Pregnancy comes with many little surprises, and varicose veins and swelling are just a few of them. Your heart has to pump blood and your leg muscles and veins have to pump it back. However, a growing uterus, blood volume, and hormones relaxing your body and preparing you for giving birth don’t allow for good circulation. Your legs can’t pump the blood back as efficiently as before and they look like balloons that have been filled with water.
What is worse is that pregnant women prefer to sit for longer periods of time – their legs have gravity working against them, not helping them. Their legs become swollen, achy, tired, and even increase your risk for the blot clot. So here is where compression can really help you.
The Basics about Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are special stockings worn to support lymphatic systems and venous of your legs. Pregnant ladies often wear stockings called graduated compression stockings. They are much tighter at the ankles and get looser above the knees. Pregnant women wear compression stockings on both legs, but some people wear them on one leg. Compression stockings come in a variety of colors, styles, pressures, and compressions. Lighter compression can be found anywhere, and greater compression should be bought by prescription.
The main types of compression stockings
Compression stockings come in different types to support the areas you need. Let us have a look at the most common options:
- Knee-high stockings
These are also known as compression socks, they provide great support and relief from swelling and pain to your calf and ankle.
- Thigh-high stockings
If you feel like everything hurts from your back to your ankles that is your option. They provide full coverage and really help with swelling. However, they are a bit harder to put on. Most likely, you will need to ask someone to help you with them.
- Full-length pantyhose
These compression stockings are designed for pregnant ladies who feel pain from their toes to their backs. Now you could be wondering that if the full-length compression stockings support my body, why I should buy something else.
Many pregnant women think the same thing and go for full-length to ease the pain in their back and legs. But you may guess the problem: these are the hardest to put on. The more of your body compression stock cover, the more time you will have to spend getting into them.
That is why many professionals recommend sticking to either compression socks or knee-high stocking that are tall enough to provide support to aching areas that many pregnant women have. It will save you a lot of time every time you want to get dressed.
Here’s What To Do Now
If you are hit with varicose veins or swelling during pregnancy, contact Caring Touch Medical to schedule your appointment to be properly fitted and get a pair of quality compression stockings. Specialists at Caring Touch Medical will help you pick the right size and type to fit your needs, and they will save you a lot of painful days.
Click here to find our location closest to you.
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