Why compression socks are a must-pack when travelling during pregnancy: whether you're flying, driving, or training, it
Travelling while pregnant can feel like a balancing act. You're excited to get away, but your body has very different ideas about comfort, circulation, and sitting still for long periods of time. Swollen ankles, heavy legs, and the constant need to move are all part of the picture, especially on long journeys.
That's where compression socks quietly earn their place as one of the most underrated maternity travel essentials. Whether you're flying across the country, road-tripping for hours, or spending long stretches seated on a train, the right pair of maternity compression socks can make a meaningful difference to how your body feels during and after the journey.
Let's break down why compression socks matter, when to wear them, and how to travel more comfortably and confidently at every stage of pregnancy.
Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?
For most uncomplicated pregnancies, travel is considered safe, particularly during the second trimester, when energy levels are often higher, and symptoms like nausea tend to ease. That said, every pregnancy is different, and it's always best to check with your healthcare provider before planning long trips.
Long periods of sitting, however, do come with some additional considerations during pregnancy, regardless of whether you're in the air or on the road.
According to The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots due to natural changes in circulation and blood composition. Prolonged immobility, such as sitting for long stretches while travelling, can further increase this risk.
This is where preventative measures, like movement, hydration, and compression, become particularly important.
Why long trips are harder on pregnant bodies
Pregnancy naturally places extra pressure on your circulatory system. Your blood volume increases, your uterus presses on major veins, and gravity doesn't do your legs any favours when you're sitting for hours on end.
Common travel-related discomforts during pregnancy include:
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Swollen feet and ankles (oedema)
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Heavy or aching legs
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Cramping
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Varicose veins
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Increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Even if you've never experienced swelling before pregnancy, long trips can bring it on quickly, especially in warmer climates or confined spaces like planes and cars.
How compression socks help while travelling during pregnancy
Compression socks are designed to apply gentle, graduated pressure to the legs, helping blood flow back toward the heart. The pressure is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg, supporting circulation without feeling restrictive.
When worn during travel, maternity compression socks can help:
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Reduce swelling in the feet, ankles, and calves
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Support healthy circulation during long periods of sitting
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Lower the risk of blood pooling in the legs
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Ease that "heavy legs" feeling after travel
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Provide comfort during recovery once you reach your destination
The Australian Government's Department of Health highlights compression garments as a useful strategy for managing pregnancy-related swelling and circulation concerns, particularly during periods of prolonged inactivity.
Flying while pregnant: why compression socks are essential
Air travel deserves special attention when it comes to compression socks. Cabin pressure, reduced oxygen levels, and limited space to move all contribute to increased swelling and circulation challenges, even for non-pregnant travellers. Add pregnancy into the mix, and compression socks move from "nice to have" to "strongly recommended".
Travel tips for flying while pregnant:
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Put compression socks on before boarding, not mid-flight
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Choose an aisle seat so you can stand and walk every hour
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Stay well hydrated and limit caffeine
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Flex and rotate your ankles regularly while seated
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Wear loose, breathable clothing
Road trips and train travel: yes, compression socks still matter
It's a common misconception that compression socks are only for flying. In reality, any long journey where movement is limited can impact circulation during pregnancy. Whether you're driving for hours or seated on a train, the lack of leg movement remains a challenge for your veins.
When on the road or rail:
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Take regular breaks to stand and walk
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Avoid crossing your legs
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Keep feet elevated when possible
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Wear compression socks from the start of the journey
Even on shorter trips, many pregnant people notice less swelling and fatigue when compression socks are part of their travel routine.
What to look for in maternity compression socks
Not all compression socks are created equal, and pregnancy adds its own set of needs. When choosing compression socks for travelling during pregnancy, look for:
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Graduated compression: This ensures the pressure is correctly distributed to push blood upwards.
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Pregnancy-safe compression level: Often, 15-20 mmHg is the sweet spot for travel unless advised otherwise by a professional.
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Breathable, stretchy fabric: This helps to accommodate changing leg sizes and prevents overheating.
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Knee-high length: This provides the optimal level of circulation support for the lower legs.
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Non-restrictive bands: Look for designs that won't dig in behind the knee.
The Sleepybelly Maternity Compression Socks are designed specifically with pregnant bodies in mind, offering gentle graduated compression to support circulation without compromising comfort. They're also ARTG listed, adding an extra layer of reassurance when it comes to safety and quality.
When should you wear compression socks during pregnancy?
While travel is one of the most common times to reach for compression socks, they can be worn whenever your legs need extra support. Many pregnant people choose to wear them during long trips, on workdays that involve prolonged sitting or standing, in warmer weather when swelling is more noticeable, or during the third trimester when circulation challenges increase.
Always speak with your healthcare provider if you're unsure about compression levels or have existing circulation concerns.
Packing your pregnancy travel kit
If you're planning a trip while pregnant, your travel essentials might look a little different these days. Alongside your compression socks, consider packing:
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A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
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Comfortable shoes with room for potential swelling
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A small pillow or lumbar support for the seat
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Healthy, salty snacks to help manage fluid balance
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Copies of prenatal records, especially for international flights
It's not about over-preparing, it's about supporting your body so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
The bottom line
Travelling during pregnancy doesn't have to mean discomfort, swelling, or aching legs. With a few smart choices and the right support, long trips can feel far more manageable.
When it comes to compression socks while travelling during pregnancy, they're one of those simple additions that deliver outsized benefits. They support circulation, reduce swelling, and help you arrive feeling more comfortable and confident. Whether you're boarding a plane, settling in for a long drive, or clocking up hours on a train, compression socks deserve a permanent spot in your maternity travel bag.
Your body is already doing something extraordinary; it deserves a little extra support along the way.
