What are the Benefits of compression maternity pantyhose?
Compression maternity pantyhose, sometimes referred to as maternity support hose , are a special type of compression stocking that can be worn during the mid to latter stages of pregnancy to help prevent or manage poor circulation.
Their main purpose is to apply graduated pressure to the veins in the legs to allow blood to flow more freely.
Compression maternity hose are specially designed to provide an adequate amount of elasticity that will expand with the belly for the duration of the pregnancy.
They are available in several graduated compression sizes which can be determined by a pediatrician or health care provider.
Because pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume and weight gain, there is more pressure on the veins in the legs.
During this period the expanding belly coupled with the extra pressure the baby puts on the body causes the veins to dilate and work much less efficiently which results in a series of problems, e.g. leg fatigue, swollen ankles (edema), spider veins, blood clots.
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 a pediatrician will often recommend that a woman wear compression pantyhose as much as possible from mid-term up to the last month.
Like any compression leg wear, compression pantyhose should be worn daily, but removed for sleeping.
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.
Where can compression maternity pantyhose be purchased?
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.
They can be purchased at a drugstore or pharmacy, medical supply store, or from online retailers.
Compression maternity support hose are available in different levels of compression; the higher the compression level, the more tightly they squeeze the leg veins.
A physician or midwife may suggest over the counter compression pantyhose or they may recommend higher compression levels that only available with a prescription.
