Should I wear compression stockings for pregnant women and how to do it right
Miscellaneous / / April 05, 2023
For some women, this is prevention, for others it is a necessity.
Why do I need compression stockings during pregnancy?
Compression stockings and stockings improve blood circulation in the legs and may protect against varicose veins. In this disease, the saphenous veins of the legs stretched and puff up. Because of this, there is heaviness in the legs, swelling and pain, muscle cramps may occur at night.
Over time, the valves in the veins become damaged and blood flow is disrupted. Small vessels can appear through the skin with a bluish mesh, and large ones can swell and protrude.
During pregnancy, the risk of varicose veins is especially great: He appears in 20-50% of women. The fact is that the enlarged uterus presses on the inferior vena cava, which can lead to stagnation of blood and damage to the valves of the veins. What's more, high levels of the female sex hormone estrogen can promote vasodilation and increase the risk of blood clots.
Compression stockings can protect against circulatory problems and varicose veins. Elastic products gently
squeeze legs - a little stronger at the bottom and weaker at the top. Due to this, the veins narrow, the valves work better, and the blood flows back to the heart faster without stretching the vessels.Wearing compression stockings throughout pregnancy protects from edema, helps to relieve pain and heaviness in the legs in most women.
Should I buy compression stockings for pregnant women?
Wearing compression stockings is not a mandatory measure during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. However, it is worth considering this if some symptoms appear.
Nikolai Rogovoy
Phlebologist, vascular surgeon
Compression stockings are needed only for those who have signs of venous insufficiency: swelling, heaviness in the legs, fatigue in the evening. And of course, varicose veins.
Obstetrician-gynecologist Maria Filatova says that due to the prevalence of varicose veins in pregnant women, the need to wear compression underwear appears in most women. In addition, this is a mandatory measure for those who are at risk for thrombosis.
To make a decision, consult with the gynecologist leading the pregnancy. And if you have problems with blood vessels - with phlebologist. Your doctor will determine how high your risk of developing varicose veins is and will tell you if you need stockings.
When should I start wearing compression stockings?
It all depends on whether there are indications for wearing compression underwear.
Maria Filatova
Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist of the clinic "Chaika"
Women with a history of thrombosis may be advised to wear compression stockings as early as possible. The rest - from the moment when complaints of fatigue and swelling of the legs appear or there are additional reasons for the prevention of thrombosis, such as a long flight or surgical intervention.
IN researchdedicated to the prevention of varicose veins, women wore stockings every day from 10-13 weeks of pregnancy.
At the same time, most of the participants noticed that they were comfortable enough and the underwear did not cause problems.
How to choose compression stockings for pregnant women
When choosing compression stockings, there are two main criteria to consider.
Compression class
There are four classes of compression, different in terms of pressure on the leg. The choice depends on your condition and the indications of the doctor.
Maria Filatova says that with severity and slight swelling, as well as a slight increase venous pattern, it is better to choose zero (prophylactic) or first compression class - up to 18 or 18–22 mm.
Higher grades are therapeutic and are used as prescribed by a doctor. Nikolai Rogovoy says that the specific choice depends on the stage of varicose veins. If it is a vascular network, the first one may be enough, and if there are large bumps - varicose veins, the second one is needed.
With pronounced varicose veins consult a doctor to advise you on the required compression class.
Length
Compression knitwear comes in different lengths - up to the knees and up to the upper thighs. There are also models in the form of tights.
Armen Avakyan
Surgeon-phlebologist of the network of orthopedic salons ORTEKA
The outflow of blood through the veins of the lower extremities is stimulated by the muscles of the leg. The main effect that compression stockings have is on the shin and its muscles, so stockings are in no way inferior to stockings or tights in terms of efficiency. You can choose a product in which you will be as comfortable as possible.
How to wear compression stockings
Maria Filatova says that it is necessary to put on stockings and stockings in the morning, immediately after waking up. If this is a second-class compression jersey, it is advisable to do this even before getting out of bed.
In order not to harm the product, follow the instructions:
1. Put your hand into the stocking, grab it at the heel and turn it inside out to the toe.
If you have long nails, be careful not to tear the product.
2. Pull the stocking over your foot to the heel.
3. Grasp the top of the product and pull it over your leg.
Make sure the stocking is on straight. If there are folds on the fabric, spread the jersey over the leg with soft stroking movements from the bottom up.
How long can compression stockings be worn
As a rule, compression stockings are advised to be put on in the morning and taken off just before going to bed.
But if you do not want to wear them for so long, focus on your load. For example, if you plan to spend the whole day on the couch, occasionally walking to the refrigerator, you can do without knitwear.
If you plan any loads or long sitting with legs below the level of the pelvis, it is better to play it safe and wear stockings or stockings.
Armen Avakyan
For the purpose of prevention, it is first of all recommended to wear products under static loads. We are talking about standing work or sitting in the office, long - more than 2 hours - trips by car or air travel.
In this case, wear knitwear all day until evening and take it off only before going to bed.
How to care for your compression stockings
In order for stockings or stockings to retain their compression properties longer, it is necessary to properly wash their. It is done like this:
- Wash stockings as they get dirty, but no more than three times a week. Do it by hand in warm water (not higher than 40 ° C) or in a typewriter in the “Hand Wash” or “Delicate Wash” modes without spinning.
- Use mild cleansers such as baby soap or powder.
- Wring out the product carefully, without twisting it. To dry, lay the stocking on a towel on a horizontal surface. Compression stockings must not be hung up as this can cause them to stretch and release pressure. It is also forbidden to dry stockings on heaters.
If you plan to wear compression stockings regularly and do so throughout your pregnancy, it is better to buy two pairs at once. So the stockings will last longer, and you can wear one pair while the second is in the wash.
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