Using Compression Leggings During Pregnancy
During the pregnancy period, a pregnant woman undergoes great physical changes, as well as emotional and will last until that special moment of childbirth.
A lot of physical strain, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, weight gain and increase in belly size are just a few of the symptoms common in pregnant women. The skin can become very sensitive during this period, therefore it is important to have maternity apparel that is comfortable.
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What If You're Not Prepared
Improper or uncomfortable clothing can contribute to stress in the body which leads to lethargy. Women experience uneasiness during pregnancy due to swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles. Added with a social and work life, your body is taking a beating and can develop harmful abnormalities.
The veins in our body regulate the flow of deoxygenated blood back up to the heart so that it can be replenished with oxygen. If the veins are unable to transport blood back to the heart, it could pool in the veins, causing varicose veins.
These are enlarged, disfigured veins that are visible beneath the surface of the skin. The pooled blood also makes it easier for blood clots to form which can break off into smaller pieces and travel to the heart and lungs causing pulmonary embolism.
Compression leggings give the needed support to your legs and help prevent swelling in the feet by improving blood circulation. Women who experience discomfort in their legs during pregnancy are generally advised, by doctors, to use maternity compression socks.
These socks not only offer great support but are inexpensive and can have very fashionable designs as well. Compression leggings can be worn underneath clothes or as part of stockings or tights, complementing a dress, long tunic or skirt. The upper part of the apparel is made to support a growing belly, pelvic bone, lower back, and hips.
This type of support prevents a pregnant woman from fatigue. The ideal compression level for compression leggings is 20 to 30 mmHg.
Pregnancy affects the body in a major way: dilating the veins, swelling the body, and feeling soreness all in preparation for delivery. The growing uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava (largest central abdominal vein) due to the increasing weight, which increases the pressure in the leg veins resulting in a painful, visible bulge under the skin. The extra pressure combined with hormonal changes designed to relax the muscles actually promotes blood pooling.
The Benefits Of Compression During Pregnancy
Compression leggings offset this by providing support throughout the most vulnerable parts of your legs and veins. This, in turn, helps relieve sore legs and swollen ankles or feet. Swollen, achy legs and feet are just some of the symptoms that a pregnant woman may experience due to the extra weight on their veins.
A pregnant woman is encouraged to take necessary countermeasures throughout the day by taking breaks to elevate, massage, and stretch out the legs, otherwise, the stress from their daily routines can compound leading up to the delivery.
Compression leggings or hosiery help to ease painful symptoms, allowing you to feel fresh and energized. Not only does Doc Miller Compression socks and sleeves significantly reduce major swelling like cankles, but it is also engineered to support the different developmental stages.
The elastic compression provides a tightness that mimics a maternity support girdle while still allowing for a form fit in later development phases. This added benefit helps ease back pains from the weight of the belly.
The risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT - blood clots commonly found in the lower extremities) during pregnancy is very high, especially during long periods of immobility like in air travel.
Correctly fitted compression leggings help reduce the risk of DVT. Other than the sensation of pain in the calf or in the back of the knee, deep vein thrombosis is often symptomless.
The mechanism that makes compression socks so beneficial, in this circumstance, is the special gradient pressure that starts in the ankle and/or foot. The leggings work by exerting a higher degree of compression at the ankle and gradually decreasing as it goes up the leg stopping just below the knee. The gradient pressure ensures that blood will not flow down to the foot or into the superficial veins and aids in the transport of blood back up towards the heart. The diameter of the major veins will reduce with the precise application of graduated compression to provide stabilized blood circulation.
Consider Theese Factors When Purchasing Compression Socks For Visual Appeal.
- To appear slimmer, choose darker colors like navy blue, dark purple, black or dark brown.
- Avoid bright and bold colors to decrease emphasis on your legs. To hide the skin, choose a thicker type of fabric that does not become as transparent when stretched.
- To select the proper size, avoid rounding down to smaller sizes, keeping in mind of the latter stages of pregnancy.
With proper preparation and implementation, you can ease the physical toll of pregnancy and focus your energy on keeping your baby healthy.
Disclaimer: This article should not be construed as medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician for a proper diagnosis of your specific case.