The best compression socks for pregnancy

The two pairs in this set look just like normal knee highs, so no one will ever know you're wearing compression socks unless you tell them. We like the stylish design of the Calves Kelson Compression Socks, with plain black legs and a striking pink heel. The nylon and elastic material is stretchy and flexible, and as they were created using a 3D knitting technique, there are no uncomfortable seams to worry about either.

One review said: "Bought these as heavily pregnant and swelling in feet was painful. I actually have ankles again and my feet are less painful. Bought the L/XL size to accommodate pregnancy bloating and fit well.. not too snug. Would highly recommend great value, 2 pairs (one to wear/one to wash) will be recommending to any pregnant woman in need of cankle relief. I feel less rage overall."

We love the Litthing Compression Socks as they come in colourful designs and look nothing like the surgical stockings you’re given in hospital. This three-pack includes spots, hearts and even a heart rate pattern. Made from nylon and polyamide, these socks are breathable and moisture wicking and they are reinforced around the heel and toe.

One review said: "I got this to wear on the airplane for travelling while pregnant. It's helped massively with leg cramps and now I wear them to work or when I'm expecting to have a long day on my feet."

This seven pack of YYW Compression Socks for Men & Women is enough to last you the whole week. The array of designs and patterns means you will look good. They are supportive without feeling too tight and have an extra large cuff to keep them in place so they won’t fall down. Designed to come to just below the knee, they put pressure on the areas of your leg where you need it most.

One review said: "These socks are amazing. They enable me to work long hours standing up or long hours sat at a computer with no leg aching or swelling as I had before. They make me feel more energetic and just feel like a lovely comfortable support. Plus they’re nice and warm for the winter and great patterns and colours. I’m wearing these every day for work and when I’m walking. Def recommend to anyone who has ever had aching legs or swelling. Bit tight when first put them on but so comfortable once on I never want to take them off."

These are not as pretty as other socks on our list, but the practical side zip makes them a doddle to put on and take off. The Ailaka Zipper Medical 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks have an open toe, so you’ll have plenty of room to wiggle your tootsies and a reinforced heel. These soft socks place more pressure around the ankle with three different intervals of graduated compression.

One review said: "I found the product very easy to put on . I had twisted my ankle and broke a bone in my leg .After the bone in my leg healed, I still had swelling in my ankle area and leg .The socks were ideal as they are lightweight but still gave support and kept swelling down .I also found that shoes and boots could still be worn. Other types are too thick and certain footwear are out of the question."

These Leostep Under the Sea Compression Socks are ergonomically designed to allow a free range of movement with discomfort or chafing. The under-the-sea-themed designs are adorable with penguins, sharks and whales. They come in a seven-pack, making them extremely affordable. Made from a moisture-wicking fabric which draws sweat away from your body, these socks will keep your skin feeling dry.

One review said: "These socks have been go send for me. I am on my feet all day and at the end of the day my legs used to be painful, tired and achy. since wearing these I have no problems. My feet and legs feel great. To all those who complained about them being hard to put on that is how compression garments work, take it from someone who has to wear a compression garment frequently. I highly recommend these socks."

We love these stylish compression socks. As socks go, we love the floral design of the Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men & Women. The double-stitched fabric promises comfort. These socks are hand wash only. They are made of 70 per cent nylon, 30 per cent elastane.

One review said: "Using for varicose veins after pregnancy. Far more comfortable and better looking than the ones I got in the hospital. I also have the compression sleeves with no feet in them so I can wear more than once/use fresh socks/wear with flipflops. I like to ride my bike so the socks will be useful for that in the long run. Seem to wash well in the machine."

Compression socks don’t have to be boring as this colourful pair with a pink flamingo design proves. Made from a breathable blend of nylon and polyester, the Fenglaoda Flamingo Compression Socks won’t make your legs too hot when you’re wearing them.

One review said**:** "After just having my baby via c section and the hospital giving me blood thinning injections to take for six weeks yet only providing me with the one pair of tragic white stockings. I walked out of there wearing. I was desperately looking for something a bit more me that could pass as a sock. Be a little less Michael Jackson looking when wearing my mum leggings round the house and also do the same job , I'm so glad I found these! They are way more comfortable than the hospital ones but provide the same amount of compression if not more. I have to virtually wrestle them on on a morning and are way more fun! Had many of compliments on them! 10/10 golds stars"