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Pregnant women often have a need for support hose, also known as compression stockings. Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, puts a variety of chemical and mechanical stresses on a woman's body that can cause swelling and less than perfect circulation in the feet and legs. Swollen feet and ankles can cause a great deal of discomfort and inconvenience for a pregnant woman, and a great solution to this is compression stockings. Pregnancy by its very nature involves putting a heavy mass, the baby in the womb, right on top of the bladder, the kidneys, and the blood vessels that flow in and out of the legs. As the baby grows, this force increases, and thus the swelling and potential discomfort increase as well. There are a variety of different compression stockings available, and many of them closely resemble socks, hose, or stockings, so it isn't obvious that a woman is wearing them.
Graduated compression stockings are a very common type of compression stockings. Pregnancy doesn't alter the effectiveness of the stockings, just alters the fit. These types of stockings are called “graduated” because the amount of pressure they apply to the body is designed to be highest in the ankles, and decrease as it goes up the leg. This helps push both blood and fluid back up towards the heart in the exterior veins, and also drives the fluids deeper internally where the calf muscles can drive the fluid and blood back upwards more efficiently. It helps decrease the discomfort, if there is any, of swelling and heavy feeling legs that a pregnant woman can experience.
Compression stockings are available in different sizes and strengths, depending on the needs and the symptoms of the pregnant woman. Knee highs are available in a variety of different colors, sizes, and compression pressures. It is recommended to ask a physician for specifics and recommendations as to the strength of compression stockings a pregnant women uses, based on her build, her symptoms, et cetera.
Fit is a very important subject when looking to purchase compression stockings. Pregnancy changes the ankle and calf measurements, so a customer looking to buy the stockings must measure herself carefully, and possibly again if the stockings become uncomfortable during the pregnancy. If the stockings are too large, the proper pressures will not be present, and the stocking will not work. If too tight, the individual risks cutting off circulation to the feet and legs.
The other issue that a woman must attend to is putting the stockings on properly. Care must be taken to avoid wrinkles in the fabric and twisting the stocking. Twists and wrinkles can apply uneven pressures to the skin, and result in irritation of the skin.
Dr. Scholl's socks is proud to offer a great selection of compression stockings. Pregnancy symptoms can be reduced with this simple device, and the pregnant woman can even look fashionable while she does so. Please contact Dr. Scholl's socks with any questions about compression stocking products.
Always consult your physician before wearing graduated compression socks. Dr. Scholl’s socks are not intended to cure or treat any ailment or disease but are constructed to provide comfort to everyday life.
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