What should you know about pregnancy compression garments?

Compression socks, sleeves, leggings, belts and other garments apply graduated or gentle pressure to selected areas. This can support comfort when the legs feel heavy or mildly swollen during pregnancy. A support belt may also reduce the feeling of strain around the abdomen or pelvis, but it does not support the baby or treat every cause of pain.

The garment should not press on the abdomen, groin or neck, restrict breathing, or create a tight band behind the knee. Swelling caused by heat, prolonged standing or pregnancy can differ from swelling linked to a blood-vessel or blood-pressure problem, so fitting and medical advice matter.

Ask your maternity team or a trained fitter which garment and pressure level suit your symptoms. Measure at the time recommended, select a breathable material and check the skin after removing it. It should allow normal walking, ankle movement, breathing and sensation. Put on leg garments as advised, often before swelling has built up, and remove them if they become painful or numb.

Wash the garment as directed and replace it when it loses its shape. Do not use compression over a rash, wound or infected skin without clinical advice. General information about [Compression Garment](/materials/compression-garment/) and [Lymphoedema Therapy](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/lymphoedema-therapy/) can help explain different uses.

Contact your maternity team urgently for sudden swelling of the face or hands, severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, or a blood-pressure concern. Seek urgent help for one-sided leg swelling with pain or warmth, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting or coughing blood. Do not cover these symptoms with tighter compression.

Ask what is causing the swelling or discomfort, which garment style and pressure are appropriate, when to wear it, and whether it is suitable during sleep or exercise. Ask how to check fit as pregnancy changes and which symptoms mean you should remove it and call.