Compression Stockings: Your Comfort Partner During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is no less than a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs. It brings a lot of joy, with an equal share of discomforts as well, especially for the legs. Swelling, fatigue, and varicose veins are some common challenges that make everyday activities feel like a constant struggle.
But what if we say there’s a simple yet comforting solution for it? Sounds interesting, right? It is compression stockings. Despite having a compact look, they are a powerhouse of benefits when it comes to providing much-needed relief during pregnancy.
Whether you’re dealing with tired legs or looking to prevent certain complications, they are your best friend during this beautiful yet demanding journey of pregnancy. Let’s explore more about how they are advantageous to you and what measures you need to adopt while using them.
When To Wear Compression Stockings During Pregnancy?
Consider compression stockings as a gentle hug to your legs that you are giving from your end. How often you give it, when you give it, depends on you and your legs’ requirements. Although physicians recommend wearing them from the twelfth week of pregnancy, you need not do that; after all, who knows what’s best for your body better than yourself?
Some instances might arise wherein they might suggest using compression hoses in the first trimester itself to address complications like swelling, varicose veins, and spider veins. Other than that, you can start partnering with your new best friend, i.e., compression stockings, if you’re going to be on your feet a lot.
Benefits Of Wearing Compression Stockings During Pregnancy
There’s so much that goes on in a pregnant lady’s body during pregnancy. The body undergoes a lot of significant changes, like increased blood volume and softening of the uterus’s tissue, due to which women face complications like tired legs, edema, and even vein-related issues.
All this results in an increased body weight, putting more strain on the veins, which causes the problem of heavy legs. This is where the role of compression stockings comes into the picture, as it offers the following benefits:
1. Alleviating Swelling And Edema
The graduated pressure applied by thigh high compression stockings 15-20 mmHg, helps improve the blood flow and reduce the pooling of blood and excess fluid in the legs. This makes them an excellent choice of support for combating swelling and edema, not just for the first trimester but for later stages of pregnancy as well.
2. Improving Circulation
During pregnancy, pumping blood back to the heart from the legs becomes a bit strenuous for the body. Compression hoses gently squeeze the blood vessels that help the blood flow more easily throughout the legs, reducing the chances of blood pooling, which further reduces the instances of swelling and discomfort.
3. Reducing The Risk Of Vein-Related Problems
Vein-related issues like varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and blood clotting are common during pregnancy. For it, physicians recommend using a thigh high compression hose 15-20 that helps reduce the risk of all these ailments by enhancing blood circulation.
5. Reducing Instance Of Dizziness, Nausea, And Vomiting
Wearing compression stockings in the morning itself helps you squeeze the veins in the legs, which increases blood flow and reduces the diameter of the veins, allowing the blood to flow more easily and preventing issues like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Moreover, these medical garments can also aid with orthostatic hypotension, another common issue during early pregnancy.
6. Relieves Tired legs
By being tighter at the ankles and gradually loosening up around the leg, these medical stockings carry a very gentle squeezing action that helps blood flow more efficiently through the veins and back to the heart, giving relief from the problem of tired legs.
How To Choose The Right Compression Stockings?
Although there isn’t much of a calculation required while deciding on which pair of compression stockings you need for yourself, you still need to consider some factors that will guarantee you make the best selection for yourself. The following are some of them:
Fit
Choose a pair that’s snug, neither loose nor too tight. In case you go with a pair that’s too loose, you won’t be getting any compression at all, while going with an option that’s too tight would result in restricting proper blood flow instead of promoting it. Try measuring your legs in the morning to find the best pair for yourself.
Level of Compression
The level of compression ranges from light to firm. You have to consult your physician regarding which compression level is suitable for you, as a stocking based on a moderate compression level of 15-20 millimeters is generally suggested for normal wear during pregnancy, while a compression stockings thigh high 20-30 works best for preventing DVT or varicose veins.
Type
Typically, there are two types of compression stockings available, i.e., graduated compression stockings and thrombo-embolic deterrent (TED) hose or anti-embolism stockings. Graduated compression ones are great for reducing swelling and increasing comfort, while anti-embolism stockings are generally recommended for preventing the development of blood clots.
Toe Style
Compression stockings come in two toe styles, i.e., open-toe and closed-toe. While open-toe compression stockings allow better breathability, thigh high compression stockings 20-30 mmhg closed toe, provide maximum compression and offer full coverage, making them great for those having severe conditions.
How To Wear Compression Stockings?
To allow these stockings to show their maximum efficiency, it’s essential to wear them correctly. Begin by holding the top of the stockings and roll them down towards the heel. Place your feet into the stocking as far as possible into the heel/pocket of the stocking.
Now, pull it up and unroll it over the leg. Ensure to unroll it properly, avoiding bunching. After you’re done placing the top of the stocking in its place, remove any wrinkles if any appear.
Best Practices For Using Compression Stockings
There are certain practices that you need to follow while using compression hoses. Don’t consider it a mere piece of garment, as it helps support the strained venous system that is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
- For best results, it is advised that you put them on in the morning each day.
- Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to wash and take care of these stockings. Generally, it’s suggested to hand wash them and let them air dry.
- Replace the stockings every 3 to 6 months, as they are most likely to lose their compression level over time. Make sure to measure the legs again before buying a new pair.
- Duly follow your doctor’s instructions as to how long you need to wear these compression stockings throughout the day.
- Choose a pair that feels right for you, neither too tight nor too loose.
- In case you find it difficult to wear them, apply a lotion on the legs and let it get dried before you put on the compression stockings. You can even use a bit of baby powder to help the stocking slide up more easily.
- For those having some mobility issues, using a stocking donner might prove useful.
To Sum Up
No matter which compression level-based medical stocking you choose, one thing is certain: you will find relief from a number of pregnancy discomforts, including swelling, pain, blood clots, varicose veins, nausea and vomiting, and more.
After all, a healthy body is essential for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. If you need compression stockings, you can rely on brands like SNUG360, which offers a wide range of maternity care products, ensuring a beautiful pregnancy journey for you.
