Compression hosiery?

BurdyGurl

Hey ladies,   I'm due Dec. 26th so about 24 weeks along & in the past week I've suddenly begun having issues with swelling in my feet & ankles.. it's awful...looks like I've got loaves of bread for feet!!  Have been laying & elevating & watching sodium etc. I have my next OB appt on tuesday & will chat w dr, but wondering: anyone who's dealt with swelling & joint pain in the feet/ankle area, did you find compression socks or hosiery to be helpful?  Any tips on this? & I've looked online a bit & found a lot of sites sell 'maternity compression panty hose' at like $70.... any great & cheap websites I should try??  Thanks in advance for any feedback or directives!!

kelsz12

I'm thankful that I haven't had any swelling yet, but before I became pregnant I was an avid runner/marathoner and had both compression socks and sleeves (just go on your calves) and they help SO much with circulation in your legs. My two favorite brands are Bondi Band and Zensa. I'm guessing you could also find something similar at a sporting goods store.

CandEChicago

Regular compression socks worked great for me and I wear them on long haul flights. I get the type that look like regular black socks. My friend recommended them when she had to be on her feet all the time at the clinic.

Spanx makes maternity tights (branded as Assets) that are $18 and I just ordered a pair to see how they work.

irish2014

I bought some compression socks at Walgreens for <$20 for the flight when I flew abroad.

JoaPata

Hi there, I was able to get a prescription from my doctor for compression hose and insurance pays :-) 

allfalldown14

I don't have swelling, but am I the only one that completely shudders at the thought of wearing hose of any sort? I know some people find it necessary and helpful, but dayum. I have a hard time wearing pants.

kapio2012

I am an RN and work 12hr shifts. I wore full-on prescription compression pantyhose and they helped my legs/feet feel much better. Since I started getting a bump, I have not been wearing them. I have some thigh-highs that I wear occasionally, but I don't really like where they end/how they fit on my thighs. I need to just suck it up and start wearing them again since I have started swelling so much. I got the thigh-highs on Amazon for about $40, so not too bad. They are prescription strength (20-30mmHG). I definitely miss wearing them and wish the thigh-highs were more comfortable for me personally. 

CandEChicago

This is like what I bought.  They aren't prescription strength. 

https://www.amazon.com/Pintoli-Fytto-Womens-Compression-15-20mmHg/dp/B007IWHLQO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1410130118&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Pintoli/Fytto+Style+1020+Women's+Comfy+Compression+Socks,+15-20mmHg,+Knee+High,+Black,+Medium+Size

(good lord... donut of shame and compression socks... when did I turn old)

[Deleted User]

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CandEChicago

Then I don't want to know what old age is going to bring me. 

MariahV

I got these compression socks from REI:
https://www.rei.com/product/846467/sockwell-by-goodhew-chevron-compression-socks-womens
to wear on a recent flight. ($25)  As far as I could tell, they worked great!  I like them because they look like regular socks.  I'm sure I will be wearing them more as the weather gets colder and I get bigger.

kapio2012

RaeChay said:

I am an RN and work 12hr shifts. I wore full-on prescription compression pantyhose and they helped my legs/feet feel much better. Since I started getting a bump, I have not been wearing them. I have some thigh-highs that I wear occasionally, but I don't really like where they end/how they fit on my thighs. I need to just suck it up and start wearing them again since I have started swelling so much. I got the thigh-highs on Amazon for about $40, so not too bad. They are prescription strength (20-30mmHG). I definitely miss wearing them and wish the thigh-highs were more comfortable for me personally. 

Hmmm...I don't have swelling (yet?) but you say they make your feet feel better after a long shift? I find that my feet are sore the day after a shift.

Yes, my feet and legs are not as achy at the end of the day when I wear them. 

erynpdx

I got a pair of athletic sleeves since I'm still mostly wearing sandles, and while I haven't had much swelling yet, they really really help the varicose vein discomfort. I'll totally be getting more and am so glad temperatures are about to drop so the extra layer won't be so bad

BurdyGurl

Thank you all SO much!!  This is really great info/feedback. Also, I'm finding these boards really do alleviate some of the FTM anxiety that comes with pregnancy!!  It's nice to hear others have similar experiences!! 

CandEChicago & @MaraihV thanks for the links. I'll check those out!!  

I hadn't even THOUGHT about flying... DH & i are taking a trip to New Orleans, part business for me but we are tagging it into a baby moon.... I'm booking direct flights as to not spend too much time in the air, I'll DEF get myself some compression-wear for the flight!!

Thanks you all again! SUPER grateful!!  

colliebabe

I just bought the regular knee-high ones from CVS or Walgreens for our babymoon to Aruba last time. I wore them on the plane and to sleep at night (it was obviously too hot to wear them during the day there.)

futurewife7707

Drug store knee highs have helped-- I've even convinced my DH to start wearing them (we both stand for 13hrs/day)

ColoradoBoat

Thanks for all the tips and to the OP for this question!  I'm feeling ok, but have a flight in October and OB recommended compression socks.  So cool that REI sells them, as I have a giftcard to use there!