Why do I need compression or hospital stockings for childbirth, which ones are better to choose and how much to wear? Compression stockings for childbirth Compression stockings in the hospital which to buy

Why compression stockings for childbirth, how to choose knitwear for the desired degree of compression.

During pregnancy, all systems of a woman's body go through a colossal load. The circulatory system experiences special overloads, therefore, before cesarean, doctors recommend expectant mothers to wear medical knitwear. Made from thick fabric, it fits snugly over the entire surface. Why does a pregnant woman need a special compression accessory and how can you get rid of edema with their help? Read about this article.

Why are compression stockings needed during childbirth?

When wearing medical underwear in the blood vessels, blood flow increases under pressure. This contributes to the fact that stagnation does not occur. Blood easily rises to the heart, which reduces swelling in the legs.
The same pressure over the entire surface of the leg contributes to the establishment of uniform blood flow in all its parts. Constant pressure has a beneficial effect on the condition of the walls of blood vessels. The tone contributes to their additional strengthening.
Medical stockings for pregnant women are recommended by more and more doctors to their patients. The point here is not in aesthetics (to the doctor and the woman in labor is not this), but in protection from the strongest overloads. Such a useful and necessary accessory is an excellent prevention of complications that can occur when the condition of blood vessels deteriorates.

spider veins
vascular network
to fight swelling
to reduce seizures
to relieve tension in the legs
before and before caesarean section

The degree of compression depends on the expected effect (therapeutic or prophylactic) from wearing medical knitwear.

If a pregnant woman does not have pathologies of the venous system, then she is recommended to wear preventive medical underwear.
If a pregnant woman has problems with blood vessels, then compression underwear is selected depending on the condition of the patient's blood vessels.
But even if a pregnant woman did without medical knitwear during the entire period of bearing a child, the doctor may recommend it for childbirth. Underwear of the required compression will create and distribute the pressure of the vessels of the legs, which weakens when moving up. A woman in labor not only improves blood flow and prevents stagnation of blood in the vessels, but their walls do not stretch and there are no ruptures during childbirth.

Even if a pregnant woman did without medical knitwear during the entire period of bearing a child, the doctor may recommend it for childbirth

It is worth contacting a phlebologist if:

appearance of spider veins
protruding veins
with convulsions
with swelling
with varicose veins
with thrombophlebitis

It is better to give birth in special compression underwear for those who are overweight, diagnosed with heart disease, have problems with blood vessels, diabetes, and impaired blood clotting. The medical accessory is also recommended to be worn during childbirth by women who are 40 years of age or older.

Future women in labor, unfortunately, are not aware of the danger that threatens their veins during delivery. Doctors warn not all women in labor. But with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, the intensity of outflow of blood through the veins in the legs may decrease, resulting in thrombosis. It is for this reason that medical stockings are selected for childbirth, and not stockings.

Thanks to the medical accessory, the minimum pressure is set in the hips, and it is maximum in the lower leg.

Special compression underwear is not cheap, but its purchase will not be a waste of money, and after childbirth, this accessory will also serve as an excellent prevention of varicose veins, especially in winter.
When choosing an accessory, you should opt for a model made from natural materials. Synthetic medical jersey is more pleasant to the body, however, such underwear does not pass water and moisture well.
When choosing a medical accessory, opt for a model that has no seams. In such knitwear, the seams do not press on certain areas of the skin, which means that swelling and bruising do not form.

Video: PREGNANCY | Are compression stockings really necessary for childbirth?

What are the risks for a pregnant woman?

During delivery by caesarean section, the vessels experience a large load. Thrombus may occur. If a pregnant woman already has a disease associated with blood vessels, then the movement of blood clots can provoke blockage of the artery.
During surgery, the veins are dilated, and in combination with the horizontal position of the body, a woman in labor may experience thromboembolism.
Certain components that make up anesthesia have a negative effect on the circulatory system of a woman's body.
Sometimes pregnant women bandage their legs with elastic bandages before childbirth. If this procedure is carried out by an experienced person, then there should be no fear for the health of the woman in labor, but it is better to choose stockings.

During surgery, the veins are dilated, and in combination with the horizontal position of the body, the woman in labor may experience thromboembolism

After the baby is born, doctors recommend that a young mother wear a compression accessory in which the woman gave birth for several days. This is due to the presence of drugs that are part of the anesthesia, and the continuation of their expanding action on the blood vessels.
Additional support for proper blood circulation in the legs of the woman in labor is provided by medical knitwear for 2-3 days after the operation. It is recommended to remove stockings only 3-5 days after cesarean.
It is better to buy medical underwear after a doctor's prescription. But if the doctor does not talk about the need to purchase medical knitwear for childbirth, then the consultant of a specialized store will help make the right choice. In a regular pharmacy there is not enough information about such a product.

Going shopping, you need to take measurements with a centimeter tape:

ankles
shins
hips

Having made the necessary measurements, you can easily choose the correct size of compression stockings.

What compression stockings are needed for childbirth, Cesarean section?

Signs of varicose veins are found in every second woman. With the help of special compression underwear, you can actively fight the disease, or prevent the appearance of its first signs, by normalizing venous circulation. The range of medical knitwear is rich, so it can be difficult to choose the right model.

What compression stockings does a woman in labor need?

If a pregnant woman does not have obvious signs of varicose veins, but there is a possibility of its manifestation (due to limited motor activity, or as a result of excessive physical activity, with excessive fat accumulation, swelling of the legs, vascular networks on the legs, due to hormonal disruptions), then you should choose knitwear anti-varicose prophylactic. Such underwear will prevent blood stasis, relieve the feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities.

If a woman in labor suffers from varicose veins for several years, and during pregnancy its manifestations intensify, then it is necessary to select a therapeutic type of underwear with the necessary compression. It is worth paying attention to the following: the marking of medical knitwear is indicated in mm of mercury. The presence of density marking in DEN indicates that the product is a fake.

The attending physician will help you choose the right compression class for stockings.

In the presence of fatigue, swelling of the legs, the manifestation of pain as a result of prolonged static load, if small vessels are dilated, pastosity is observed (pits that remain on the surface of the skin after pressure), doctors prescribe knitwear I class. The pressure of such stockings is 18-22 mm Hg. Art.
With dilated blood vessels on the lower extremities, meshes, knots, with post-thrombophlebic disease, scleropathy or acute thrombophlebitis, there is a possibility of thrombosis. In this case, the doctor prescribes compression stockings. II class. The pressure of such stockings is 23-32 mm Hg. Art.
If a pregnant woman has venous insufficiency, there are complications such as trophic disorders, primary and secondary lymphostasis, phlebolymphedema, congenital malformations of the circulatory vascular system, then the doctor prescribes compression stockings III class with a pressure of 33-46 mm Hg. Art.
If a pregnant woman has post-thrombotic syndrome and complications of lymphostasis, then she will be prescribed compression stockings IV class, the pressure of which is higher than 49 mm Hg. Art.

There is another type of medical underwear - hospital knitwear. It is recommended for those who are scheduled for surgery followed by prolonged bed rest.

Video: How to wear compression stockings, tights?

Compression stockings for childbirth: how to choose the size?

The effect of wearing compression stockings will be noticeable only if you choose the right size. To do this, it is necessary to take measurements from the legs in the morning before puffiness appears. You can take measurements yourself, but it is better if we do this by a phlebologist.
Medical jersey is made in accordance with the standard size range. There are 3-7 sizes of compression underwear. If many different anatomical parameters are indicated on the package, then it will not be difficult to choose the optimal size that will provide the best therapeutic effect.

If the package indicates many different anatomical parameters, then it will not be difficult to choose the optimal size that will provide the best therapeutic effect.

You should not trust specialists who, when choosing medical underwear, are guided by the height and weight of a pregnant woman. The pressure of medical knitwear is strictly dosed: when moving up to the hips, it decreases. Therefore, when choosing compression stockings, measurements such as thigh circumference (taken at a point located 5 cm below the gluteal crease), calf and ankle circumference, and foot size are necessary.
For owners of thin legs with a foot size of 38-39, compression stockings in size S, recommended for owners of feet 34-36 cm, will cause discomfort. In this case, it is better to purchase knitwear with open socks.

What are compression stockings for after childbirth?

Medical underwear after childbirth will help to further stimulate the movement of blood in the lower extremities, which means that postpartum recovery will take less time.
After childbirth, a different compression class of medical underwear is selected for a young mother, because the load on the veins after childbirth is different.

How long to wear compression stockings, when can you take them off?

They put on medical knitwear before childbirth. At home, it will be easier to do this if you ask someone close to help. When the baby is born, do not rush to get rid of the stockings. The venous system after surgery undergoes another test:

the young mother was lying down for a long time and now she needs to get up
substances that are part of the anesthesia solution are not immediately excreted

Compression underwear is removed after 3-5 days, depending on the well-being of the woman in labor. Some maternity hospitals practice changing underwear to a lower compression class. This helps to avoid sudden pressure drops. Those women in labor who have been in a horizontal position for a long time are prescribed medical knitwear, the degree of compression of which is higher.

Video: Why wear compression stockings?

Buy compression stockings for childbirth.

A tribute to fashion or a necessity?

Some statistics: PE occurs in 1 out of 750 women in labor * (blockage of a pulmonary artery by a thrombus)

To date, it is recommended to have stockings for childbirth for ALL WOMEN, even if before childbirth they did not suffer from vein diseases. During labor, due to the huge load in the deep veins of the legs, blood clots may occur. They can clog the vessel and lead to thrombosis. This is a serious complication that threatens the life of a woman. Buy to compression stockings for childbirth necessary for both natural childbirth and cesarean section .. The presence of such stockings is a prerequisite in maternity hospitals in large Russian cities. If it is possible to reduce the risk of complications, then why not take advantage of this opportunity? Ideally, if a pregnant woman during pregnancy wore preventive compression stockings or stockings for pregnant women to minimize the load on the legs, especially in the later stages.

When is the right time to buy birth stockings?

Recall that these are not simple stockings, but compression stockings, that is, they exert a certain level of pressure. And they don't fit like regular hosiery, a little heavier.. That's why:

We recommend purchasing compression stockings for childbirth somewhere in a month and practice putting on at home. There are very frequent cases when a woman during contractions simply could not or did not have time to put on birth stockings.
Much in advance stockings should not be looked for in 3-4 months. The circumference of the leg may increase due to edema, and the desired size of the stockings will increase accordingly.
Anti-embolic stockings for childbirth class 1 are shown to all women in labor, regardless of the method of delivery, and are bought on their own without a doctor's prescription.

What compression class is needed for childbirth?

For most healthy women, it is enough to have stockings for childbirth 1st class(18-23 mmHg)
If a woman before childbirth already had vascular diseases of the lower extremities, was observed for this reason, or during pregnancy she was prescribed class 2 compression stockings, then you may need anti-embolic stockings for childbirth class 2(23-32 mm Hg), which are prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

How long to wear stockings after childbirth?

Usually after natural childbirth stockings are worn for 1-2 days taking off at night. As soon as you return to physical activity, start walking along the corridor, you will no longer need stockings. If the general condition does not allow you to return to activity in the first days after childbirth, then stockings can be used for a longer time. In any case, the staff of the maternity hospital will definitely tell you how to proceed specifically in your case.
If a woman had a caesarean section, she can take off her stockings only after the permission of the doctor. They will need to be worn during delivery, and for some time after the baby is born.

Although, judging by the reviews of our customers, many women even I like the compression effect of the stocking for childbirth feeling of lightness in the legs,and they keep wearing themat home. Le Soft compression class 1 do no harmt, on the contrary, will helpget rid of pastosity and swelling of soft tissueslegs. But the appearance of white hospital color allows them to be worn only at home or under clothes.

How to choose stockings for childbirth?

Preference should be given to products that:

Does not contain latex, therefore will not cause an allergic reaction
Can be washed or even sterilized at t-95 degrees to ensure hygiene when discharged.
They have a loose knit for easy donning
They have an open toe so that the doctor can control microcirculation by the color of the toes.
Made from to breathable fiber

We answer your questions.

Question:during pregnancy I wore class 1 anti-varicose stockings, can I use them during childbirth, because the compression class is the same?

Answer: If we consider the therapeutic effect, then yes, you can. But... we still recommend purchasing special anti-embolic stockings for childbirth, because:

They are easier to put on than classic compression stockings.
They have a hole in the fingers, and this is very important so that the doctor can quickly respond if necessary.
And if discharge gets on your beautiful stockings, will it be possible to wash them at T-30 degrees?
If there is a need to be in postpartum stockings for several days in a row, then in anti-varicose stockings you will simply "weld", and anti-embolic stockings pass air well.
The cost of postpartum stockings starts from 900 rubles, anti-varicose stockings are more expensive.

Only high-quality stockings for childbirth are able to protect your blood vessels and provide your legs with the highest comfort. In the Venocomfort online store you can buy compression stockings for childbirth German company medi, the effectiveness of which has been proven in clinical studies. Or more budget and very popular stockings for childbirth from the company Ergoforma. Do not risk your health at such a crucial moment. Buy the best! Medical consultants of our store are always ready to answer your questions.

Choose. Buy. And easy childbirth for you!

Your VenoComfort.

During the nine months of pregnancy, a woman's body is under enormous stress. The mother's circulatory system during this period becomes especially vulnerable, therefore, in the last trimester, phlebologists advise using compression underwear. Many mothers wonder why they need stockings made of knitwear with compression properties and which brands are best for women who are carrying a baby.

What are compression stockings and what are they?

During pregnancy, a woman gains weight, which can provoke the appearance of diseases of the blood vessels. 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 during pregnancy and delivery to reduce the risk of damage to large and small vessels and prevent vein thrombosis. Anti-varicose stockings contribute to an even distribution of pressure over the entire surface of the legs.

For the manufacture of linen of this kind, natural and synthetic materials are used. Most stocking models are made of therapeutic knitwear with high compression characteristics.

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

Compression underwear is called knitwear, which, due to the snug fit, provides compression of the legs, supporting muscle fibers. They contribute to the elimination of edema and uniform distribution of blood flow.

These stockings are designed for pregnant women. They are recommended to be worn in the last months of bearing a baby in order to prevent the development of diseases of the vascular system. With the help of such medical underwear, the load on the legs is correctly distributed, and the abdominal area is not squeezed.

Anti-embolic, or hospital stockings are called stockings for childbirth or operations, characterized by a high level of compression near the ankle. This allows you to stimulate the outflow of blood to the heart when a woman has a natural birth or an abdominal operation (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 hips, 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 underwear 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 evenly distributed due to the 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 to eliminate congestion in the legs, and also improve the movement of blood through the veins, which leads to better saturation of the biological fluid with nutrients and oxygen.

Maternity stockings

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

Anti-embolic stockings are advised to be worn for some time after childbirth or operative delivery in order to quickly restore health, as well as 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 the right stockings for childbirth?

The maximum effect of compression underwear can only be obtained if the model is chosen correctly and the size corresponds to the parameters of the expectant mother. Before buying stockings for pregnant women, a woman should consult a phlebologist who will help you choose a knitwear. If the stockings are not chosen correctly, wearing them will lead to inconvenience and painful sensations.

How to determine size?

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

Ankle circumference above the ankle.
The girth of the upper part of the calf under the knee.
Thigh girth in the area located 25 cm above the knee joint. If the growth of the expectant mother is more than 180 cm, this gap increases to 30 cm.
The length of the legs, equal to the distance from the hip (at the level where the measurement was made) to the foot.

According to the measurements received, the sales assistant will be able to choose a knitted product of a suitable size. For an independent choice, a pregnant woman can use the existing dimensional grids, which in most cases are presented on product packages. Some manufacturers provide numbering of sizes in numbers (from 1 to 7), but most often stocking sizes are indicated in Latin letters (S, M, L, XL, XXL, Q, Q +)

Compression degree

There are four degrees of compression, which correspond to knitted underwear for pregnant women and women in childbirth. 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 ultrasound of the veins, which can determine the location of large vessels, the speed of blood flow, the presence of constrictions and the size of the gaps in them.

Stockings with compression 1 are recommended for pregnant women, whose legs are very tired in the evening, and spider veins form on the skin. The second degree of compression will benefit women who have been 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 malnutrition. Products with the highest compression class 4 will help pregnant women with pronounced lymph circulation disorders cope with painful symptoms.

Popular product brands

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

For more than 18 years, the domestic manufacturer Intex has been producing inexpensive high-quality knitwear, which is not inferior in its characteristics to foreign counterparts. Stockings for expectant mothers in the toe part have small holes for the possibility of monitoring the sensitivity and circulation of the toes.
The Medi company from Germany is a leader in the production of compression stockings for medical purposes. For the prevention of venous thrombosis in pregnant women, a series of "mediven thrombexin 18" has been developed. Hypoallergenic underwear with graduated compression of this brand can be worn after childbirth until the veins recover. 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 made in Switzerland. Most professional doctors prefer this particular brand, as the products do not cause allergic reactions and are durable, aesthetic and maintain compression properties during the intended period of operation.

When and how to wear and how much 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 area of the fingers are easier to pull on a capron toe, after which it can be removed. The stocking pre-assembled into an accordion is more evenly distributed over the leg.

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

For childbirth, knitted stockings are put on at the moment when the first contractions began. This is quite difficult, so it is better to seek help from relatives.

Women are also recommended to wear compression underwear after childbirth, but not for too long. If the delivery went without complications, they can not be worn after a week. To find out how much longer to wear stockings, if the condition of the veins has not improved, you need to contact a specialist.

In accordance with the instructions of doctors, women are advised to use compression stockings for childbirth during pregnancy and delivery, which prevent the risk of developing varicose veins. Also, this underwear contributes to the treatment of 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 pelvic organs and legs, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Therapeutic stockings distribute the load in the legs so that the maximum pressure falls on the shins, which prevents the appearance.

Unfortunately, not every woman in labor knows that in the process of delivery there is always a risk of developing diseases of the veins and blood vessels of the legs. Pregnancy is always associated with a lot of stress for the body.

During this period, large blood vessels and arteries are squeezed, which is due to the pressure of the growing uterus. Together, this leads to the development of congestive phenomena in the legs and small pelvis.

Natural childbirth, and also implies a long stay of a woman in a horizontal position, which exacerbates the above symptoms. An important factor is intra-abdominal pressure, which negatively affects the condition of the veins.

With the combined effect of these causes, both large vessels and small capillaries are damaged, and the risk of thrombosis increases.

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

An important factor is the fact that medical underwear helps to reduce physical fatigue, which is invariably associated with labor.

To achieve the maximum effect, especially in the presence of symptoms of vein diseases, 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 mainly from natural fabrics, which implies the absolute safety of their use. They do not cause discomfort in the process of wearing, while providing a preventive effect.

Classes

There are four classes of compression stockings, each designed for use in the presence of certain symptoms of vascular disease. In order to make the right choice, it is best to visit a phlebologist who will determine the appropriate class of linen in each case.

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

The main classes of medical underwear are the following:

1 class. Stockings classified in this category exert a pressure of no more than 23 mm Hg 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.
Grade 2 In this case, the compression does not exceed 33 mm Hg. Art. Underwear of this kind has on the legs not only a preventive, but also a therapeutic effect, eliminating the early manifestations of varicose veins and thrombosis.
Grade 3 In this case, the pressure is already about 45 mm Hg. Art. Such underwear is most often used for moderate and severe degrees of damage to blood vessels and veins.
4th grade. The compression pressure of such stockings exceeds 50 mm Hg. Art. It is possible to wear underwear of this class only in case of severe violations of the lymph flow. It prevents the development of complications and eliminates severe swelling.

Kinds

In addition to the level of compression pressure, stockings are also categorized according to types. Which option is better to use in a particular case, it is better to decide after consulting a doctor.

Each of these types has both pluses and minuses:

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

Dimensions

Compression stockings for childbirth - how to choose the right size? This aspect is important, since only properly selected underwear will protect the 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 parts of the legs, using a centimeter tape when performing this manipulation: you need to find out the girth of the lower, upper parts of the lower leg and thigh.

You should also calculate the length of the leg up to the upper thigh measurement. It is on the basis of these figures that the optimal stocking size is selected.

Terms of Use

In order to achieve the maximum effect from the use of stockings, you must follow some rules. Neglecting them may not cause harm, but the benefits will ultimately be minimal.

In order to determine whether stockings are needed, you should consult a doctor. He will determine the type and class of underwear in accordance with individual physiological characteristics.
Linen should be made exclusively from natural materials. Deviation from this rule and the acquisition of stockings of dubious quality can 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 unnecessarily high, or, on the contrary, low, which prevents the achievement of a positive effect.

You can use compression stockings not only during childbirth, but also during pregnancy. The presence or absence of violations of the activity of blood vessels is not a prerequisite, that is, you can wear underwear designed exclusively for prevention.

Compression stockings are an effective tool 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 case, stockings are selected separately. Compression underwear differs in size and compression class, and therefore there are several types. In addition, there is a difference in the choice of stockings for men and women.

Compression hosiery is a special material that exerts the correct pressure on the venous wall. Due to this, compression stockings are effectively used for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, as well as for postoperative recovery of patients.

Compression stockings are often referred to as anti-varicose, anti-embolic, or anti-varicose. Some mistakenly believe that compression underwear is practically no different from ordinary ones, and use, for example, dense tights with a high Den instead of anti-embolic ones. Indeed, any underwear puts pressure on the venous wall.

But only anti-varicose knitwear provides a special onslaught regime, which implies variable pressure, decreasing towards the feet. That is, in those parts of the body where venous pressure is higher, the onslaught of compression underwear is also more noticeable.

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

Compression underwear comes in several varieties. 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 many situations. They are used both for the prevention of varicose veins and for treatment. Often, anti-embolic stockings are worn by pregnant women, as well as patients after surgery.

The main indications for the use of compression stockings are as follows:

Anti-embolic stockings are considered the most practical type of compression underwear. Unlike tights, they are more comfortable as they are much easier to put on and take off. Unlike conventional stockings, anti-embolic stockings do not move out during wear, as this is not allowed by the compression exerted to the right degree 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 standing up, straining 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 the sock of compression underwear to be comfortable, you need to choose the right product.

How to choose stockings?

Anti-embolic stockings must exert the correct pressure, and therefore it is important to choose the right product in order to benefit from wearing them. It is necessary to choose stockings, taking into account several factors.

These include the following:

For many, such a property as the hypoallergenicity of the product will also be important. Many brands make stockings that are formulated with antimicrobial agents and materials that won't irritate the skin of people with allergies.

Manufacturer

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

The most popular brands are the following:

This is not all manufacturers of anti-embolic underwear. But the above brands are the most popular and common on the market.

Compression class

Compression stockings for surgery and prophylaxis differ in compression classes.

There are 4 varieties:

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

Dimensions

In order for the sock of compression underwear to be not only comfortable, but also effective, you need to choose the right size. Since anti-varicose underwear differs from the usual elasticity. It should fit snugly enough to the body to have the desired effect. Anti-embolic knitwear for men is stockings. The dimensions and characteristics of the products are shown in the table.

Knee socks	Girth above the ankle, cm	Girth 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 are more likely to choose stockings. They come in different styles, more practical and comfortable to wear. Standard sizes are as follows.

Stockings	Girth above the ankle, cm	Girth under the knee, cm	Thigh girth, 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. From the dimensional grid it looks like this.

With fixation at the waist	Girth above the ankle, cm	Girth under the knee, cm	Thigh girth, 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 the dimensions may differ from the standard. Therefore, it is necessary to look at the dimensional grid of a particular manufacturer before buying a product.

Stockings for men and women: differences

Compression underwear manufacturers offer different styles of products for men and women. Men mainly buy knee-highs, but there are also models of stockings 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 decor. Can be with garters, belts and fasteners at the waist. The color scheme is also varied. Therefore, you can easily pick up 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 formed 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 rubles;
Venoteks - 650 - 2000 rubles;
Medi - from 1300 rubles;
Sigvaris - from 2500 rubles.

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 in order to stop the loss of blood as soon as possible, which can lead to clogged 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 of the compression classes. Preventive underwear can be purchased in specialized stores on your own, and medical products of any class will require a prescription from a specialist.

What 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.

Stockings of the first and second class are usually prescribed. However, underwear with higher compression is sometimes required. In each case, the product is selected individually by the attending physician.

What stockings are suitable for pregnant women?

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

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

How to put on stockings?

Compression stockings must be worn in accordance with several regulations. Properly putting on underwear at the right time will provide the appropriate preventive or therapeutic effect.

The main rules are as follows:

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 must be dry and clean. On wet skin, it will be very difficult to pull the anti-varicose stocking, as the process will be accompanied by friction.
When putting on underwear, there should be no jewelry on the hands (rings, bracelets, etc.), and nails should be cut short. Pulling on compression stockings is quite difficult, as they are much denser than regular underwear. Therefore, they are easy to hook with a ring or nails.
To prolong the life of underwear, you need to be careful about your feet, because it is in the lower section that the stockings wear out the fastest. It is necessary to monitor not only the length of the nails, but also to ensure that there are no calluses and corns on the feet.

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

How long should stockings be worn?

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

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

If anti-varicose stockings are prescribed for athletes, then they must be worn only for the period of training. The same applies to those cases when products are worn during serious physical exertion during work.

How to wash stockings?

Proper care of compression underwear can significantly extend its 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 will be more suitable.

Rinse anti-embolic underwear should also be in cool water, and then gently squeeze. Dry anti-varicose stockings on a towel, in a horizontal position.

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

If the stockings are equipped with silicone retainers, then it is better not to wet the strips during washing. For disinfection, it is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth based on alcohol.

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 prevention or for the 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 formatting: Mila Fridan

Video about compression stockings

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