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Which compression stockings should you choose for childbirth? How to choose compression stockings for pregnant women and why they are needed

Currently, it has become popular to use special compression stockings for childbirth. Sometimes they are replaced with bandages, but this method is less convenient and is used only in exceptional cases. Gynecologists have a positive attitude towards this decision and are increasingly recommending the wearing of medical underwear to their patients. But women often learn about such a necessary thing from their friends who have already given birth, from reviews on the Internet or from their own experience.

The main purpose for which pregnant women are prescribed compression stockings is to minimize the risk of thrombophlebitis or varicose veins. If the disease is already developing, stop this process. For the same purposes, compression hosiery is recommended to be worn before childbirth. They are much more effective than leg bandaging, and they can also be worn after the birth of a child for further treatment of varicose veins or simply for prevention.

Why do you need special underwear?

A woman's body experiences enormous stress during the birth of a child. At the same time, pressure on the vessels increases. For this reason, the popularity of compression garments is increasing. Please note that it is not knee socks that are needed, but stockings for childbirth, since the latter will reduce the load on the hips - the maximum will be on the lower leg area.

Compression underwear is designed to protect the legs from stress at different periods: it will help not only during childbirth, but also during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby.

Fatigue and pain in the legs, the appearance of venous nodes are a reason to consult a phlebologist. A specialist will help you choose stockings with the desired degree of compression (there are 4 of them in total). Compression garments have been found to be good for cramps and swelling. Other problems may be indications for the use of compression garments:

excess weight;
diabetes;
age from 35 years;
blood clotting is impaired.

Compression stockings may be needed for labor even if you have a caesarean section. The reason is simple: cesarean is an abdominal operation and is associated with a large load on the blood vessels, can cause disruption of blood flow and provoke the formation of blood clots. If the patient is diagnosed with varicose veins, the consequences can be serious - up to the separation of existing blood clots or blockage of the arteries.

Prolonged stay in one position simultaneously with significant dilation of the veins can cause thromboembolism. Do not forget about the administration of anesthesia, since some components of the drug usually have a negative effect on blood vessels.

For these reasons, compression stockings are needed for childbirth, even for caesarean sections. Moreover, it is not recommended to remove them for several days after the operation. During this period, the drug has not yet been completely eliminated from the body and has a negative effect on blood vessels. In addition, women in labor after surgery are not allowed to get up for at least 2 days, so the muscles and blood vessels of the legs could use some help. It is allowed to remove compression garments only 3-5 days after cesarean section.

Benefits of using medical tights

Medical underwear allows you to reduce the load on the blood vessels of the legs, which is especially important during pregnancy. Therefore, the indication for its use is the presence of vascular diseases: vascular lesions, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.

Compression underwear - tights and stockings are needed to reduce various unpleasant symptoms that appear during pregnancy:

convulsions;
swelling of the legs;
fatigue;
spider veins.

The use of medical underwear will help to avoid violations and complications and significantly complicate the process of bearing a fetus. During pregnancy, situations do not always arise when constant use of such underwear is necessary. But even in such cases, it is recommended to purchase it only for childbirth.

Compression garments cannot completely protect against the appearance of varicose veins or problems during childbirth. But they significantly increase the chance of maintaining health during this period.

Many people are deterred from buying compression garments by the price; stockings for childbirth are not cheap. But it is worth considering that (subject to the correct choice of product) they will last a long time and will be useful not only during pregnancy and childbirth. In the future, compression underwear will come in handy, especially in cold weather, and is quite suitable for the prevention of varicose veins.

Another common opinion is that medical underwear looks unaesthetic. Looking beautiful is important for any woman. But at the same time, it is quite clear that during childbirth there will be no time for aesthetics, neither for the patient herself, nor for the medical staff, and especially for the child. The main purpose of compression garments is to reduce stress and help ease the pregnancy process. Although today there are models on sale that do not differ in appearance from the corresponding types of ordinary underwear.

Types of compression stockings

Compression hosiery for childbirth differs from other similar products primarily in that the compression is carefully adjusted. When wearing such stockings, 40% of the load falls on the thighs, which reduces the risk of vascular disruption, normalizes blood flow, and prevents blood stagnation and the formation of blood clots. Women wonder how to choose the right compression garments for pregnancy and childbirth. A specialist can give advice on how to choose the right underwear.

There are 4 types of medical underwear, differing in the degree of compression. This indicator affects the effectiveness of the underwear and allows you to normalize blood flow in the veins of the legs. Therefore, the main point in choosing stockings is to determine what degree is needed in a particular case.

First of all, you need to consult a phlebologist. If the examination does not reveal vascular disorders and there are no other indications for wearing medical underwear, the patient is most often recommended to purchase stockings with a compression degree of 0 or 1.

Such products are aimed only at the prevention of varicose veins and are usually recommended for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle - or, conversely, stand on their feet for a long time (hairdressers, salesmen). In appearance, stockings with a low degree of compression differ little from regular stockings, so they can be used after childbirth.

Stockings with grade 2 are recommended for patients diagnosed with venous insufficiency or varicose veins. They are often prescribed for pathologies of pregnancy, after a leg injury, or when there is a significant load on the muscles.

Medical underwear with grade 3 during pregnancy are prescribed less frequently, as they are intended for those who have undergone surgery on the legs, an open fracture or a trophic complication of varicose veins.

Special stockings are available for childbirth. They have some differences in cut. In these stockings, the compression is distributed very precisely and there is a stretchable insert that does not put pressure on the stomach. In such models, the toe is usually open - it allows you to determine the correct blood circulation by the appearance of your fingers.

Anti-embolic stockings during pregnancy are prescribed for serious treatment or after a difficult birth. You can wear them for a week without taking them off even in the shower. This type of product can be washed and even boiled without fear. In this case, the permissible temperature is 75 degrees.

Stages of choosing linen

Having decided to purchase stockings for childbirth, many are faced with the question of which to choose.

An important point when choosing stockings is size. If the stockings are not the right size, they will have no effect.

Before buying underwear, you need to take measurements: take measurements of the foot, shin, knee and hip. To obtain the most accurate measurements, it is recommended to take measurements immediately after waking up in the morning, preferably in a lying position. If it’s difficult to take measurements yourself, it’s better to ask someone close to you to help. The hospital can help take measurements. Having received the measurement results, the size can be selected according to the table. The color code helps determine the size. It is located on the stockings themselves, in the heel area.

Compression stockings should be comfortable, seamless, and hypoallergenic. The latter is achieved due to the fact that the product does not contain synthetic fibers. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the material of manufacture when choosing. The best option is stockings made of natural cotton with the addition of rubber threads. This combination will create a double weave, and the skin will breathe.

It is important to pay attention to the duration of use. High-quality stockings should last at least 10 months. Therefore, when purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the relevant instructions (should be on the packaging).

A special marking—the RAL quality mark—allows you to distinguish high-quality stockings from counterfeits. This mark guarantees the quality of the product and the healing effect.

Another important point is the choice of place of purchase. It is not recommended to buy compression hosiery in pharmacies; they often do not have the necessary information and will not be able to help with the choice. It is preferable to purchase stockings in specialized stores where you can get advice.

Rules for using knitwear

Unlike regular tights, when putting on medical stockings you need to follow certain rules.

If open-toe stockings are used, the slip-on sock is put on first. Then assemble the tights themselves with an accordion. Then insert your palms inside the stockings and put them on your foot, taking into account the location of the heel. Next, the stockings are straightened, distributing them evenly along the leg. After this, the sliding sock can be removed.

It is important to act carefully and avoid excessive tightening or twisting. It is worth putting on stockings in the morning, immediately after waking up, since at this time your legs are not yet swollen. It is often recommended to wear rubber gloves before putting on stockings or any other compression garment. You can do without them, but in this case your nails should be cut short. It is necessary to remove rings and rings so as not to accidentally damage the stockings.

You need to be careful when using compression stockings. And it's not just the high cost. Even a minor defect can cause a violation of the correct load distribution. Therefore, if defects are noticed or holes appear in the stockings, it is better to consult a doctor. It is possible that you will have to buy new ones.

Putting on compression stockings during pregnancy can be quite difficult due to the enlarged belly. Therefore, it is better to put on stockings before going to the maternity hospital. If you can’t do it on your own, you can and should ask your family for help. Immediately before giving birth, it will be even more difficult to cope with this task, since not only the stomach will interfere, but also periodic contractions. Moreover, there may not be time left for this.

Since compression hosiery can be worn from the beginning of pregnancy, and not just during childbirth, we list the requirements for caring for it. You can wash low-density stockings by hand using hypoallergenic baby soap instead of powder. Machine washable only for items with RAL markings. You should not hang the stockings to dry, as this may cause deformation of the product. Avoid exposure to sunlight or contact of knitwear with a heat radiator. It is not recommended to heat the material too much or iron it.

During the nine months of pregnancy, a woman's body experiences enormous stress. The mother’s circulatory system becomes especially vulnerable during this period, so in the last trimester, phlebologists advise the use of compression garments. Many mothers wonder why they need knitted stockings with compression properties and which brands are best for women carrying a baby.

What are compression stockings and what types do they come in?

During pregnancy, a woman gains weight, which can cause blood vessel diseases. Significantly increasing in size, the uterus begins to put pressure on the arteries, which contributes to the formation of congestion in the large vessels of the lower extremities.

Compression stockings are recommended for women to wear during pregnancy and childbirth to reduce the risk of damage to large and small vessels and prevent vein thrombosis. Anti-varicose stockings help distribute pressure evenly over the entire surface of the legs.

To make this kind of underwear, natural and synthetic materials are used. Most models of stockings are made of medical knitwear with high compression characteristics.

Compression, anti-embolic, hospital - is there a difference?

Compression garments are knitted products that, due to their tight fit, provide compression to the legs, supporting the fibers of the muscle tissue. They help eliminate swelling and distribute blood flow evenly.

These stockings are intended for pregnant women. They are recommended to be worn in the last months of pregnancy to prevent the development of diseases of the vascular system. With the help of such therapeutic underwear, the load on the legs is correctly distributed, and the abdominal area is not compressed.

Anti-embolic, or hospital, stockings are called stockings for childbirth or surgery, characterized by a high level of compression near the ankle. This allows you to stimulate the flow of blood to the heart when a woman has a natural birth or abdominal surgery (caesarean section) and the mobility of the lower extremities is limited.

The level of compression (pressure on the walls of the veins) gradually decreases from the ankles to the thighs, accelerates the outflow of blood and prevents reverse flow. As a result, when using anti-embolic stockings, the risk of vein blockage is reduced, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are reduced.

Compression garments for pregnant women

Elastic stockings during pregnancy should be worn not only when symptoms of diseases of the vascular system appear, but also for preventive purposes. When the load on the veins is distributed evenly due to different levels of compression, their elasticity increases significantly.

As the fetus grows, the mother's blood becomes more viscous, which leads to impaired blood flow. Compression stockings help eliminate congestion in the legs and also improve blood movement through the veins, which leads to better saturation of biological fluid with nutrients and oxygen.

Stockings for women in labor

Compression stockings for childbirth are needed to improve blood circulation and maintain muscle tone during the birth of the baby. Redistribution of the load in the lower extremities greatly facilitates the task of the mother in labor.

Anti-embolic stockings are recommended to be worn for some time after childbirth or surgical delivery in order to quickly restore health, as well as to avoid varicose veins and inflammation of the venous walls. It should be remembered that the positive effect of underwear will only be if you put it on and wear it regularly for a certain period of time.

How to choose suitable stockings for childbirth?

The maximum effect from compression underwear can be obtained only if the model is chosen correctly and the size corresponds to the parameters of the expectant mother. Before purchasing stockings for pregnant women, a woman should consult a phlebologist who will help you choose a knitwear product. If stockings are chosen incorrectly, wearing them will lead to discomfort and pain.

How to determine the size?

Before buying lingerie, a pregnant woman needs to measure her legs. This should be done in the morning - before swelling appears. Using a measuring tape you should measure:

Ankle circumference above the ankle.
Girth of the upper calf below the knee.
Thigh circumference in an area located 25 cm above the knee joint. If the expectant mother’s height is more than 180 cm, this gap increases to 30 cm.
Leg length equal to the distance from the hip (at the level where the measurement was taken) to the foot.

Based on the measurements received, the sales consultant will be able to select a knitwear product of the appropriate size. To make an independent choice, a pregnant woman can use the existing size charts, which in most cases are presented on product packaging. Some manufacturers provide numbering of sizes in numbers (from 1 to 7), but most often the sizes of stockings are indicated in Latin letters (S, M, L, XL, XXL, Q, Q+)

Compression level

There are four degrees of compression, which correspond to knitted underwear for pregnant women and women in labor. Only a surgeon or phlebologist can determine what degree of compression a woman needs. To determine the physiological characteristics of the vascular system of the expectant mother, he will need the results of an ultrasound scan of the veins, which can be used to determine the location of large vessels, the speed of blood flow, the presence of narrowings and the size of the gaps in them.

Compression stockings 1 are recommended for pregnant women whose legs become very tired in the evening and spider veins form on the skin. The second degree of compression will benefit women diagnosed with varicose veins or thrombophlebitis.

Knitwear for expectant mothers with the third degree of compression must be worn in case of severe vascular diseases and poor nutrition. Products with the highest compression class 4 will help pregnant women with severe lymph circulation disorders cope with painful symptoms.

Popular product brands

Compression hosiery underwear is represented on the market by several well-known brands:

The domestic manufacturer “Intex” has been producing inexpensive, high-quality knitwear for more than 18 years, which is not inferior in its characteristics to foreign analogues. Stockings for expectant mothers have small holes in the toe section to allow observation of the sensitivity and blood circulation of the toes.
The Medi company from Germany occupies a leading position in the production of compression hosiery for medical purposes. To prevent venous thrombosis in pregnant women, the “mediven thrombexin 18” series has been developed. Hypoallergenic underwear with graduated compression of this brand can be worn after childbirth until the veins are restored. The size of such products is marked on the heel in the form of a color code.
Knitwear with compression characteristics of the Sigvaris brand is manufactured in Switzerland. Most professional doctors prefer this brand, since the products do not cause allergic reactions and are characterized by wear resistance, aesthetics and preservation of compression properties during the intended service life.

When and how to put on and how long to wear stockings?

Pregnant women should put on elastic knitwear immediately after waking up, without getting up, and take it off immediately before going to bed. Models with cutouts in the toe area are easier to pull onto a nylon sock, after which it can be removed. The stocking, pre-assembled into an accordion, is distributed more evenly along the leg.

Medical products made from compression material have good wear resistance. The stockings that a woman wore during pregnancy can be taken with her to the maternity hospital. If they are damaged during wear, it is better to purchase new, anti-embolic ones for childbirth.

During childbirth, knitted stockings are put on at the moment when the first contractions begin. This is quite difficult, so it is better to turn to relatives for help.

Women are also recommended to wear compression garments after childbirth, but not for too long. If the delivery went without complications, you don’t have to wear them after a week. To find out how long to wear stockings if the condition of the veins has not improved, you need to consult a specialist.

Adding extra pounds during pregnancy can lead to thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. To prevent this from happening, doctors recommend using special compression stockings for childbirth. Therapeutic underwear will help eliminate swelling, reduce the risk of thrombosis and improve the condition of blood vessels.

What are they for?

During the birth process, the body experiences a powerful load, the pressure on the lower limbs and pelvic organs also increases.

Compression stockings can help prevent blood clots during and after pregnancy

As a result, inflammation may begin in the internal venous walls, accompanied by the formation of blood clots - this is how thrombophlebitis develops. This disease has very serious consequences and often ends in death.

To prevent this, you should wear compression underwear not only before childbirth, but also after it - it will help distribute the pressure in the thighs and calf muscles evenly, and also prevent the formation of blood clots. Thanks to this, blood circulation in the body will improve, and the risks of vascular congestion will be minimized. If a woman in labor already has a predisposition to varicose veins, therapeutic underwear should be worn after childbirth for two weeks to prevent the development of vascular diseases.

Compression during cesarean section is also necessary - since this operation is abdominal, during it there is a strong load on the hematopoietic vessels, which can lead to disturbances in the circulatory system and the occurrence of blood clots. With this type of delivery, the situation is aggravated by staying in one position for a long time and the use of epidural anesthesia, which has a negative effect on the hematopoietic vessels. The drug remains in the body for several days after childbirth - that’s why you should wear compression garments not only during the operation, but also after it. It is contraindicated for new mothers to take a vertical position for 2 days in order to maintain compression support and improve the condition of the legs; stockings can only be removed 3-5 days after birth.

Important! It is very difficult to put on compression stockings during contractions, so it is recommended to put them on at home. Since a large belly can make it very difficult to put on underwear, it is advisable to ask a loved one or a nurse for help.

Putting on stockings on your own in the last few months can be difficult and may require assistance.

Key Benefits

Compression stockings for childbirth are necessary for all women in labor, without exception, because they allow:

Improve the supply of all tissues with useful elements and oxygen.
Prevent varicose veins and blood clots.
Accelerate the outflow of blood in the veins and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Relieve fatigue and reduce pain in the legs.
Establish uniform blood flow in all parts of the lower extremities.
Prevent stretching and risks of ruptures of the walls of blood vessels in the legs.
Prevent severe overload of the body and avoid further complications.

Compression stockings during childbirth will help avoid many health problems

List of indications

Compression stockings are necessary when traveling to the maternity hospital if a woman has:

Swelling of the lower extremities.
Cramps.
Fatigue, heaviness and pain in the legs.
The appearance of spider veins and characteristic cobwebs.
Chronic venous insufficiency or thrombophlebitis.

Types of compression stockings

Before choosing compression stockings, a woman should be examined by a phlebologist. The doctor will take a medical history, conduct a complete examination and tell you what degree of compression is best for the woman in labor.

There are 4 levels of compression stockings:

Therapeutic knitwear grade 0 and 1 (18-22 mm Hg) is prescribed for the prevention of varicose veins when there are no serious problems with the blood vessels. Indications may include spider veins and spider veins, as well as heaviness and fatigue of the lower extremities. This phenomenon is often observed with a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged work on the feet.
Compression of the 2nd degree (up to 32 millimeters of mercury) is recommended for venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. The reason for wearing knitwear may be damage to the lower extremities during pregnancy.
Grade 3 stockings (33-46 mm Hg) are needed for women suffering from trophic disorders, congenital anomalies of the hematopoietic vascular system, an acute form of thrombophlebitis, as well as with primary and secondary lymphostasis.
Grade 4 medical underwear (49 mm Hg) should be chosen for severe lymphostasis and post-thrombotic syndrome.

There are special stockings for childbirth, which have a stretchable insert, due to which there is no pressure on the abdomen. The toe of such underwear is open - this allows the doctor to monitor blood circulation during labor by looking at the appearance of the toes.

In case of serious anomalies of the venous system during pregnancy or after a difficult labor, the doctor may recommend anti-embolic stockings, which should be worn without removing (even while showering) for several days.

How to choose the right stockings

To choose the right compression stockings for childbirth, you should consider general recommendations:

Important! Typically, compression stockings are removed 3-5 days after birth, and the doctor may also suggest changing underwear to a lower class. If a woman has been in a horizontal position for too long, a higher grade of therapeutic hosiery may be needed.

Popular brands

The condition and health of the woman in labor depends on what kind of stockings and what quality are purchased, so you should not save on such things.

How to put on compression garments correctly

The most common brands at the moment:

MEDI, made in Germany. They are one of the highest quality stockings. They are convenient, comfortable, easy to care for and use, and very durable. The starting price of linen is from 1300 rubles.
Venotex, USA. The degree of wear resistance is average, but there are quite a lot of models. All products are certified. Knitted underwear for prevention costs about 700 rubles, 3rd degree of compression - from 1600 rubles.
ORTO, Spain. Mid-priced compression garments. The cost varies from 950 to 2500 rubles. The shelf life of knitwear is 4 months, but stockings can quickly wear out on the toes and feet.
Intex, Russian Federation. Excellent value for money. The products are made of wear-resistant fabrics, the average cost of linen is from 1200 to 3500 rubles.
Sigvaris, Switzerland. The most durable and high-quality stockings with an excellent design - for such positive characteristics the buyer will have to pay 2500-5000 rubles.
Relaxsan, Italy. Medical underwear from this manufacturer has the most affordable price - from 1000 to 1200 rubles, however, customer reviews have shown that consumers experience inconvenience when using knitwear, and such stockings wear out quickly.

Let's sum it up

Compression stockings are an excellent way to prevent thrombophlebitis and varicose veins in the legs. Underwear helps distribute the load on the thighs and calf muscles evenly, which improves blood circulation and supplies tissues with oxygen and necessary elements. It is advisable to purchase products in orthopedic stores or pharmacies - specialists will select suitable stockings and give recommendations on their use and care.

Pregnancy is a time of joyful anticipation. To prevent it from being overshadowed by health problems, it is important to prevent unwanted symptoms with preventive measures. Among other things, you should pay attention to stockings for childbirth. They protect against the development of varicose veins. You no longer need to bandage your feet, because modern products give a greater effect and are at the same time convenient to use.

Should be separated:

stockings for pregnant women against varicose veins;
for childbirth.

The former are used in the prenatal period, the latter - during and after childbirth. Both types of stockings protect against varicose veins, both those women who have already developed this disease and those who have its first signs. Maternity stockings reduce the load on the lower limbs. This is especially noticeable when walking. They protect the veins from damage during the active phase of childbirth.

How do compression stockings work for childbirth? They create special pressure on the legs. This allows you to protect the veins from stretching, normalize blood flow, and prevent the formation of nodes and blood clots.

Stockings data:

comfortable;
durable;
aesthetic;
inexpensive.

The products stay on your feet well and do not fall off. They are easy to put on and secure. This distinguishes the device from an elastic bandage, the use of which requires effort.

Stockings for childbirth have a significant service life. Their quality allows them to be used during several pregnancies.

Compression stockings for childbirth hug your legs beautifully. A pregnant woman or a woman who has already given birth will not have to feel embarrassed about wearing them.

The cost of the products is higher than elastic bandages, but their purchase is still profitable. After all, you will buy them once, and the materials for bandaging will have to be updated all the time. Thus, the use of the former is inexpensive.

Where to buy quality products?

If you understand the importance of preventing varicose veins and decide to buy stockings for childbirth, then you should make a purchase from a reliable, honest supplier. The company “It’s time to go to the maternity hospital” sells products of proven quality at an affordable price. To order goods, call the indicated numbers or use the functions of the site. Delivery of products for childbirth is carried out throughout Russia, including Moscow.

Compression stockings are an effective means for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the venous system. The product is also used for recovery after surgery, childbirth or pregnancy.

For each occasion, stockings are selected separately. Compression garments vary in size and compression class, and therefore come in several types. In addition, there is a difference in the choice of stockings for men and women.

Compression hosiery is a special material that applies the correct pressure to the venous wall. Thanks to this, products made from compression knitwear are effectively used for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, as well as for postoperative recovery of patients.

Compression hosiery is often also called anti-varicose, anti-embolic or anti-varicose. Some people mistakenly believe that compression underwear is practically no different from regular ones, and use, for example, thick tights with high Den instead of anti-embolic tights. Indeed, any underwear puts pressure on the venous wall.

But only anti-varicose jersey provides a special pressure mode, implying variable pressure, decreasing towards the feet. That is, in those parts of the body where venous pressure is higher, the pressure of compression garments is also more noticeable.

This ensures the normalization of the size of the subcutaneous and deep veins, as well as stimulates blood flow to the heart and stabilizes blood circulation throughout the body as a whole.

There are several types of compression garments. The most common are stockings and tights. Anti-varicose stockings are effectively used to relieve swelling and fatigue from the legs, as well as to combat diseases of the venous system.

What are anti-embolic stockings for: indications for use

Compression stockings are used in a variety of situations. They are used both for the prevention of varicose veins and for treatment. Anti-embolic stockings are often worn by pregnant women, as well as patients after surgery.

The main indications for the use of compression stockings are the following:

Anti-embolic stockings are considered the most practical type of compression garment. Unlike tights, they are more comfortable as they are much easier to put on and take off. Unlike ordinary stockings, anti-embolic stockings do not move down during wear, since this is not allowed by the compression exerted to the required extent on different parts of the leg.

These stockings are great not only for patients after surgery, people suffering from diseases of the venous system and pregnant women, but also for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle or work while standing, overstraining their legs.

Wearing anti-embolic stockings is a good way to prevent diseases such as venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis or varicose veins. And in order for wearing compression underwear to be comfortable, you need to choose the right product.

How to choose the right stockings?

Anti-embolic stockings must apply the correct pressure, and therefore it is important to choose the right product for their benefit. It is necessary to choose stockings taking into account several factors.

These include the following:

For many, the hypoallergenic property of the product will also be important. Many brands produce stockings with the addition of antimicrobial agents, as well as from materials that will not cause skin irritation for people with allergies.

Manufacturer

The modern market for compression garments is quite diverse. But there are still several leading manufacturers.

The most popular brands are the following:

These are not all manufacturers of anti-embolic garments. But the above brands are the most popular and widespread on the market.

Compression class

Compression stockings for surgery and for prevention differ in compression classes.

There are 4 varieties:

In addition to 4 classes of stockings, there are also preventive underwear with pressure of 15-18 mm Hg. Art. Products are worn for problems such as cellulite or excess weight. It is also convenient to use such stockings during long flights or regular physical activity. It is preventive stockings that are prescribed to pregnant women to ease the load and relieve fatigue from the legs.

Dimensions

To ensure that wearing compression garments is not only comfortable, but also effective, you need to choose the right size. Since anti-varicose underwear differs from regular underwear in elasticity. It must fit snugly enough to the body to have the desired effect. Anti-embolic jersey for men is knee socks. The dimensions and characteristics of the products are shown in the table.

Knee socks	Circumference above ankle, cm	Circumference under the knee, cm
XS	17 – 19	26 – 32
S	20 – 22	30 – 42
M	20 – 22	34 – 44
L	23 – 25	38 – 48
LX	26 – 28	44 – 55
XL	29 – 31	44 – 55

Women more often choose stockings. They come in different styles, are more practical and comfortable to wear. Standard sizes look like this.

Stockings	Circumference above ankle, cm	Circumference under the knee, cm	Thigh circumference, cm
XS	17 – 19	26 – 36	40 – 50
S	20 – 22	30 – 42	48 – 60
SX	20 — 22	30 – 42	56 – 70
M	23 – 25	34 – 46	56 – 70
MX	23 — 25	34 – 46	64 – 80
L	26 – 28	38 – 51	64 – 80
LX	26 – 28	38 – 51	72 — 90
XL	29 – 31	42 — 55	72 — 90
XLX	29 — 31	42 — 55	80 — 100

Stockings with a belt differ in parameters from ordinary ones. The size chart looks like this.

With fixation at the waist	Circumference above ankle, cm	Circumference under the knee, cm	Thigh circumference, cm
S	20 – 22	30 – 42	46 – 60
M	23 – 25	34 – 46	56 – 70
L	26 – 28	38 – 51	64 – 80
LX	26 – 28	38 – 51	72 – 90

Sometimes sizes may differ from standard ones. Therefore, it is necessary to look at the sizing chart of a specific manufacturer before purchasing a product.

Stockings for men and women: differences

Manufacturers of compression garments offer various styles of products for men and women. Men mainly buy knee socks, but there are also stocking models for the stronger sex. These are products of neutral colors without any decorative elements.

Compression stockings for surgery in women are visually no different from ordinary underwear. They come in a variety of styles, with various ruffles and decorations. Can be with garters, belts and fasteners at the waist. The color range is also varied. Therefore, you can easily choose compression underwear that will not bring disharmony to your wardrobe.

Price of medical stockings

Compression stockings for surgery differ not only in size, compression class and manufacturer, but also in cost. The price of the product is determined depending on the factors listed above.

Manufacturers of anti-embolic stockings offer underwear at the following prices:

Relaxan – up to 1200 rubles;
Intex - from 800 to 1300 rubles;
ORTO – 400 – 700 rub.;
Venoteks – 650 – 2000 rubles;
Medi – from 1300 rubles;
Sigvaris – from 2500 rub.

The cheapest are prophylactic stockings with a low compression class. More expensive models - with high compression, from class 3.

What compression stockings are needed for gynecological surgery?

Compression stockings for gynecological surgery are necessary to quickly stop blood loss, which can lead to blocked veins and blood clots. Using underwear with the right compression class significantly reduces the risk of developing these side effects after surgery.

Depending on the type of operation and the individual characteristics of the patient, the doctor may prescribe stockings of any compression class. Prophylactic underwear can be purchased in specialized stores yourself, and for medicinal products of any class you will need a prescription from a specialist.

What kind of stockings are needed after childbirth?

Anti-embolic stockings after childbirth are necessary to ensure proper blood flow. It is especially necessary to wear such underwear after a cesarean section. Anti-varicose underwear helps to avoid serious complications after surgery and ensure a speedy recovery.

Usually, first and second class stockings are prescribed. However, sometimes higher compression garments are required. In each case, the product is selected individually by the attending physician.

Which stockings are suitable for pregnant women?

Pregnant patients are usually prescribed first class or prophylactic stockings. If a woman suffers from venous insufficiency, or has complications and serious swelling, then underwear with higher compression - second class - can be used.

If the patient has thrombophlebitis, impaired lymph flow, or varicose veins at an advanced stage, then during pregnancy stockings of the third or even fourth class of compression are prescribed.

How to put on stockings correctly?

Compression stockings must be worn according to several guidelines. Correctly putting on underwear at the right time will provide the appropriate preventive or therapeutic effect.

The basic rules are the following:

It is necessary to put on anti-varicose stockings at the appropriate time: immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. Then it will be easier to do this, since the legs are relaxed after rest.
The skin should be dry and clean. It will be very difficult to pull an anti-varicose stocking on wet skin, as the process will be accompanied by friction.
When putting on underwear, there should be no jewelry on your hands (rings, bracelets, etc.), and your nails should be cut short. Pulling on compression stockings is quite difficult, as they are much tighter than regular underwear. Therefore, they are easy to catch with a ring or nails.
To extend the life of your underwear, you need to be careful about your feet, because it is in the lower area that the stockings wear out the fastest. It is necessary to ensure not only the length of the nails, but also to ensure that there are no calluses or corns on the feet.

To put on compression stockings, you need to straighten your legs in a horizontal position, and then slightly raise them. After this, you need to assemble the product into an accordion and begin to pull it from the foot, turning the stocking inside out to the heel and above. You need to put on your underwear carefully and carefully, smoothing out any wrinkles that have formed.

How long should you wear stockings?

The period for wearing compression garments is determined by the doctor, as it differs not only depending on the diagnosis, but also on the individual characteristics of the patient.

If wearing stockings is prescribed after surgical interventions, then the period of their use usually takes about 2 weeks. As with wearing underwear for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the venous system, stockings must be put on daily in the morning and removed before bedtime.

If anti-varicose stockings are prescribed to athletes, then they need to be worn only during training. The same applies to cases where the products are worn under severe physical exertion during work.

How to properly wash stockings?

Proper care of compression garments can significantly extend its service life. It is best to wash anti-embolic stockings by hand. The water temperature should be about 30 degrees, that is, summer.

It is advisable not to use strong powders; a slightly alkaline shampoo would be more suitable.

Anti-embolic underwear should also be rinsed in cool water and then gently squeezed. Dry anti-varicose stockings on a towel in a horizontal position.

Avoid contact of anti-varicose jersey with direct sunlight, as well as heating devices, such as radiators.

If the stockings are equipped with silicone retainers, it is better not to get the strips wet when washing. To disinfect, simply wipe them with a damp, alcohol-based wipe.

To choose the right product, you need to know exactly your diagnosis and the purpose of using stockings: for surgery, for wearing during pregnancy, for the prevention or treatment of diseases of the venous system.

By correctly choosing the size of compression stockings, class and providing appropriate care, you can extend their use to 6-8 months, and also make wearing underwear more comfortable.

Article format: Mila Friedan

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