All more women prefer to wear stockings when going to the maternity hospital. And we're not talking about seductive underwear - no, these stockings are designed to prevent problems with leg veins. We are talking about special compression hosiery.

Compression stockings during childbirth

Compression underwear is a special medical underwear that puts pressure on the human body in order to prevent swelling and improve blood circulation in the veins. It is made from natural and synthetic fibers - cotton, nylon, elastodene. This type of underwear is thicker and stronger than conventional nylon products; it is used for medicinal and preventive purposes. Compression stockings and tights are designed in such a way that the pressure decreases from bottom to top, that is, blood moves more freely and more easily from the foot towards the heart. Compression hosiery can be used for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.

During childbirth, the blood vessels of the female body experience severe overload. This tension is especially dangerous for the vessels of the legs, and blood clots can form in the deep veins of the lower extremities. The presence of such blood clots provokes the occurrence of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, dangerous diseases with negative consequences up to and including death. Compression stockings are designed to reduce these risks:

  • pressure equally distributed over the entire surface of the legs helps to establish uniform blood flow; constant pressure has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels;
  • pressure in the vessels increases, which reduces the chance of blood stagnation;
  • Compression garments protect blood vessels from possible overloads during childbirth.

 The appearance of spider veins on the legs is one of the symptoms of problems with veins and blood vessels

Instead of special stockings, elastic bandages are sometimes used to wrap the legs from the foot to the groin - they perform a similar role. An elastic bandage is cheaper than underwear, but during childbirth it can unravel; in addition, it is difficult to choose the right degree of pressure on the legs, so if there are indications, it is better to purchase stockings.

Even small fluctuations in pressure in the vessels can cause them to weaken and reveal spider veins on the legs, which not only does not look very beautiful, but also indicates the initial degree of varicose veins of the legs. To avoid this, you should not neglect your doctor’s recommendations if he advises you to use compression garments, and if he does not raise this topic, then ask yourself about measures to prevent problems with leg veins.

Video: why do you need stockings for childbirth?

Should everyone use them?

Many women are sure that compression garments during pregnancy and childbirth are only required for those expectant mothers who have already been diagnosed with vein problems. In fact, phlebologists - doctors who deal with venous pathologies - recommend using them, among other things, as prophylaxis to avoid varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and other vein pathologies. This is especially important if a pregnant woman experiences the following symptoms:

  • spider veins or spider veins on the legs;
  • swelling of the lower extremities;
  • feeling tired or ;
  • cramps in the calf muscles;
  • varicose veins;
  • chronic venous insufficiency;
  • thrombosis;
  • venous eczema and/or dermatitis.

Is it possible to wear the same stockings that were worn during pregnancy?

Compression garments are divided into 4 classes depending on the pressure applied. A specialist should choose the right class of underwear for a pregnant woman, depending on the severity of her vein problems. If at the time of childbirth the condition of the woman’s vascular system allows her to use the same stockings that she wore during pregnancy, then it is entirely acceptable to wear them. But it is worth remembering that one of the main conditions for clothing used during childbirth is sterility, so stockings must be thoroughly washed before going to the maternity hospital.

Compression jersey should be washed carefully and carefully, using gentle washers. washing powders and be sure to thoroughly rinse the laundry in clean water. It is not recommended to twist or wring out the laundry, as this can ruin the fine structure of the fibers; it is better to dry them flat on a horizontal surface.

Are stockings needed for a caesarean section?

If the need for stockings during natural birth is quite transparent, the question of the need for underwear during a caesarean section confuses many. The reason why compression stockings are also important for this method of delivery is that a cesarean section is an abdominal operation, and during it the blood vessels experience additional stress. When performing such an operation, the veins dilate, and the woman remains in a horizontal motionless state for a long time, which can provoke the onset of thromboembolism. In addition, the pregnant woman is given anesthesia, the components of which can negatively affect the entire cardiovascular system of her body.

Types, classes and sizes of compression garments

Compression hosiery for the lower extremities comes in 3 types:

  • knee socks - reach only to the middle of the thigh, are used only during pregnancy and exclusively in cases where problems with veins and blood vessels do not affect the upper part of the legs; when wearing them, pressure on the hip area increases;
  • tights are undesirable for use during long periods of pregnancy, as they put pressure on the abdominal area; in addition, for obvious reasons, they cannot be used during childbirth;
  • stockings are the best option for compression underwear; they evenly distribute the load from the feet to the groin, protecting the blood vessels along the entire length of the legs.

Photo gallery: types of compression garments for legs

Socks are allowed to be worn only if there are no problems with the veins in the hip area. Tights are not recommended for wearing on long term as they put pressure on the stomach
Stockings count the best option, as they distribute pressure evenly along the entire length of the legs

Therapeutic underwear is divided into 4 compression classes depending on the pressure it puts on the legs:

  • Class 1 - compression does not exceed 23 millimeters of mercury; recommended for early stages of venous disease, characterized by a tendency to edema, spider veins, and tired legs; can be used as a prophylactic against varicose veins during pregnancy;
  • class 2 - pressure is within the range of 24–33 mm; used in the initial stage of varicose veins in pregnant women, for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis of the legs, and in acute thrombophlebitis;
  • Class 3 - compression does not exceed 45 mmHg; used for moderate and severe damage to blood vessels and veins, for varicose veins complicated by trophic disorders, for deep vein thrombosis and lymphovenous insufficiency;
  • Class 4 - pressure above 50 mm; recommended for wearing when congenital anomalies circulatory and lymphatic systems, with severe violations of lymph flow.

Special stockings for childbirth are allocated in a separate class. The compression in them is distributed evenly along the entire length of the product. Another distinctive feature is the open toe, which allows the obstetrician during childbirth to determine the correctness of blood circulation by the appearance of the fingers. It is advisable to wear them during childbirth, but if it is not possible to purchase stockings of this class, then you can use medicinal ones, after consulting with a phlebologist.

To determine the required size of compression stockings, you need to make a series of measurements, since an accurately selected size is important for proper pressure distribution - stockings that are too small will unnecessarily tighten the leg, and large stockings will not create the necessary compression. The following measurements must be taken:

  • circumference of the lower leg at the narrowest point, near the ankle;
  • circumference of the shin at the widest point of the calf;
  • thigh circumference at a height of 25–30 cm above the knee;
  • for golf - the length of the shin from the heel to the knee;
  • for stockings - leg length from heel to groin;
  • for tights - waist and hip circumference.

Video: how to take measurements for compression stockings



 Compression garments must be precisely sized, so all measurements must be taken carefully and with the correct body position

Each type of compression garment has its own size chart. Here is a table of sizes for stockings - the most common medical knitwear used during childbirth.

Table: compression stocking sizes

Circumference of the lower leg above the ankle, cmCircumference of the lower leg under the kneecap, cmUpper thigh circumference, cm
XS17 – 19 26 – 36 40 – 50
S20 – 22 30 – 42 48 – 60
SX20 - 22 30 – 42 56 – 70
M23 – 25 34 – 46 56 – 70
MX23 - 25 34 – 46 64 – 80
L26 – 28 38 – 51 64 – 80
LX26 – 28 38 – 51 72 - 90
XL29 – 31 42 - 55 72 - 90
XLX29 - 31 42 - 55 80 - 100

Video: how to choose compression garments

Rules of use and care

Compression knitwear requires careful and careful care, since careless handling can ruin its structure, stretch the elastic fibers and destroy its healing properties.

Since therapeutic underwear must be worn every day, it quickly becomes dirty and needs to be washed daily. It is important to follow the washing rules so as not to spoil it:

  • can't be used too much high temperature water;
  • you need to protect your laundry from severe deformation - friction and spinning;
  • Before washing, you must remove any jewelry from your hands, as they can damage the fabric.

You should choose special products for delicate washing:

  • liquid soap;
  • powder or gel for baby clothes;
  • powder or gel for delicate fabrics, chlorine-free.

It is not advisable to use:

  • washing powder - undissolved grains of powder can get between the threads of knitwear and disrupt its structure;
  • Laundry soap - fatty acids in its composition have an aggressive effect on knitwear.

Photo gallery: detergents for compression garments

Detergents for washing delicate fabrics do not contain chlorine or aggressive substances
Detergents for washing children's clothes act thoroughly, but carefully
Special product for washing compression garments, designed taking into account all its features

  • dilute detergent in warm water;
  • soak the laundry for 10–15 minutes;
  • wash it gently without applying too much pressure and/or friction;
  • rinse in clean water 2-3 times;
  • It is prohibited to use bleaches, rinse aids, fabric softeners and other additives.

At machine washable, if this is allowed for a particular item of laundry, you should set the “hand wash” or “ delicate wash" In this mode, the water does not heat above the permitted temperature. In this case, the spin must be turned off, since spinning, even at low speeds, breaks the structure of the therapeutic knitwear. It is also not recommended to wash compression garments with other clothing.

Stockings should be dried in a well-ventilated area, away from heating devices and direct sun rays. To dry, they need to be laid out on a horizontal surface on a fabric that absorbs moisture well. Hanging clothes to dry is prohibited.
When washing medical knitwear, the chemical and physical impact on it should be minimal

Good compression hosiery is not cheap, so women are often worried about whether they can buy them secondhand or borrow them from friends. It is important to remember that the therapeutic and preventive effect of underwear depends on its condition, the precisely selected size and compression class. If the last two points are quite easy to comply with, because they are indicated on the packaging, then making sure that the knitwear was cared for in compliance with all the rules is more difficult. Compression stockings are a rather capricious thing and easily become unusable, which is difficult to judge by their appearance. Therefore, you should buy or take stockings that have already been used by someone only if you are firmly convinced that they have been carefully looked after. The length of time the knitwear was worn by the previous owner is also important, because stockings from some companies lose their compression properties after just a few months of use.

When can you take it off after childbirth?

The length of time you need to wear compression stockings after childbirth depends on two factors:

  • method of delivery;
  • condition of a woman’s veins before and after childbirth.

If the child was born naturally, and if the young mother does not have varicose veins, increased blood clotting or cardiovascular problems, then it is enough to wear stockings for 3-7 days.

After a cesarean section, this period increases and is 2–3 weeks, while they are worn for the first day without taking them off. This happens because even after the end of the operation, components of anesthesia that have a vasodilating effect remain in the mother’s blood.

If a woman has been diagnosed with vein problems, then the time she wears stockings after childbirth increases. The exact period during which it is advisable to wear stockings during the day (since it is advisable to take them off at night) should be told by the phlebologist observing the patient.

Comparative characteristics of compression stockings after childbirth from different companies

On the compression underwear market you can find products for almost every taste, color and wallet thickness. It’s quite easy to get confused when choosing companies, so for a visual comparison we will provide a table comparing stockings from the most famous manufacturers of therapeutic knitwear.

Table: comparison of compression stockings from different companies

NameCountryDistinctive FeaturesAverage price
USAHave an attractive appearance1300 RUR
RelaxanItalyFragility of products - usually stockings lose their properties after about a month1000–1500 RUR
OrthoSpainLow wear resistance. Variety of colors and designs.1500–2000 rub.
CopperGermanyDue to the increased density of the knitwear, stockings are difficult to put on3000 RUR
RussiaVariety of colors. Good quality/price ratio800–1300 RUR
SwitzerlandHigh-quality underwear, thought out to the smallest detail - special summer knitwear, perforation, reinforced heel4000–5000 RUR

Photo gallery: compression stockings from various companies

The Swiss company Sigvaris is considered one of the best in the production of compression hosiery. Intex underwear is produced in Russia, so it is cheaper than its foreign counterparts, not inferior to them in quality. Underwear from the American company Venotex is attractive both in its design and in its healing properties.

Varicose veins are a common problem among women expecting a baby. For those experiencing this disease, doctors recommend wearing compression stockings for childbirth. In the last trimester, the mother's fluid volume increases and the baby grows. A woman is actively gaining weight, which provokes the appearance of varicose veins. When neglected, it leads to the formation of blood clots or rupture of the vessel wall, which is life-threatening. Compression garments for and after childbirth prevent the development of a critical situation.

The therapeutic principle of the action of underwear for childbirth with a compression effect is the anatomically correct distribution of pressure on the legs. The highest pressure is recorded in the calf area, and towards the hips it decreases to a minimum. Blood flow in the lower extremities goes from top to bottom. This puts more strain on the lower legs, from where the blood must be pushed back up towards the heart. Thanks to therapeutic compression garments, optimal pressure is formed, which improves blood circulation and relieves stress on the veins.

Therapeutic benefits of compression garments for varicose veins:

  1. Underwear stimulates uniform blood circulation.
  2. Wearing birthing stockings reduces the risk of blood clots.
  3. Stockings reduce the load on the veins, thereby reducing their diameter.
  4. Wearing compression garments improves vascular patency.
  5. Stockings for childbirth eliminate swelling.
  6. The transfer of nutrients to organs is accelerated due to proper compression.

The therapeutic effect of stockings eliminates the possibility of hypoxia developing in the baby due to the rapid transfer of oxygen.

Wearing compression garments eliminates the feeling of heaviness in the legs and fatigue.

Stockings, worn before and after childbirth, reduce pain in the area of ​​​​swollen blood vessels.

Women with a history of varicose veins definitely need compression stockings in the maternity hospital. The upcoming birth involves a heavy load on the blood vessels. Normalizing blood flow in the legs during labor activity, compression garments for varicose veins eliminate the likelihood of developing thrombosis. If a cesarean section is indicated, you should prepare anti-varicose stockings in advance to wear in your bag before and after childbirth.

Choosing the right stockings

Compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins is made from innovative material approved by phlebologists: microfiber, lycra, cotton. Their properties allow the fabric to fit tightly around the limb, with an uneven load on different parts of the leg.


How to choose the right compression stockings for childbirth?

  • Let's study the composition: best models compression garments for varicose veins include natural cotton thread.
  • Synthetic fiber is allowed as an additional material to natural fiber.
  • High-quality compression stockings for varicose veins are made without seams.
  • We choose underwear for varicose veins strictly in accordance with the compression class.
  • We control size chart– Pre and postpartum stockings must fit properly to get the maximum benefit from compression.

Compression stockings for varicose veins are the first thing to start treating the disease. During pregnancy, they are prescribed for preventive purposes, even if there are no symptoms.

Species

There are different types of compression garments: stockings, tights, pants, knee socks, sleeves, bandages. Let us consider separately the models intended for the treatment of varicose veins:

  1. Anti-varicose tights for pregnant women. They are similar to regular tights, with compression therapy due to the base material. The pressure on the legs is applied in a decreasing direction from the ankles to the hips; there is no pressure on the stomach at all. Despite this, it is not advisable for women with a full tummy, especially in the last trimester, to choose compression tights.
  2. Compression socks. They are prescribed if varicose veins appear only in the calf area. Comfortable to wear summer period. They are easier to put on than any other compression garment. They do not regulate the load on the hips; on the contrary, they increase it. Therefore, women should not wear knee socks during childbirth, only during pregnancy.
  3. Elastic stockings for childbirth. From a therapeutic point of view, this is best solution For expectant mother. They are comfortable, comfortable, not hot and not cold. They distribute pressure evenly throughout the leg, reduce the load on the vessels and do not put pressure on the stomach. Lingerie is worn during and after childbirth.
  4. Elastic bandage. The main difficulty when using it is the correct winding of the tape. You can take bandages for childbirth, as the medical staff will help you use them. This is the most inexpensive and accessible type of compression garments for childbirth. Optimal for women who do not have problems with varicose veins.

Compression class

To understand which compression stockings are best to purchase for childbirth, the expected effect is determined - preventive or therapeutic. Therapeutic knitwear for varicose veins is prescribed by a doctor, who himself designates the compression class - from I to IV. The degree depends on the stage of the disease: the more severe the varicose veins are, the higher the compression class will be.


Class I compression stockings are prescribed to prevent the development of varicose veins, as well as in the presence of the following symptoms:

  • minor swelling in the legs;
  • heaviness and fatigue in the legs at the end of the day;
  • pastiness (depressions on the skin of the legs take a long time to straighten after pressing).

Class I underwear provides compression pressure in the range of 18 to 22 mm Hg. Art.

Class II stockings have compression from 23 to 32 mmHg. Art. The class is indicated for women with diagnosed varicose veins:

  • on the legs you can see a network of veins, nodules, stars;
  • pronounced swelling of the lower extremities, which does not decrease in the morning;
  • The medical history includes post-thrombophlebic disease, acute thrombophlebitis.

Compression class III stockings are required to be prescribed by a phlebologist. The pressure of the compression garments is from 33 to 46 mmHg. Art. indicated for the following diseases:

  • venous insufficiency;
  • lymphostasis (primary or newly acquired);
  • congenital malformations of the blood circulation and vascular system;
  • trophic disorders;
  • phlebolymphedema.

Class IV stockings with compression pressure greater than 48 mm Hg. Art. are indicated for wearing by women with serious complications of lymphostasis, as well as post-thrombotic syndrome.

If a woman is about to have an operation, after which she will have to lie down for a long time, the doctor will prescribe a special type of compression garment - hospital stockings.

Size

It is important to correctly size compression stockings for childbirth. The size of stockings is chosen according to the table, comparing your data with it. The following places are measured:

  1. Thigh circumference in the area 5 cm below the buttocks.
  2. Knee circumference.
  3. Calf circumference at the widest part.
  4. The diameter of the ankle at its narrowest point.
  5. Distance from the floor to the knee (2 cm below the popliteal cavity).
  6. Distance from floor to crotch.

All manipulations are carried out in the morning, immediately after waking up. It is advisable to seek help from family members to avoid errors. The best option is to consult a phlebologist.

How to wear it correctly

Maternity stockings have a dense structure, they are tight and have poor stretch. Before putting on, study the instructions for using stockings. To avoid damage to the compression product, nails are trimmed and jewelry is removed. Rubber gloves will help preserve your manicure. It is not allowed to pull underwear against varicose veins over a wet body. You need to put on stockings in the morning, before doing this, raise your legs up for a few minutes.


Algorithm of actions:

  1. The compression stocking is turned inside out.
  2. The foot is inserted into the footprint. Straighten the sock so that there are no wrinkles.
  3. They begin to tighten the compression product, turning it right side out. Carefully distribute the fabric over the leg. Do not pull on the edges, as this could tear the stocking.
  4. When the stocking is put on to thigh level, folds and twists are eliminated.

If your legs are very swollen, anti-varicose stockings for pregnant women can be pulled on using a butler or a special spray. The spray is applied to the underside of the stocking fabric to facilitate sliding. A butler is a structure made of arches with a base on which a stocking is pulled, and then a leg is inserted there.

How long to wear compression stockings

Anti-varicose stockings for childbirth can be worn all day. Before going to bed, the compression garments are removed so that the legs can rest and the blood flow remembers what it is like to work without assistance. Vessels that were in a compressed position due to compression quickly straighten out and take on a natural load. This can cause disruption of blood flow and lead to sudden swelling. Therefore, it is recommended to remove compression stockings before and after childbirth slowly and gradually. It is better to do this in a lying or half-sitting position.

Cost of products


Anti-varicose underwear can be purchased at pharmacies or orthopedic centers. In the latter there is best choice stocking with different classes compression and a full size range. Trademarks underwear for varicose veins are represented by both European and domestic models. The price range ranges from 900 to 3,500 rubles. Expensive stockings have a long service life. When choosing products in medicinal purposes You shouldn’t skimp on the quality of compression garments.

Suitability of use after childbirth

Women who wore anti-varicose underwear before childbirth should continue therapy. Postpartum stockings for varicose veins may change compression class or size due to a different load on the circulatory and vascular system. Underwear for varicose veins is also prescribed in the absence of visible health problems for preventive purposes.

It is useful to wear compression stockings after giving birth by cesarean section, because after the operation the woman moves less. The use of the product contributes to the accelerated recovery of a woman after the birth of a baby due to additional stimulation of the circulatory system.

Compression garments during pregnancy: Video

In accordance with the instructions of doctors, women are recommended to use compression stockings for childbirth during pregnancy and childbirth, which prevent the risk of developing varicose veins. This underwear also helps treat 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 stagnation phenomena develop in the area of ​​the pelvic organs and legs, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Therapeutic stockings distribute the load in the legs so that maximum pressure falls on the shins, which prevents the appearance of pain.

Unfortunately, not every woman in labor knows that during the delivery process 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, pinching of large blood vessels and arteries occurs, which is caused by the pressure of the growing uterus. Taken together, this leads to the development of stagnant phenomena in the legs and pelvis.

Natural childbirth also involves a woman being in a horizontal position for a long time, which contributes to the exacerbation of the above symptoms. An important factor is intra-abdominal pressure, which negatively affects the condition of the veins.

With the combined influence of these causes, damage occurs to both large vessels and small capillaries, and the risk of developing thrombosis also increases.

The use of compression stockings allows you to distribute pressure in the leg area, improve blood circulation and significantly reduce stress.

An important factor is that therapeutic underwear helps reduce physical fatigue, which is invariably associated with labor.

To achieve maximum effect, especially in the presence of symptoms of venous disease, it is recommended to use stockings not only during childbirth, but also in the postpartum period, as well as during pregnancy.

Products of this kind are made primarily from natural fabrics, which means they are absolutely safe to use. They do not cause discomfort during wear, while providing a preventive effect.

Classes

There are four classes of compression stockings, each of which is intended for use against the background of the presence of certain symptoms of vascular diseases. In order to do right choice, it is best to visit a phlebologist who will determine the appropriate class of underwear in each specific case.

You should not purchase stockings yourself based on someone else’s recommendations. The exception is preventive underwear, which is recommended for all women to wear during pregnancy to relieve fatigue and tension in the legs. These stockings do not belong to any class.

The main classes of therapeutic linen are the following:

  • 1st grade. Stockings classified in this category exert a pressure of no more than 23 mmHg on the legs. They are recommended for wearing in the presence of minor symptoms of diseases of the veins and blood vessels, which can be expressed in the following manifestations: enlarged veins, the appearance of so-called “stars”, swelling, fatigue in the legs.
  • 2nd grade. In this case, the compression does not exceed 33 mm Hg. Art. Lingerie of this kind has not only a preventive, but also a therapeutic effect on the legs, eliminating early manifestations of varicose veins and thrombosis.
  • 3rd grade. In this case, the pressure is already about 45 mm Hg. Art. This type of underwear is most often used for moderate and severe damage to blood vessels and veins.
  • 4th grade. The compression pressure of such stockings exceeds 50 mmHg. Art. You can wear underwear of this class only in case of severe violations of lymph flow. It prevents the development of complications and eliminates severe swelling.

Species

In addition to compression level, stockings are also categorized according to type. It is best to decide which option is best to use in a particular case after consulting a doctor.

Any of the listed types has both pros and cons:

  • Elastic bandages. This is the worst option for a pregnant woman. Bandages can cause significant harm to blood vessels if they are wound incorrectly, pinching some areas while leaving others free. However, if you follow the rules, this is a good option for childbirth due to its availability and prevalence.
  • Golfs. You can use knee socks only during pregnancy, and only in cases where problems with veins and blood vessels affect exclusively the lower part of the legs. It is not recommended to purchase such underwear for childbirth, as the pressure on the thighs increases.
  • Stockings. This is the best option for therapeutic underwear. They apply even pressure to the legs, distributing the load and not affecting the abdominal area. This option is most convenient during childbirth as a prevention of venous and vascular diseases.
  • Tights. This type of underwear has all the advantages of stockings, but they can only be used during pregnancy. In addition, tights can put pressure on the abdominal area, which can lead to negative consequences.

Dimensions

Compression stockings for childbirth - how to choose suitable size? This aspect is important, since only properly selected underwear will protect your legs from negative effects and prevent the development of diseases of the veins and blood vessels.

Before purchasing stockings, you should determine some sizes of the leg parts, using a measuring tape when performing this manipulation: you need to find out the girth of the lower, upper part of the lower leg and thigh.

You should also calculate the length of the leg up to the top measurement of the hip. It is on the basis of these numbers that the optimal size of stockings is selected.

Terms of use

In order to achieve maximum effect from using stockings, you need to follow some rules. Neglecting them may not cause harm, but ultimately the benefit will be minimal.

  • To determine whether stockings are needed, you should consult your doctor. He will determine the type and class of underwear in accordance with individual physiological characteristics.
  • Linen must be made exclusively from natural materials. Deviating from this rule and purchasing stockings of dubious quality may provoke the development of allergic or other negative reactions from the body.
  • Stockings should be selected exclusively in accordance with the size of the pregnant woman. Otherwise, the compression pressure will be too high, or, conversely, low, which prevents the achievement of a positive effect.

Compression stockings can be used not only during childbirth, but also during pregnancy. The presence or absence of disturbances in the activity of blood vessels is not prerequisite, that is, you can wear underwear intended solely for prevention.

Many women know that compression stockings are indicated for surgical interventions, childbirth, long hospital stays, bed rest, and in principle for any physical activity. Well, childbirth is, on average, a 10-hour marathon with increased level stress and stress on a woman’s body. Therefore, any form of relief for them is a serious and to the point conversation!

In our country, the recommendation of obstetricians and gynecologists to wear compression stockings for women in labor is still an innovation, but justified and certainly very useful. After all, prevention is not an empty phrase, but a real fight against a problem that every woman faces in one way or another. The fight against varicose veins is a difficult and methodical thing, it is difficult to make bets and forecasts on it, but experts assure that constant wearing of stockings during pregnancy, during childbirth and for some time after definitely increases the chances that your legs will remain beautiful and healthy.

We trust specialists, but most of all – our own. Therefore, we asked young mothers to ask their questions, and Diana Mardas, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the 5th City Clinical Hospital, to answer them and explain in simple language how to put on stockings and where to use them, and to suggest a few of the compression garment brand Tonus Elast "lifehacks".

Obstetrician-gynecologist, head of the “MamaPro” project

The attending physician recommended stockings with a certain compression class. What exactly is a compression stocking grade? How to choose stockings for childbirth, and how - for preventive purposes?

– As a rule, compression classes 1 and 2 are used during childbirth. Compression class is the degree of pressure that the stocking exerts on soft fabrics and vessels. If before giving birth a woman did not experience any discomfort and she did not have any prerequisites for varicose veins, the corresponding diagnoses were not made earlier, and spider veins did not appear during pregnancy, then the first class of compression is sufficient for the period of pregnancy and childbirth. If you have a diagnosis of “varicose veins” or chronic venous insufficiency, then you should start with the second compression class.

The first compression class can be selected independently with the help of competent recommendations from specialists in specialized medical equipment stores (for example, Medprostor, MedMagazin, Care and Health, etc.) and in some pharmacies. An obstetrician-gynecologist can also help with choosing stockings for childbirth. But starting from the second level of compression and if there are indications, a phlebologist can provide competent information, who will individually determine the product that is right for you.

"Life hack" from Tonus Elast:

  1. Be sure to pay attention to the inscription on the packaging. There should be the following information: compression class and pressure in millimeters of mercury. If there is no such information, then, most likely, this is not a medical device, so you should not expect a therapeutic and prophylactic effect.
  2. The concept of den has nothing to do with the compression class, and such marks on stockings indicate the density of the knitwear, and also that the stockings do not have the correct compression properties.

If a woman wore compression garments during pregnancy, will they also be suitable for childbirth? Or do you need stockings with other characteristics/sizes?

- This is not prohibited. But there is a special hospital type of stockings. These stockings were developed for those who are undergoing surgical treatment and delivery, as well as for those who are forced to lie down for a long time or simply need to wear stockings for a long time. Indeed, in such situations, the risk of formation and separation of a blood clot increases many times over! They differ both in their functional properties and in color. Hospital stockings have a special knitting that allows you to maintain compression for 3-5 days without removing them. They have white so that you can quickly determine the color of the discharge, since in the case of black or beige stockings, the nature of the discharge may be distorted. There is also a special hole on the foot, which allows you to control peripheral blood circulation and gives access to treat your toes without removing the stockings.

Here I would like to point out the following: during pregnancy and during childbirth, we look at compression hosiery a little differently. During pregnancy, there is indeed a load on the venous system; it is difficult for blood to rise up through the veins to the heart, because the pregnant uterus compresses the vessels and prevents the blood flow system from working from bottom to top. Therefore, by wearing compression hosiery during pregnancy, we support the vascular wall and help it lift blood up. At the same time, the vascular wall itself strains less, remains more intact, and the woman’s risk of developing varicose veins in the future is reduced. During childbirth, add to the difficult upward outflow of blood and the altered composition of the blood a long stay in a horizontal position.

After childbirth, it is not recommended to get up for 5-6 hours; during childbirth, the risk of thromboembolism, the formation of blood clots and the fact that they can move throughout the body, be thrown around and clog vital vessels, increases significantly. This is very dangerous! It is because the blood stagnates in the lower parts of the leg and foot that it thickens and clots can form. They can change later, for example, when a woman gets up too early and starts walking after childbirth. Therefore, in the first hours after childbirth, stockings are even more important. In no case does having a baby mean taking off your stockings right away! This is one of the typical mistakes: many mothers believe that stockings are only needed for childbirth. No: before childbirth, during childbirth and after it!

"Life hack" from Tonus Elast: Having perfect legs now, after nine months of hard efforts, the walls of the blood vessels become so tired and injured that later, even six months to a year after giving birth, problems with varicose veins may appear. A woman may not even associate this with pregnancy, although the connection is direct. This is why you should continue to wear compression stockings for 4-6 months after giving birth.

The doctor warned that after giving birth the stockings should not be removed immediately. So how long should you stay in stockings after giving birth?

– The instructions say - for the entire period of reduced activity. But here the question of hygiene of a woman who has just given birth becomes logical. Therefore, my recommendation is this: be sure to stay in stockings for 5-6 hours after giving birth, then take them off after walking vertically for some time, and not immediately (preferably within an hour). Thus, we wait out the dangerous moment when the blood clot may begin to rise through the vascular system. In part, the stockings do their work for the vessels.

I would like to emphasize that the period of changing body position from horizontal to vertical is the most dangerous in terms of thromboembolism. In addition, blood after childbirth physiological reasons thicker (the woman sweated and did not drink liquid for a long time), which is also a risk factor. When it comes to a caesarean section, the woman certainly needs to wear compression stockings. Risk of thromboembolism with caesarean section increases even more due to many factors, including the fact that a woman lies for a long time without changing her body position.

"Life hack" from a doctor: as mentioned above, stay in an upright position for an hour and only then, for hygienic purposes, you can remove the stockings and, if you have them, immediately put on a second pair. If not, tidy up your existing stockings and put them on the next morning before getting out of bed.

Is it difficult to put on stockings? If during contractions a woman wants to take a shower, is it possible to leave her stockings on during this time?

– Yes, indeed, it is difficult for a pregnant woman to put on stockings. What to do? Call the medical staff or your birth partner if the birth is partnered. What to do with showers and water procedures during childbirth? It is important to understand why water procedures are needed during childbirth. For pain relief. This could be a bidet or shower. Difficulties can arise only with the shower. In this case, there is no ideal solution; you will have to choose: either compression stockings or a shower. The third option is wet compression stockings after a shower, which is extremely uncomfortable. A large percentage of births take place under spinal anesthesia - these women are unlikely to need a shower. In the process of preparing for childbirth, I recommend learning to breathe correctly, doing self-massage, and teaching your partner to control the breathing of the woman in labor.

"Life hack" from a doctor: When choosing compression stockings, women should give preference to other methods of pain relief: breathing, massage, other water procedures (a bidet allows you to take the correct sitting position during childbirth and have comfortable contact with water).

Let's summarize: while carrying a baby, body weight grows, the amount of blood increases and blood flow increases, changes hormonal background. Unfortunately, a rosy period in the life of an expectant mother is often overshadowed by illnesses. And, if everyone has already heard about toxicosis and the prevention of stretch marks, then a woman often encounters varicose veins for the first time during pregnancy, previously unaware of her genetic predisposition. But you can rely not only on genes, but also engage in comfortable prevention, because pregnancy, no matter how strange it may sound, is a favorable time for the development of pathology. Therefore, Tonus Elast compression socks, stockings and tights are well-known favorites among pregnant women for the very reason that they relieve fatigue and swelling of the legs, provide maximum comfort, prevent the appearance of varicose veins and look like ordinary beautiful tights or stockings.

Take care of yourself and your feet!

Childbirth is a responsible and long-awaited period when a woman becomes a mother. But, alas, as a result of increased stress on the body, it is often at this time that chronic diseases worsen and some unpleasant symptoms appear. Varicose veins are one of these diseases. To avoid complications of this pathology, compression stockings are increasingly used for childbirth. This is medical special underwear that has a tightening effect. Maternity stockings are made from both natural and synthetic fabrics.

Why are compression stockings needed during childbirth?

Why compression stockings are needed during childbirth must be explained by the doctor to women who suffer from varicose veins or are predisposed to it. It is this underwear that will help ease childbirth, distributing the pressure so that the maximum load is transferred from the hips to the calf muscles. At the same time, not only does blood flow improve, but blood also does not stagnate in the vessels. Stockings also help maintain muscle tone, as a result of which the muscles do their work more efficiently.

Stockings for childbirth are not very easy to put on, so it is better for pregnant women to pull them on during the first contractions and get help from their relatives. Thanks to a special weave, this underwear is seamless, which protects against friction.

Venoteks compression stockings for childbirth are the most popular among women. They are represented by a wide model range and comply with Russian State Standards. The stockings have an average degree of wear resistance and are characterized by a relatively low cost, on average from 650 rubles to 1600 rubles. It is recommended to wear therapeutic underwear not only during childbirth, but also before and for some time after it. Compression stockings prevent the development and progression of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, which is very important, since these diseases cannot be cured.

According to experts, during the first pregnancy, varicose veins are detected in up to 30% of women, and in subsequent ones - in half.

You need to understand that if the first signs of the disease, such as:

  • aching pain;
  • spider veins (a network of small vessels visible through the skin);
  • "heavy leg" syndrome;

were observed even before pregnancy and childbirth, then during this difficult perinatal period for the body, without taking preventive measures, the disease will most likely develop and cause trouble.

Almost all oral medicines during pregnancy are contraindicated or must be taken with caution. Doctors recommend the local use of venotonics - Venarus, Lyoton, Detralox and Venoruton.

What material are maternity stockings made from?

Compression stockings for childbirth are made of elastic, dense material that fits the figure. Thanks to this, the legs maintain muscle tone, that is, the muscles function continuously, blood circulation improves, which helps to avoid congestion, swelling and the formation of blood clots.

Therapeutic knitwear fabric has:

  • excellent ability to restore original dimensions;
  • good air and moisture exchange;
  • high elasticity.

In addition, they are non-toxic, safe and low-allergenic, do not cause itching or other irritant reactions, and do not stretch.

The material includes lycra, natural cotton and rubber threads, microfiber.

How to choose compression stockings?

Before choosing compression stockings, you need to consult your doctor and familiarize yourself with the different brands of medical underwear. Therapeutic knitwear is produced in various sizes, colors (white, black, flesh-colored) and varying degrees of compression.

Maternity stockings have their own characteristics:

  • The presence in the abdominal area of ​​a special stretchable insert that does not put pressure on the “grown” tummy.
  • Compression is distributed physiologically, precisely calculated, graduated, measured in mmHg. Art. and dosed, compression garments are never labeled in denies.
  • Innovative technologies allow you to accurately maintain compression parameters.
  • Therapeutic stockings retain all their properties for at least six months of daily use.

During childbirth, you can wear the same compression garments that you wore during pregnancy. They must be clean, since sterility is maintained in the maternity ward.

If a woman does not have spider veins or protruding veins, then it is enough to purchase prophylactic venotex compression stockings for childbirth.
Hospital or anti-embolic knitwear is also produced, which is specifically designed for childbirth and the postpartum period. This type of stockings can be worn for up to a week without taking off, even when taking a shower. In such models, the toe is always open so that you can observe the blood circulation in the extremities using your toes. Only hospital stockings Can be washed at 70C.

Don’t try to save money; high-quality stockings cannot cost the same as regular tights. But the therapeutic and preventive effect depends on the quality. It is better to purchase compression hosiery in pharmacies or specialized stores.

To determine the correct size, you need to measure the widest part of the shin and the thickness of the ankle just above the bone. The measurement results should be compared with a special table from which you can find out the desired size.

Be sure to consult a phlebologist. It is he who will help determine the compression class by first conducting an ultrasound. There are 4 classes of compression, 1-2 protect against complications and have a preventive effect.

Stockings for childbirth must be worn all day, removing only at night or for a few hours during the day.

How to wear stockings?

Compression stockings are not as easy to put on as regular stockings. This is done immediately after sleep, carefully, without getting out of bed. Do not twist or overstretch the knitwear.
First of all, you need to assemble the upper part into an accordion. Next, inserting your palms inside, carefully put it on the foot, slowly straightening it, pulling it onto the shin and higher up the leg.