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Why do women wear compression stockings during and after pregnancy?

Gestation and varicose veins

Women, pregnancy and varicose veins: the typical combination that in most cases gives birth to the desire (and often the need) in future mothers to learn more about graduated compression stockings.
 
But why do gynecologists, obstetricians and general practitioners recommend its use?
 
Already in the first period of pregnancy, the veins of the lower limbs undergo dilation mainly due to hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, age and physical activity (eg if you spend a lot of time standing).
 
In this period, 25% of women in their first pregnancy - and 50% of those in a subsequent gestation - begin to suffer from swelling of the legs and imperfections due to the appearance of varicose veins. As the pregnancy progresses, mechanical reasons then intervene (the volume of the uterus increases and consequently the compression exerted on the veins of the lower limbs) which give rise to other problems, such as: To prevent the onset of these problems, as long as there are no particular symptoms indicating severity, it is possible to resort to natural methods, such as:
  • devote yourself to a minimum of physical exercise (simply walking every day),
  • avoid excessive exposure to the sun and heat,
  • keep legs elevated during rest periods,
  • start wearing graduated compression stockings
Like any other aspect of pregnancy, the information on the type of elastic compression garment most suitable to wear must also be provided by the medical staff who follow the entire path of the future mother. In general, as reported by the result of a study published by the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and conducted by the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Tübingen in Germany (see the summary of the article), the use of graduated compression hosiery (25-32 mmHg) on ​​a sample of pregnant women has been shown to be useful in promoting venous blood flow both during gestation and after childbirth, and more subjective symptoms related to leg problems (such as muscle fatigue, swelling and heaviness in the legs) have been reduced.
The study therefore concluded that compression relieves clinical symptoms of venous congestion and improves venous blood flow in the legs. In this way, the regular use of these items during gestation and the puerperal period can reduce the incidence of thromboembolic events.

Sanyleg's proposals

Swollen and varicose legs disappear in most cases after delivery. The fact remains that, to alleviate problems from their onset - or prevent them - it is sufficient to start wearing socks characterized by light compression.
 
Traditionally, the indication is to wear them from the third month and continue up to 2 months after giving birth.
 
Sanyleg offers several product lines that are well suited to this condition.
 
The Sheer Preventive Line includes knee-highs, hold-ups and honeycomb knit tights ("mesh") suitable for those who want to start the prevention process in a simple way, starting to replace the normal everyday socks with these elegant ones. items of clothing that have the advantage of being restful.
 
The Anti-embolism Line includes stockings and knee-highs (commonly called "anti-thrombus stockings") with inspection hole, suitable for women who have undergone surgery, such as a caesarean section. Their main function is to be a valid, natural and non-invasive tool to reduce the incidence of thrombus formation. This is thanks to the fact that, through their compressive action, they prevent the increase in blood viscosity and consequently the formation of clots. These post-operative stockings are often seen in hospital settings in cases of immobilized patients and are used for a limited period of time - although, for their action to be effective, they must always and constantly be worn throughout the period of hospitalization (including the night). Their use as a substitute for normal stockings - even simple preventive stockings - is not recommended.
 
For those wishing to deepen the topic of the effectiveness of graduated compression stockings in hospital settings, a study has recently been published (Sachdeva A, Dalton M, Amaragiri SV, Lees T. - “Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis." - see the summary of the article) according to which the lack of mobility caused by hospitalization can lead to the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially in the leg area, which can extend to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism : this danger can be avoided in a natural way by resorting to the use of elastic stockings that exert a different compression in different points of the leg.

And for the "runner mothers"?

And for the "runner mothers"?
For new mothers who want to get back in shape after childbirth, the Sanyleg sports line is always available, which includes various graduated compression garments intended for all those who want to start practicing sports activities again, such as running (jogging or running), spinning. and similar. In this case, the elastic action does not have a preventive or therapeutic function, but simply helps the legs to dispose of the sense of fatigue that naturally develops during and after training.
 
To find out why varicose veins form, a short video is available. If you would like more details or send suggestions for special supplies dedicated to clothing for pregnancy, visit the section contacts.