Compression Socks for Pregnancy

Many expecting moms wear mild graduated compression to ease swelling and heaviness in the feet and ankles as pregnancy progresses. Our 8–15 mmHg Everyday Compression™ is gentle enough for all-day wear. Check with your OB or midwife before you start, especially if you have circulation concerns or other health conditions.

For everyday swelling and tired legs, mild or moderate compression is a common place to start. Everyday Compression™ (8–15 mmHg) is gentle support you can wear all day, and most styles here use it. Moderate Compression (15–20 mmHg) is a firmer option for more noticeable swelling, long shifts or travel. Firmer 20–30 mmHg is treatment-level compression that your provider usually recommends and fits; Dr. Motion doesn't make it. More pressure isn't automatically better, so check each product's listed level and follow your provider's advice.

They can. Graduated compression is snugger at the ankle and gentler up the leg, which helps keep blood flowing back toward your heart. That can reduce swelling in your feet and ankles and keep legs feeling fresh. It also minimizes muscle vibration as you move, which helps reduce fatigue. Pair your socks with short walks, ankle circles, feet-up breaks and less salty food; our circulation tips for pregnancy have more ideas. Results vary, and sudden or severe swelling is worth a call to your provider right away.

Knee-highs are a great choice because they cover the ankle and calf, where swelling often shows up. Most Dr. Motion socks are one-size-fits-most: women's knee-highs fit women's shoe sizes 4–10 and calves 11.5"–18.5". If your calves measure more than 18.5" (measure in the morning) or standard cuffs feel tight, choose our Wide Calf styles, which fit calves up to 22". Our Graduated Compression Tights (S–XL) work well under dresses. Socks should feel supportive, not painful, with room for your toes. Take them off and talk to your provider if you notice pain, numbness, coldness or skin color changes. See the size chart for details.

Most people take compression socks off at night, since they do the most good when you're upright and moving during the day. Put them on first thing in the morning, ideally before you get out of bed, while swelling is at its lowest. Smooth the fabric up from your foot with the heel in place and the cuff flat below your knee, with no wrinkles or rolled tops. If your provider has recommended wearing compression overnight, follow their advice.

First trimester: if long workdays or travel leave your legs tired, ask your provider whether compression could help, and pair it with comfy shoes and gentle movement.

Second trimester: take short walks, put your feet up when you can and recheck your sock fit as your body changes.

Third trimester: put socks on before swelling builds, ask for a hand or use a stocking aid if reaching your feet gets tricky, and don't switch to stronger compression without advice.

After baby arrives: see our guide to postpartum swelling.

Yes. Through our partnership with Truemed, you can use HSA or FSA funds on qualifying purchases. Eligibility depends on your health needs and your plan.

U.S. orders of $50 or more (after discounts) ship free, and Canadian orders of CA$135 or more get free economy shipping. Orders leave our New Jersey warehouse within 1–4 business days, and U.S. deliveries usually arrive 3–8 business days after that. Exchanges are free within 30 days of delivery. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a flat $5 fee that includes a prepaid label; email returns@drmotionsocks.com to start.