Can You Wear Compression Socks During Labor?

 Esohe Faith Ohuoba Profile Photo
By Dr. Esohe Faith Ohuoba | Updated on Jun 26, 2024
Image for article Can You Wear Compression Socks During Labor?

You may have noticed swelling in your legs during pregnancy, and you may have managed it with compression socks. These socks help with circulation and blood flow in your legs. Think of them as a constant massage of the leg, with the goal of getting blood flow back to your heart, keeping the fluid in your body from pooling in your legs, and preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

While wearing compression socks during pregnancy can help with swelling, they aren’t necessary during labor, and in fact, the optimal time to wear compression socks is actually after birth. You may notice swelling and fluid shifts in your body after delivery—compression socks can help with this, but your obstetrician will likely encourage you to also walk around, especially if you’ve had a C-section

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis1  include having surgery, being pregnant, the four to six weeks after giving birth, and long periods of not moving (which you may experience if you’ve had a lengthy or complicated labor). DVT is life threatening, so taking your own preventative measures with compression socks may sound like a good idea. 

You might also want to wear compression socks during labor because you’re cold, but they’re not your only option. There are a ton of cute socks specifically to be worn in labor—they’re usually very soft and have a grip texture on the bottom to keep you from slipping on slick hospital floors.

If you want to wear compression socks during labor, you should discuss it with your birth team to make sure you don’t have any medical conditions that may be of concern.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists"Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis"American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsMay 1, 2024https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preventing-deep-vein-thrombosis.


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Updated on Jun 26, 2024

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Can You Wear Compression Socks During Labor?

 Esohe Faith Ohuoba Profile Photo
By Dr. Esohe Faith Ohuoba | Updated on Jun 26, 2024
Image for article Can You Wear Compression Socks During Labor?

You may have noticed swelling in your legs during pregnancy, and you may have managed it with compression socks. These socks help with circulation and blood flow in your legs. Think of them as a constant massage of the leg, with the goal of getting blood flow back to your heart, keeping the fluid in your body from pooling in your legs, and preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

While wearing compression socks during pregnancy can help with swelling, they aren’t necessary during labor, and in fact, the optimal time to wear compression socks is actually after birth. You may notice swelling and fluid shifts in your body after delivery—compression socks can help with this, but your obstetrician will likely encourage you to also walk around, especially if you’ve had a C-section

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis1  include having surgery, being pregnant, the four to six weeks after giving birth, and long periods of not moving (which you may experience if you’ve had a lengthy or complicated labor). DVT is life threatening, so taking your own preventative measures with compression socks may sound like a good idea. 

You might also want to wear compression socks during labor because you’re cold, but they’re not your only option. There are a ton of cute socks specifically to be worn in labor—they’re usually very soft and have a grip texture on the bottom to keep you from slipping on slick hospital floors.

If you want to wear compression socks during labor, you should discuss it with your birth team to make sure you don’t have any medical conditions that may be of concern.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists"Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis"American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsMay 1, 2024https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preventing-deep-vein-thrombosis.


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