Can pregnant women wear compression tights? Selection recommendations and reviews

During pregnancy, you may face difficulties as the baby grows inside your body. During pregnancy, mothers experience many discomforts such as physical tension, back pain, leg pain, swelling, heartburn and many more, leg pain or swelling are some of the worst things that can upset you. You may want to consider some maternity items that are specifically designed to keep you comfortable during pregnancy. One useful piece of activewear is maternity compression tights, which keep you cozy and comfortable by providing incredible support to your abdomen, pelvic bones and lower back through gentle compression.

Varicose veins during pregnancy are caused by several factors.

Changes in hormonal levels.
In the female body at this time, the level of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for relaxing the muscles of the uterine walls, increases. At the same time, a relaxing effect also appears on the walls of blood vessels. The result is complicated pumping of blood through the ascending veins. As a result, the blood stagnates below, which leads to the formation of blood clots and expansions.
Increased platelet count.
The number of platelets in the blood increases sharply. This is how the body prepares for the upcoming birth in order to protect itself from significant blood loss.
Reducing physical activity.
During pregnancy, many women reduce their exercise, giving up sports and walking, preferring to spend their free time on the couch. Meanwhile, moderate activity has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels, and periods without movement are as harmful as excessive loads.

The most effective method of combating venous insufficiency is wearing special shapewear. Photos of expectant mothers are printed on the packaging of tights intended for pregnant women. This suggests that there are no contraindications to wearing such products.

The basic operating principle of the underwear is graduated pressure on the vessels. The products provide maximum tension in the lower legs, which decreases in the lower leg area and practically disappears in the thigh area. This action allows you to increase the outflow of blood to the heart, normalize the functioning of blood vessels (in particular the valve apparatus), and eliminate the symptom of “heavy legs.”

For the manufacture of medical knitwear, a special thread with high elasticity is used. In this parameter, fibers are superior to conventional materials. The degree of pressure on the legs varies from 18 (for prevention) to 18.5 mmHg.

Elastic compression compresses the saphenous veins and increases the speed of blood flow by 3–5 times. You can use underwear both to treat and prevent the development of varicose veins.

The effectiveness of products in the fight against varicose veins is due to the following characteristics:

creation of a supporting “frame” that protects the veins from stretching;
elimination of swelling and pain caused by blood stagnation;
improvement of blood microcirculation;
eliminating the possibility of dilation of venous vessels in the pelvic organs and the formation of blood clots.

Prevention of vein diseases in pregnant women

The causes of chronic venous insufficiency in pregnant women may be different, but the symptoms are always the same. Firstly, pain and a feeling of heaviness in the legs can signal the onset of varicose veins. Secondly, the appearance of edema may also indicate disturbances in the venous system.

Contacting a specialist is the first step towards maintaining health and preventing the development of serious diseases. Only a professional doctor can prescribe the correct prevention and treatment of emerging signs of varicose veins. Prevention of varicose veins is an important point in the life of a pregnant woman, since effective preventive measures will have a beneficial effect not only on the current condition of the mother and the unborn baby, but also on the mother’s future. Any pregnant woman should take the prevention and treatment of varicose veins very seriously, paying attention to this even during pregnancy planning.

What to choose, stockings or tights?

There is no clear answer to the question of what is better for pregnant women, stockings or tights - each woman bases her own feelings on wearing compression underwear. Below we list the main advantages of these and other products.

Tights are the best option for women expecting the birth of a child

The presence of special models with reduced pressure on the abdomen and hips, produced specifically for women in an interesting position.
The products are easy to take off and put on after a short workout.
The underwear fits perfectly, distributes pressure correctly, does not slip or bunch up.
The height of the belt is selected so that it is above the waistline, under the chest, without squeezing the fetus.
The models gently support the enlarged belly.
In cold weather, warm tights are preferable, since during pregnancy you should avoid hypothermia, which can cause colds.

Stockings are the choice of those who don’t like tights

Tights are not always comfortable for pregnant women. In this case, you can pick up a pair of stockings.

Stockings will fit even if you buy them in the first trimester, planning to wear them until delivery.
The uterus, which has increased in size, puts pressure on the bladder. Frequent trips to the toilet are not very suitable for putting on and taking off underwear, as this procedure is quite complicated. In the case of stockings, nothing needs to be removed.
Stockings from all manufacturers are cheaper.
You can wear stockings after childbirth, while a special “pregnant” insert in tights makes them unsuitable for further use.
Stockings are better for summer as they are not too hot. However, in winter they will have to be worn with trousers.

Types of tights for pregnant women

Nylon tights

At first glance, nylon tights for pregnant women are no different from ordinary ones. In fact, they have a special cut, which includes an insert of elastic fabric in the abdominal area with a soft elastic band. This model fits well, does not press, but hugs and slightly supports the tummy without causing discomfort.

You can choose tights of different densities - from 20 - 40 den to 1000. Thicker ones (from 100 den) are used as winter ones, thin ones - in the warm season.

Warm tights

Insulated tights are designed to be worn in the cold season and can be made of nylon with the addition of wool, microfiber, or cotton. The high content of these materials in the product allows you to warm the feet and abdominal area, while they have the necessary elasticity and do not fall off.

Elastane is also used to create special inserts for an expanding belly.

The most comfortable models are made with cotton (80 - 85%), but the warming effect is best felt in woolen ones.

Compression tights

If there are disorders of the venous system of the legs, a pregnant woman may be prescribed to wear special compression therapeutic tights (including stockings and knee socks, hereinafter referred to as “compression underwear”). They alleviate the course of the disease or prevent its development.

Before choosing tights, you can consult a phlebologist.

How do compression tights work?

Compression tights create pressure of varying intensity on the legs. It reaches its maximum values at the bottom, that is, above the ankle, from this place the greatest effort is required to move the blood upward. Further in the upward direction of blood flow, the load on the veins becomes less. The veins compress underneath, pushing out the stagnant blood.

Effect of compression tights:

protection of veins from excessive expansion;
load distribution;
normalization of blood flow;
prevention of thrombosis and venous stagnation;
fight against edema of the lower extremities.

Material for compression tights

Compression underwear is made from knitwear consisting of nylon, microfiber and cotton fibers, lycra. It has no seams, which provides increased wearing comfort. The material does not cause allergies and has high breathability.

The compression properties of the tights are achieved thanks to innovative computer technologies and last 6 months when worn correctly.

If you do not know how to put on compression tights correctly, you should seek advice from a specialist at a pharmacy or orthopedic salon. Sometimes special devices are sold for this. Under no circumstances should the product be pulled; it should be made so that it gradually fits the leg in the “lying” position.

Types of compression tights for pregnant women

Compression garments, including tights, are divided into several types:

preventive (class 1);
therapeutic (class 2 and class 3);
hospital

During pregnancy, it is recommended to use the first two types, since the third is used in a hospital setting after surgery. Special models for pregnant women always have elastic inserts in the upper part that support the belly.

Preventive tights can be recommended to the expectant mother when she has spider veins on her legs and signs of enlarged veins, as well as pain and swelling. If the listed symptoms are absent, a woman can, of her own free will, use tights for prevention.

The compression of such tights is designed to balance the blood pressure in the lower parts of the vein. Liquid does not accumulate in the ankle area, which eliminates swelling.

How to choose the size of compression tights?

Stockings or knee socks, as well as tights, will produce the expected effect if they are chosen correctly. To do this, you need to take measurements at home.

To purchase golf socks you will need to measure:

calf circumference above the ankle;
circumference of the shin below the knee;
length from heel to knees;
foot length

To select stockings you need:

thigh circumference at a point 25 cm above the knee;
length of the leg to the place where the hip circumference is taken.

Compression tights require taking into account the size of the waist and hips, as well as the length of the leg.

After all measurements are recorded, they are checked against a special table.
In an orthopedic salon, it is enough to inform the consultant about them. Maternity tights: size chart

How to choose tights?

Medical knitwear is available in a variety of designs. It is advisable to choose special compression tights for pregnant women on the recommendation of a doctor - he will advise how to calculate the size and set the degree of compression. For consultation, you must make an appointment with a phlebologist, a specialist in venous diseases. The doctor will give advice on choosing from a set of parameters.

Class of compression provided by underwear.
The doctor makes the choice of knitwear after familiarizing himself with the patient’s medical history and conducting a thorough examination, including palpation of blood vessels. Self-diagnosis often leads to worsening of the condition. Knitwear should compensate for the condition of blood vessels, and not be useless.
Linen size.
The effectiveness of treatment and prevention depends on this parameter. If the size is large, the result will not be noticeable. If it is small, deterioration of the general condition and complications are possible. The best way to determine the size is to use special tables from manufacturers and try on, which is better not to refuse, since underwear cannot be exchanged or returned.
Life time.
The stated service life is 6–10 months. You will learn about the exact period of operation guaranteed by the manufacturer by examining the packaging.
Material. The elastic threads of medical knitwear are double braided with dense cotton fibers. Synthetic materials are not welcome in the production of underwear for expectant mothers.
Quality mark. Doctors recommend choosing products that meet the RAL standard. This packaging marker guarantees excellent performance and long service life.
Manufacturer. It is better to give preference to proven brands. Low prices should be viewed as suspicious - quality doesn't come cheap. The minimum cost of good models is 6,000 rubles.

How to make a choice

How can you find what you need among the variety of manufacturers, models and sizes offered? Read below...

ORTO maternity tights

The tights are made in Spain and comply with the medical standard Lioveras Document O29ML09 Rev. 0. The products are quite thin, so it is recommended to wear them with special gloves. The tights have comfortable shorts that do not put pressure on the stomach and waist. The only thing that users note is that the tights quickly “wipe” on the foot. The selection table is designed for 7 sizes, but does not take into account the client’s height. And since tights have little stretch and have one length, it is more difficult to choose the size. When using Orto tights, it is recommended to additionally moisturize the skin of the legs with a special spray. It makes it easier to put on, protects the skin from drying out, and there is no feeling of discomfort. Spanish tights are attractive due to their affordable price. They maintain compression for 4 months when washed daily in warm water, without using powder products.

Popular brands of tights

Many popular hosiery manufacturers are developing special lines for pregnant women. Models are sewn taking into account anatomical features, using natural materials.

Calzedonia

Italian brand. It produces models for expectant mothers in different colors: from white to lilac and pink. The company is distinguished by the high quality of its products.

Relaxsan

Italian manufacturer. Products for pregnant women are made using a special technology, with additional impregnation.

Ergoforma

A company from Italy that specializes in the production of compression garments. The products are distinguished by durability and strength.

Venoteks

Manufacturer of compression garments for pregnant women. The US factory also produces stockings and knee socks.

B Well

The Italian brand produces models in large sizes. The color range of products is varied.

Giulia

The manufacturer specializes in warm tights. Production is located on the territory of Ukraine.

Dea Mia

Belarusian company producing maternity underwear. The seams on the products are processed using a special technology.

Transparent

The Czech company offers models in different colors. Tights of this brand are designed for warm European winters.

Medi

The German manufacturer is one of the leaders in the compression garment market. The company also produces devices for putting on stockings.

Colors

Classic colors are complemented by a variety of shades. The only condition when choosing is control over the quality of the material. Cheap alternatives to good maternity underwear may differ in the use of dye that irritates the skin.

Beige

The most common beige, flesh-colored shade. Most often these are low-density, nylon, lightweight models.

White

White tights and stockings with a medium density are produced for pregnant women. The models are designed to be worn in cool weather.

Yellow

The bright yellow shade of maternity tights lifts your spirits. They produce yellow models made of elastane, microfiber, with average density. They are worn in warm spring and early autumn.

Brown

One of the most popular shades. Winter insulated microfiber tights can be brown. Nylon models are available in different shades:

coffee;
mocha;
light brown;
chocolate.

Red

Colored maternity tights can be red. The density of such models usually does not exceed 80 denier.

Grey

Gray tights made of microfiber or cotton with elastane added can be supplemented with fleece insulation. Gray maternity tights can be found in the form of stockings with a heel, but without a sock. It is convenient to wear additional socks under these models to insulate your feet.

Black

Black color is usually used for winter models. Pregnant women also wear black nylon tights with inserts on the belly.

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Orto maternity tights class 2 thick 123

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RUR 3,025

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Code: 007875

ORTO, Spain

Maternity tights Luomma Idealista

Maternity tights are made of soft fabric containing microfiber. They are produced in St. Petersburg under the control of a Finnish company in accordance with RAL standards. The production uses German and Swiss raw materials, recognized as high quality by international standards. The elastic at the waist does not twist and does not put pressure on the growing belly, which creates additional wearing comfort. Special knitting with heavy-duty threads in the heel and toe area increases their wear resistance and ensures a comfortable fit on the foot. Luomma tights are available in two lengths, universal for the foot (from 37 to 45), which makes choosing the size easier. They will be comfortable for all 9 months. The soft gusset of the tights reduces pressure on the urethra and preserves women's health. Cute hearts on the insert under the tummy will create an uplifting mood in anticipation of the baby. Wash tights by hand with liquid detergent at temperatures up to 40 degrees. With daily washing and proper care, the product will not lose compression for 6 months. You get European quality knitwear: safe, comfortable and at Russian prices.

How to put on compression stockings

To put on compression stockings correctly:

Turn the product inside out.
Carefully put on the toe of the stocking and straighten it out.
Do not pull on the top edge of the product, but gradually straighten it upward towards the base of the thigh.
Check that the stocking is not twisted and that there are no wrinkles. It should fit like a second skin to your leg.

Put on therapeutic stockings in the morning, before your legs are swollen. Be sure to remove rings and bracelets to avoid snags. Do not apply creams or oils to your feet - the skin should be dry, and so should the stockings.

Sometimes it happens that you have to put on stockings not in the morning, but later. If your legs are already swollen, lift them onto a wall or some elevation and lie there for at least 15–20 minutes. The swelling will subside and you can put on the stockings as usual.

Women in late pregnancy find it difficult to put on stockings on their own because a large belly makes it difficult to stretch. Therefore, you can ask your family for help.