Buyers' Guide for Compression during Pregnancy

Everyone recognises the characteristic physical changes that occur in the three trimesters of pregnancy, in addition there are huge physiological changes that occur to cope with the demands of pregnancy. Compared to the vast majority of over the counter support tights, VR compression is medical grade which means they have been medically proven and tested to actively help with the specific issues outlined below.

Oedema in Pregnancy - What Causes it?

One of the most common complaints of advancing pregnancy is oedema - which is excess fluid collecting in the peripheries especially the legs, causing swollen and uncomfortable hands and feet (widely referred to as cankles). This occurs for a variety of factors, which include;

• Increased blood volume
• Pressure on the Vena Cava from the foetus in the abdomen. This is the large vein which drains blood from your legs back to your heart
• Biochemical changes and changes in the blood flow to the kidney, which are crucial in maintaining normal fluid balance

How to Improve Symptoms

Oedema is a normal part of pregnancy, unfortunately it is not possible to 'cure' it. Some solutions include sitting with your feet up, regular short walks and lying on your left side to ease pressure on the Vena Cava.

As it is not practical to stay in the above positions for 9 whole months, compression can be a great source of relief when you have to get on with other things like work, travel etc. VR Compression can be worn all day and without any other effort they will reduce swelling and directly relieve symptoms.

DVT

Unfortunately, pregnancy dramatically increases the risk of developing a DVT. In the developed world, this is tragically a forgotten risk. In fact the chances of getting a DVT are five times higher in pregnant females versus non-pregnant females of the same age group. Risk increases with number of pregnancies.

Compression Socks and DVT

Compression socks are standard devices used in the NHS to prevent blood clots. Due to the way they squeeze your lower leg, they increase blood flow in the deep veins, reducing the risk of a blood clot and preventing venous pooling. The key fact to remember is that the sock must be correctly sized and of medical grade graduated compression.

Varicose Veins

The extra pressure on the leg veins which has been outlined above also makes women more prone to developing varicose veins during and after a pregnancy

Information courtesy of Compression Advisory.