Pregnancy Products Best 7 Compression Socks for Pregnancy of 2023 By Deanna McCormack Deanna McCormack Twitter Deanna McCormack is a beauty, parenting, and lifestyle writer who has written for Bustle, Byrdie, TheEverymom.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 19, 2023 Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Sabrina Jiang Many mothers and mothers-to-be agree that compression socks are a must-have during pregnancy since they can help promote blood flow in your lower legs and reduce swelling. The best compression socks for pregnancy offer a compression level, material, and size that's comfortable for you. You can get compression socks in various styles, including ankle socks and knee-high socks. The level of compression will typically vary throughout the sock on different body parts, like calves and ankles. Choosing the best compression socks will largely depend on personal preference and where you plan to use them, but other features to look for include ease of cleaning and odor control. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these helpful features in mind. Here are the top picks for the best compression socks for pregnancy. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Comrad Compression Socks at Comradsocks.com Jump to Review Best Comfort: Dr. Segal’s Pregnancy Socks at Drsegals.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Fuelmefoot Copper Compression Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Open Toe: Doc Miller Premium Open Toe Compression Socks at Docmillersports.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Sockwell On The Spot Graduated Compression Socks at Sockwellusa.com Jump to Review Best for Exercise: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Designs: Dr. Motion Compression Socks at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for FAQ Why Trust Verwell Family? Best Overall Comrad Compression Socks 4.8 Courtesy of Comrad Socks View On Comradsocks.com These compression socks top our list because the knee-high design provides compressive relief for the foot and entire calf in a variety of fun colors and designs. The brand suggests pregnant people start with the 15-20 mmHg graduated compression and move up to the 20-30 mmHg for more extreme swelling (and with guidance from a medical professional). Made mostly of nylon with a bit of spandex, these socks are recommended to hang to dry to avoid shrinkage. The socks feature SmartSilver ions, which keeps your feet fresh and odor-free. The design is contoured to fit your leg with a non-marking cuff, and a cushioned toe area for added comfort. Price at time of publication: $86Key Specs:Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Nylon and spandex | Pressure Level: 15 to 25 mmHg Best Comfort Dr. Segal’s Pregnancy Socks Dr. Segalâs View On Drsegals.com The cotton, lycra, and nylon blend have fans raving about how comfortable this pair of socks is. As close as you can get to feeling like a regular pair of socks, the wide-top comfort band keeps the socks from pinching, chafing, or rolling down. They have added cushioning in the high wear areas like the toe and heel for added durability and comfort for long days. The size chart has calf size and ankle size listed so you can be sure to get the perfect fit. Price at time of publication: $35Key Specs:Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Cotton, Lycra, and nylon | Pressure Level: 15 to 20 mmHg Best Budget Fuelmefoot Copper Compression Socks Amazon View On Amazon If you are wearing your compression socks every day, having multiple affordable pairs will make your life easier. These come in a pack of six for $20 and have plenty of color and design options to choose from. They have designed the toe area to be wide for extra wiggle room and breathability. Reviewers make note that these perform well, are easy to get off and on, and do the job of reducing swelling. These are a good value and provide a comfortable level of compression that can be worn all day long. Price at time of publication: $15Key Specs:Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Nylon, polyester, and copper | Pressure Level: 15 to 20 mmHg Best Open Toe Doc Miller Premium Open Toe Compression Socks 20-30 MMHG Doc Miller View On Docmillersports.com These premium open-toe compression socks are super comfortable with their seamless woven construction and they have a snug fit that will maintain their compression wear after wear. Made from nylon and spandex, these are a bit tougher to get on but once on, the compression level is perfect and will circulate blood flow. The 20-30 mmHG is medical-grade compression and rest assured with the non-binding cuff at the top these will not fall down. Offered in multiple size options and fashionable striped patterns, have your toes free and comfortable with this pair from Doc Miller. Price at time of publication: $19Key Specs:Range: Small to 5X-Large Wide | Material: Nylon and spandex | Pressure Level: 20 to 30 mmHg Best Splurge Sockwell On The Spot Graduated Compression Socks Sockwell View On Sockwellusa.com These are on the pricier side but are made in the USA and the cost is worth the benefits with this pair. Often the brand recommended by medical staff, these have 4 zones of moderate 15-20 mmHg graduated compression which minimizes swelling, reduces fatigue, and energizes feet and legs. It is worth mentioning that these do have 33 percent merino wool, however, reviewers do make note that they wear them in the summer and have no complaints about the breathability. Price at time of publication: $30Key Specs:Range: Small to Large | Material: Merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon, and spandex | Pressure Level: 15 to 20 mmHg Best for Exercise Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Physixgear.com If you plan on exercising while wearing compression socks, having a comfortable, breathable material is important. These socks are made of quality Lycra that is built to last. Offered in a variety of colors, these are 20-30 mmHg, which is medical-grade compression. Fans of the product rave about the comfort which can be attributed to the cuff at the top that keeps them in place and the extra support at the ankle. The company stands behind their products and offers your money back if you are unsatisfied with the results. Price at time of publication: $11Key Specs:Range: Small to XX-Large | Material: Lycra | Pressure Level: 20 to 30 mmHg Best Designs Dr. Motion Compression Socks View On Amazon These socks offer light compression compared to other options available but will still give you relief and maximize circulation. The three zones of graduated compression increase around the ankle which forces the circulation up to your heart to prevent pooling. Designed with a non-binding band at the top and a smooth, these have a compression level of 8-15 mmHg. We recommend these if you are looking for a sock with light compression that has a lot of great design choices to select from. Not to mention, these are priced affordably at $30 and come in a pack of four. Price at time of publication: $37Key Specs:Range: Size 4 to 10 | Material: Nylon and Elastane | Pressure Level: 8 to 15 mmHg What to Look for When Buying Compression Socks for Pregnancy Compression Level Compression level is the most important thing to look at before purchasing compression socks. The level will be listed as the mmHg (which stands for millimeters of mercury), and the higher the number the more pressure. A lot of socks offer graduated compression meaning the level of pressure varies throughout the sock, often tighter at the ankle. Some people prefer a lighter compression level and find they receive the same benefits. Fabric Knowing when and for how long you plan on wearing your compression socks will help guide your fabric decision. If you plan on wearing the socks to sleep, a cotton pair may be the best choice. A nylon-spandex blend may make the most sense if you are planning on working out in them or are in a hot climate and want breathability. Size Finding the right fit in a compression sock is so important to get maximum benefit. Make sure you select the right size for not only your feet but your calves. You want them to be snug but not uncomfortable or else you’ll find yourself not wearing them. Frequently Asked Questions Why are compression socks ideal for pregnancy? During pregnancy, you are at a higher risk of blood clots due to changes in blood composition. These changes can increase your risk of blood clots in the legs called DVTs (deep vein thrombosis), which can travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary emboli. Also, you retain more water during pregnancy. Compression socks can help to decrease swelling and discomfort and help improve blood circulation. While compression socks will not eliminate the risk of deep vein thrombosis, the risk of DVT can be greatly reduced. Is it safe to wear compression socks throughout your entire pregnancy? Yes, it is safe to wear compression socks throughout your entire pregnancy, although you may need to size up. Many pregnant people find that compression socks are a non-negotiable must-have during pregnancy for health and overall comfort. Is there BPA in socks? In 2022, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a California-based activist group, found amounts of bisphenol A (BPA) higher than the state’s allowed levels in over 100 brands of socks, including Hanes, Jefferies, Fruit of the Loom, and Adidas. BPA is used as an additive in certain synthetic materials like polyester and spandex, which are commonly used in socks. BPA is a known endocrine disrupter; in children and pregnant women, it may interfere with nervous system development, affect behavioral development, and lead to childhood obesity. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that more research is needed to confirm the adverse health effects of BPA, and the science of BPA absorption through skin has not been settled. Despite the CEH’s warning, no recalls have been made and no other independent organizations have confirmed the findings. If you prefer to avoid polyester and spandex as a safety precaution, look for options made with cotton, wool, and other natural fibers. Why Trust Verwell Family? Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer who focuses on lifestyle, and motherhood. She reviews products for pregnancy and early motherhood, and has two kids under the age of 3. 5 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. COMRAD. The best compression socks for pregnancy. COMRAD. Center for Environmental Health. CEH Finds 100+ Sock Brands with High Levels of BPA. Braun JM, Hauser R. Bisphenol A and children's health. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2011;23(2):233-239. doi:10.1097/MOP.0b013e3283445675 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bisphenol A (BPA) Factsheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles: Bisphenol A (BPA). See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit