What should you know about maternity compression garments?

These stockings, socks, sleeves or garments are designed to press more firmly near the ankle or lower limb and gradually less higher up. That pressure can help limit fluid pooling and may ease aching, tightness or a tired feeling in the legs. Pregnancy-related swelling is common, especially later in pregnancy, but new swelling can also have causes that need assessment. A garment should feel supportive rather than sharply painful, numb or unusually tight.

Ask a maternity clinician or trained fitting professional to help select the pressure level, size and style. Measurements may need repeating as your body changes. Put the garment on when swelling is least noticeable, usually after waking, and check that the fabric lies smoothly without folds or rolled edges. Follow the product’s washing instructions and inspect your skin after wearing it. Gentle movement, changing position and raising your legs when resting may also help. Compression garments do not replace assessment of sudden or marked swelling.

Contact your maternity team promptly for sudden swelling of the face or hands, a severe or persistent headache, vision changes, pain beneath the ribs, or feeling very unwell. Seek urgent help for one-sided leg swelling with warmth or pain, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, fainting, or a cold, pale or numb foot. Stop using a garment and seek advice if it causes skin damage, colour change, increasing pain or loss of sensation.

Ask whether compression is suitable for your circulation and pregnancy; what pressure and size are appropriate; how long to wear it; and what symptoms should prompt a review. If swelling continues after birth, ask whether lymphoedema assessment or therapy is appropriate.