Compression socks/stockings - do they work?

[Beachbaby2017]

Has anyone tried compression socks for pregnancy swelling? Did they work? My ankles and feet are so swollen, it's painful.

How far along are you? Have you spoken to your mw?

33 weeks, my consultant is not concerned about the swelling, I've spoken with her about it several times and my BP is fine. So I'm just trying to figure out ways to manage it. It's not massive swelling, it's just enough to be persistently uncomfortable.

Ouch. Have you tried elevating your legs as much as poss?

Yes, it takes the edge off, but they don't really go down. The best thing so far was a long swim in a cold lake! I tried soaking them in cool water to replicate that but it didn't help. I should be able to go for another swim soon :) But I was thinking that if the socks work, I'd be happy to wear them too.

Yes they're a life saver. I got mine via amazon. Medical grade thigh length stockings. £20 but washable. Wear them everyday. Started at 29 weeks as major swelling issues. Couldn't manage without them. Just measure yourself correctly before you buy. So much better than the NHS ones. Good luck x

Just to say, i started with the ones that stop lower down at the knee and the ones that don't compress your feet. Don't bother as wherever the compression stops the fluid starts to pool. Go full length.x

Good point, fraggle, thanks. Although in this 30C heat we're having right now, I don't know if I can muster full length! It might still be worth it.

Update: I got some knee high ones (that's what they had and it's too hot here for more) and they actually helped. Yay!

Great!x