Knitted compression underwear for pregnant women. How to choose compression stockings for pregnant women. What is suitable for women in position

Almost every woman staying in interesting position, you have to deal with unpleasant sensations in the legs: heaviness, swelling, varicose veins. All these conditions are due to the increasing load on the body, which grows as the baby grows in the stomach. Sometimes leg swelling and varicose veins can pose a threat to the health of the expectant mother, therefore, women with such a problem are advised to wear special stockings.

Why do pregnant women need compression stockings?

Compression underwear has become a real find for patients prone to varicose veins and swelling. The product is made of a special elastic material, the main functions of which are:

even distribution of pressure on blood vessels;
normalization of the outflow of venous blood from the lower extremities;
elimination of fatigue in the limbs.

Compression stockings for edema during pregnancy

Swelling of the extremities while carrying a baby is often caused by fluid retention in the body, which happens when there is an excess of salts in the diet. Diet will help to cope with this type of edema. Sometimes, however, edema is the first sign that normal venous blood flow in the legs is impaired. With a constant feeling of leg fatigue, edema and the manifestation of a pronounced vascular pattern, a woman is advised to consult a doctor who diagnoses and treats vein problems. In combination with the prescribed treatment, the specialist will recommend wearing compression underwear.

Compression underwear for pregnant women: how to choose the right one

For expectant mothers, many varieties of compression underwear are produced, which have different size, color, degree of compression. These include:

tights - it is advisable to buy with existing problems not only with calves, but also with varicose veins of the external genital organs, however, tights can put pressure on the stomach and cause difficulties for a woman if she needs to visit the toilet, which happens quite often in an interesting position;
stockings are the best alternative for women with varicose veins. Stockings are easy to use, the only drawback is the need to tighten them all the time and make sure that they do not slip;
Knee-highs are relevant if there are problems with veins only in the area of the calf muscles, however, this option of underwear does not look very aesthetically pleasing under a dress or skirt.

Most expectant mothers prefer to choose stockings, rather than tights or knee-highs, since this model is the most convenient to use and its appearance is no different from ordinary stockings.

All medical underwear has a different size, therefore, before buying the stockings, the patient should make the necessary measurements at home, and then simply show them to the seller to the consultant who will help choose the stockings with the desired parameters. An incorrectly sized linen will not only fail to fulfill its direct function, but will also bring more harm than good. Arm yourself with a tape measure and carefully measure:

distance from groin to feet;
hip and waist circumference (for tights);
shin circumference above the ankles;
shin circumference above the knee joint.

Lingerie should only be purchased from a specialized store or pharmacy!

Depending on the severity varicose veins stockings or tights have different degrees of compression:

light - underwear with light compression can be worn by pregnant women in order to prevent problems with venous circulation, as well as to reduce the load on the lower extremities before the upcoming long walk;
first class - underwear from this degree is intended to be worn by women who are genetically predisposed to varicose veins, but do not yet have pronounced problems (or poorly expressed problems), but only complain of increased leg fatigue and their slight swelling in the evenings;
second class - underwear from this class is prescribed to be worn by pregnant women who suffer from varicose veins, spider veins on the legs and their severe swelling;
the third class of compression - indicated if the patient has chronic diseases of the veins of the lower extremities, for example, thrombophlebitis and others;
anti-embolic type of underwear - prescribed to women at the time of delivery in order to reduce the load on the vessels of the small pelvis and prevent the development of complications.

Depending on the density of the stockings or tights, the products may have a different number of Den.

You cannot make your own decision about wearing compression stockings, golf or tights, as this underwear has a number of serious contraindications, for example:

ischemia of some areas;
Raynaud's disease;
atherosclerosis;
open wound surfaces;
pustular skin rashes;
various endocrine disorders.

Instructions for using compression hosiery: how to put it on and how much to wear

In order for the effect of wearing compression underwear to be obvious, a woman needs to learn how to use it correctly, for this she should learn simple rules:

put on stockings or tights in the morning, without getting out of bed - when putting on linen, the patient may feel cold in the limbs and a feeling of squeezing, which is the norm;
for the convenience of putting on (especially during long periods of pregnancy), ask someone close to help;
if necessary, take stockings with you to childbirth, so you can prevent various complications associated with increased pressure on the vessels of the lower extremities and pelvis.

Compression stockings should be worn all day, taking them off in bed before going to bed.

Care rules: how to wash and dry compression stockings

In order for the product to serve you for a long time, you should take proper care of it. Washing of stockings is allowed only by hand, the use of a washing machine or dryer is prohibited. Use baby or laundry soap and warm water to wash the stockings, and always rinse the laundry thoroughly. It is necessary to dry the stockings only in a horizontal position, spreading them out on a flat, hard surface, since hanging the product on clotheslines can lead to deformation of the fibers of the fabric and a violation of the compression function.

Irina Levchenko, obstetrician-gynecologist, specially forMirmam. pro

Useful video

In accordance with the instructions of doctors, women are recommended to use during pregnancy and delivery compression stockings for childbirth, which prevent the risk of developing varicose veins. Also, this underwear promotes the treatment of vascular diseases, prevents the formation of blood clots and significantly reduces the enormous load on the legs.

Under the influence of increased intra-abdominal pressure, which is formed during the birth of a baby, characteristic phenomena of stagnation develop in the region of the pelvic organs and legs, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Healing stockings distribute the load in the legs so that the maximum pressure falls on the lower legs, which prevents the appearance.

Unfortunately, not every woman in labor knows that during childbirth there is always a risk of developing diseases of the veins and blood vessels of the legs. Pregnancy is always associated with severe stress for the body.

During this period, large blood vessels and arteries are pinched, which is caused by the pressure of the growing uterus. Taken together, this leads to the development of stagnant phenomena in the legs and small pelvis.

Replies

For a woman, the most important thing is an attentive and careful attitude to her health, especially when she is in a position, because even with this, caring for a child begins. As you know, varicose veins are one of the most common diseases that most often begins to develop during pregnancy, and with each subsequent pregnancy, this disease progresses more and more. But in order to prevent this and make life more comfortable during pregnancy, they came up with special compression stockings. We will tell you how to wear them correctly for pregnant women in this article.

Such stockings are practical to use, comfortable, they can be worn under any skirts and dresses, as they will always look spectacular, and most importantly, in addition to aesthetic beauty, they carry real benefit, thanks to which varicose veins can be avoided, and the legs will acquire their former lightness. Many people ask, can they be worn during long periods of pregnancy? Not just possible, but necessary!

To receive recommendations for wearing compression stockings, a pregnant woman needs to inform her gynecologist about swelling of the legs, pain in the legs at the end of the working day, even if a trace of an elastic band remains on the leg or vascular mesh appears on the thighs, and the veins began to protrude under knees.

In this case, she will be redirected to a vascular surgeon, who will conduct an examination and will already determine and prescribe the necessary compression hosiery, which can be of various classes - from the simple first one, which is intended for prevention, to the second or third, which are already used for treatment and buy them without a doctor's prescription is impossible.

How to wear compression stockings?

There is a difference between compression stockings and ordinary ones - the former are worn much worse than the latter, and the degree of difficulty in putting on directly depends on the class of the product itself. To put on compression stockings correctly, you must first put on a silk sock on your leg (this is the case if the stockings come with an open toe), which comes with the stockings, and then you can start putting on the stockings as usual, and then you can easily remove from your feet.

Before wearing compression stockings, during the day you need to make sure that they fit well on the body and that there are no folds anywhere. By the way, some craftsmen came up with the idea of sprinkling talcum powder on your feet - this also makes it easier to put on compression hosiery. You should also monitor the condition of your toenails to avoid damage to the compression tissue.

Compression garment care

Also, stockings should be properly cared for so that they do not quickly lose their properties. They need to be washed only in water, the temperature of which is not higher than forty degrees, using a low-alkaline shampoo when washing. Do not use when spinning washing machine and do not twist the stockings, it is best to put them between dry towels and press down slightly to remove excess moisture. It is best to dry away from heating appliances. For ease of use, it is recommended to buy two pairs.

How much to wear compression stockings during pregnancy?

How long can you wear compression stockings? Usually, both doctors and manufacturers recommend wearing these products throughout the day. In general, it is best to wear compression stockings for about 8 to 10 hours a day. They must be put on your feet before getting out of bed. If it is not possible to do this immediately after waking up, then it is best to do it a little later, but before that you will have to lie down a little so that your legs return to their normal state.

They usually take off stockings before going to bed so that the body can rest at night, and the body itself is not lazy and works on its own - there is no need to walk or run during sleep, so the legs practically do not receive any load and the body itself is able to provide the necessary pressure for proper blood circulation.

What are we for

Or medical underwear is intended for the prevention and treatment of diseases related to blood vessels and veins. It also protects the legs from excessive stress. An indication for the use of tights can be:

varicose veins;
chronic venous insufficiency;
thrombophlebitis;
vascular network;
swelling;
convulsions;
feeling tired and tight in the legs;
preparation for surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

Increasingly, doctors recommend wearing this underwear during pregnancy to prevent the development of varicose veins. This measure minimizes the risks associated with cardiovascular disease both throughout pregnancy and during childbirth.

Advice. The expectant mother can make the decision to purchase preventive tights on her own, but if there are problems with veins, you should contact a phlebologist. The specialist will not only prescribe the wearing of underwear, but will also help you choose the necessary compression.

How do they work

Wearing such tights has the following effect:

protection of veins from expansion;
stimulation of active blood circulation on the surface of the leg;
prevention of thrombosis formation;
prevention of seizures;
oxygen supply to tissues is improved;
preventing the formation of edema, by increasing the ability of blood vessels to absorb intercellular fluid.

This effect is due to constant pressure on the skin and tissues. In addition to prophylactic wearing of tights during pregnancy, its benefits are obvious during childbirth. The voltage accompanying this process is not the best way affects the condition of the veins.

Scientific research reports an effective reduction in venous pressure as a result of wearing compression hosiery. As a result, blood circulation in the lower extremities is normalized, congestion will pass. Experts recommend wearing tights all day, taking them off at night.

What types are there

According to the international classification, all compression hosiery is divided into 4 types:

Prophylactic. Creates a pressure of 15 to 18 Hg. Feels like they lightly press on the skin and are suitable for those who do not have or have had problems with veins and blood vessels.
Compression class I. Creates a pressure of 18 to 22 Hg. Indicated for visually visible veins. Shown if protruding areas reach 5 cm.
Compression class II. Creates a pressure of 23 to 32 Hg. They are prescribed for those who have significant areas of inflammation, accompanied by edema, convulsions and pain.
Compression class III. They are prescribed in such difficult cases as lymphovenous insufficiency, post-traumatic syndrome. Purchased exclusively as directed by a physician. Wear it with appropriate treatment.

Often, it is prophylactic tights or stockings that are prescribed to pregnant women. The pressure of such underwear is sufficient to prevent the risks associated with the effect of pregnancy and childbirth on the vessels and veins of the legs.

The appearance of such products is very attractive, in beauty and aesthetics it is not inferior to ordinary tights. Manufacturers provide a choice of colors and cuts. In addition to pantyhose, you can use stockings, the action of which is no less effective.

How to choose what to look for

Unlike ordinary tights and stockings, compression should be chosen not by denom, but by pressure, in millimeters of mercury, which is marked with mm Hg. Unscrupulous sellers can pass off ordinary tights for compression, offering to buy underwear marked 70 den and above. However, such information on the packaging indicates that this is a regular jersey.

Not knowing which tights to choose, you should pay attention to those marked with the RAL marking, which indicates compliance with international quality standards. Compression underwear cannot be cheap and always exceeds the cost of conventional tights. When buying, it is worth remembering that the tights have a certain warranty period, so you need to keep the receipt or receipt confirming the purchase. Maternity lingerie is usually sold with a 10 month warranty.

Attention! In the absence of experience in buying such tights or in doubt about the size, you should consult a phlebologist.

Positive and negative aspects based on feedback

Among the benefits associated with wearing tights during the prenatal and delivery period are the following:

Of the shortcomings, women call the following:

excessive or low blood pressure;
no visible effect;
rapid loss of compression properties;
high price;
difficulties in putting on tights.

No side effects from the use of tights by pregnant women were recorded. However, a negative wearing experience can be associated with the wrong size, improper donning, and also improper care.
Do I need to wear expectant mother compression tights during pregnancy and childbirth - individual questions, it is best to decide with a doctor. If there are direct indications associated with risks, wearing such underwear is mandatory. In other cases, each woman decides for herself. According to reviews, tights significantly improve the condition of the legs during pregnancy, and during childbirth they help to avoid minor and significant injuries.