are also why you have morning sickness and cravings and why you immediately feel fatigued throughout the day.
What other bodily changes occur during the gestation period? Here they are:
2. Compression Socks and Pregnancy
It is highly recommended for expectant mothers to wear compression socks in the first trimester of pregnancy. This supports the legs as every muscle, joint, blood vessel, and ligament adjusts within the gestation period.
Your OB-GYN may recommend compression socks to:
Compression socks help the muscles tighten the veins for proper blood flow by applying pressure at the lower extremities. It eases up the tension that builds up in the legs, which may affect the reflexes and movement of the pregnant woman.
3. Compression Socks During Pregnancy at Night
It is safe to say that compression socks can be worn at night when pregnant. It helps ease your legs from experiencing cramps while you sleep. However, you may want to opt for a lighter compression level during the night to not interfere with your circulation since there is minimal movement while you sleep.
Although it would be advisable to speak to your doctor regarding wearing compression socks to bed, you should also ask what compression level you should be using. Remember that pregnancy is a delicate condition for women, so extra care is needed before you decide on using compression legwear.
Levels of Compression
- Light Compression: 8-15 mmHg
- Walking, jogging, running
- Long driving and plane rides
- Minor swelling
- Ankle sprain
- Pregnancy
- Mild Compression: 15–20 mmHg (ideal pressure for pregnant women)
- Walking, jogging, running
- Long driving
- Minor swelling
- Ankle sprain
- Pregnancy
- Travels
- Sports
- Standing and sitting for long periods
- Medical Grade Class 1: 20–30 mmHg
- Pregnant women
- Varicose and spider veins
- Sports
- Travel
- Specific surgeries
- Medical Grade Class 2: 30–40 mmHg
- Lymphedema
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Medical Grade Class 3: 40–50 mmHg
- Severe venous stasis
- Lymphedema
- Wound management
To sum it up, it is doable to sleep in your compression socks even if you’re pregnant. But always consider consulting your doctor or simply following the packaging instructions. Your and the baby’s safety should always come first, so you will have a safe delivery in the end.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg