Compression maternity pantyhose tightsMaternity pantyhose are perfect for the belly as it expands during the mid to latter stages of pregnancy. When extra pressure is put on the body causing an increase in blood volume and weight gain. The veins dilate and work much less efficiently resulting in a series of problems such as leg fatigue, swollen ankles (edema), leg cramps, varicose veins, spider veins and blood clots in the legs, feet and ankles. This is especially true for pregnant women who are already overweight, carrying twins, triplets, or other multiples, or who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins.

To combat these problems most pediatricians will often recommend that maternity compression pantyhose worn from mid-term up to the last month of pregnancy as they can greatly help to relieve the discomfort by promoting circulation and venous efficiency by applying a graduated pressure* (tightest at the ankle and slowly decreasing to the waist) to the leg’s vascular cavities to allow blood and fluids to circulate more freely.

Compression maternity pantyhose are specially designed to provide an adequate amount of elasticity that will expand with the belly for the duration of the pregnancy without restriction and are available in several graduated compression sizes which can be determined by a pediatrician or health care provider.

To put them on, simply slide your foot into the foot of the stockings, and then gently roll the stockings up the leg being careful not to tug the stocking into place; this could shorten the life of the elasticity.

Avoid putting lotion on your legs or wearing rings or other jewelry when putting on maternity support hose. If you have trouble getting the stockings on you can use a compression stocking donner to help make it easier. As is true for any compression leg wear, compression pantyhose should be worn daily, but removed for sleeping and lying down for long periods of time.

Where can compression maternity pantyhose be purchased?

Maternity pantyhose can be purchased at most drugstores or pharmacies, medical supply store or from online retailers. There are several popular manufacturers (e.g. Juzo, Jobst, Mediven, and Sigvaris, etc.), who not only make diabetic socks, compression socks, and compression stockings, but fashionably patterned and colored Maternity Tights that are perfect for wearing with skirts or professional attire.

A physician or midwife may suggest over the counter compression pantyhose or they may recommend higher compression levels that only available with a prescription.

*Maternity compression pantyhose are available in a range of compression measurements (8-30 mmHg) in open and closed toe styles.

Tagged with: • • • • • • •

Filed under: Maternity pantyhose