Compression Socks for Pregnancy

Graduated compression applies measured pressure to your legs. The pressure is highest at the ankle, then gradually decreases as it moves up the leg. That gradient works with your circulation to support blood flow back towards the heart, rather than letting blood and fluid pool in the lower leg against gravity.

The pressure or compression power is measured in units called millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Different levels suit different needs. 15–20 mmHg is a gentle, everyday level suitable for all-day wear and is where most pregnant women start.

15–20 mmHg is a gentle-to-moderate level of graduated compression. It's firm enough to help support circulation, reduce swelling and relieve the aching and heaviness that build in the legs and feet - while still being comfortable to wear all day and manageable to put on yourself.

BIOSx offers 15–20 mmHg in our Departures Travel range and 20–25 mmHg in Everyday 24/7 and Elite Performance ranges. We also have a Recovery range in 25–28 mmHg range. For most pregnancies, 15–20 mmHg is the sensible starting point.

Yes. Graduated compression is designed to support circulation, which can help reduce and limit swelling in the legs, feet and ankles. Fluid build-up is especially common in pregnancy, and during long periods of sitting or standing.

By gently supporting the veins and easing the pressure that builds in the lower leg, graduated compression is shown to help manage fluid retention and support overall leg comfort through pregnancy.

No. You don't have to be an athlete or have a diagnosed condition. 15–20 mmHg graduated compression is designed for everyday wear and can help anyone experiencing swelling, sluggish circulation or aching legs.

It's particularly useful for pregnant and postpartum women, travellers, and anyone who spends long periods on their feet or sits for hours at a time.

There's no fixed rule, and many women benefit from starting early rather than waiting for swelling to appear. Most start in the second trimester, when heaviness and mild ankle swelling typically begin; women who stand all day at work often start sooner.

Put them on first thing in the morning, before fluid has settled in your legs. They're significantly easier to get on then, and they work from a lower baseline.

Many women continue wearing compression into the postpartum period. Swelling doesn't necessarily disappear when the baby arrives, for some it briefly increases in the first week, and compression can help support circulation and comfort while your body recovers.

If you've had a caesarean, a complicated birth, or you've been advised to limit mobility, check with your care provider before resuming.

Most women start with gentle 15–20 mmHg. If swelling becomes more pronounced, or you're on your feet all day, 20–25 mmHg gives firmer support. Our 25–28 mmHg Rapid Recovery range is firmer again and is suitable during pregnancy only following healthcare advice.

Compression is not a case of "firmer is better", and it should be chosen by your symptoms rather than by which trimester you're in. Start at the level that matches how your legs actually feel, and discuss the right level for you with your doctor or midwife.

Yes, compression socks are widely used in pregnancy and are generally well tolerated.

Speak with your midwife, GP or obstetrician before starting, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk, or if you have diabetes, existing vein problems, or reduced sensation in your feet.

Varicose veins are common in pregnancy. Rising blood volume and pressure on the veins returning blood from your legs both contribute. Compression socks are commonly recommended to help manage the symptoms of varicose veins, such as aching, heaviness and swelling.

If you have existing varicose veins, or a family history of them, talk to your GP or midwife about whether compression is appropriate for you and at what level.

This is the most common frustration late in pregnancy, and it's a real one. What helps: put them on in the morning before your legs swell; sit down and bring your foot up onto the opposite knee rather than bending forward; turn the sock inside out down to the heel, work the foot in, then roll the leg up rather than pulling from the top.

A sock aid or donner makes it easy, and it's a fair job to hand to your partner. Gentler 15–20 mmHg pairs are noticeably easier to manage solo than firmer levels.

Compression socks should be fitted using both your shoe size and your calf measurement. This matters more in pregnancy than at any other time, because your calf can change week to week.

Measure your calf at its widest point before ordering. BIOSx offers standard and larger-calf options so the band doesn't cut in behind the knee. Choose the size that matches both your shoe size and calf measurement — if your measurements fall between sizes, or across two different size ranges, contact BIOSx for personalised fitting assistance.

Wear them through the day, from morning until you settle in the evening. They do their work while you're upright and gravity is working against you.

Take them off before bed. Lying down does most of that work for you. The exception is if your midwife, GP or obstetrician has specifically advised overnight compression, then follow their advice.

Many women find compression makes long periods of sitting far more comfortable, and our Departures 15-20 mmHg range was designed with pregnancy travel in mind.

Flying while pregnant carries specific considerations beyond comfort, so talk to your midwife or GP before you travel and follow their guidance.

You can order BIOSx maternity compression socks online for delivery across Australia, with same-day dispatch before 12 pm on business days.

BIOSx is also stocked in selected Australian pharmacies including TerryWhite Chemmart, Direct Chemist Outlet, Pharmacy 777, Caremore Pharmacy and Greenleaf Pharmacy. Contact your local store to check availability.

Yes. BIOSx Compression Socks are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods as a Class I medical device: ARTG ID 462085.

Health fund rebates may be available. Because BIOSx compression socks are TGA-listed therapeutic goods, some Australian health funds allow a claim under extras cover, depending on your policy and level of cover. Check directly with your fund before purchasing.

Hand wash, or use a gentle warm cycle at a maximum of 30 °C in a mesh laundry bag. Air dry where possible. No fabric softener, no bleach, and don't dry them in direct sun or on a radiator. Heat degrades the elastane that holds the compression profile.

Every six months with regular wear. Compression relies on elastic recovery, and that fades gradually with washing and wear. A pair that has lost its stretch is a comfortable sock, but it may no longer be delivering the compression printed on the label.

Every pair is covered by our 100-day money-back guarantee - no forms, no fine print. Email support@biosx.com.au and we'll help process your return and refund.