Ultimate Guide – Best Maternity Compression Stockings in Singapore

Maternity compression stockings is an essential item for pregnant mothers as they are at high risk for blood clots in their legs.  So where to get the best maternity compression stockings in Singapore? What are the benefits of wearing compression stockings? What are the types of compression stockings too?

I am sure these are the questions you will have during pregnancy stage.

As we are flying back to Singapore on a long haul flight from France, our gynaecologist advises us to get compression stockings for the long flight to prevent the leg from swelling due to air pressure.

After some research, here is an Ultimate Guide to wearing compression stockings during your pregnancy.

Who should wear compression stockings?

Compression stockings are recommended for people with leg problems or at risk for blood clots which is also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

There are numerous factors that can cause these clots  These include

• Prolonged bed rest after surgery
• Sitting for long periods example a long haul flight
• Usage of birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Pregnancy
• Family history of DVT
• Inflammatory bowel disease,
• Certain genetic clotting disorders.
• People with varicose veins, leg ulcers 

How do compression stockings work?

Blood in your veins has to go against gravity to move back to the heart. Anything that hinders that blood flow like:

• Circulation problems
• Lack of movement (especially after an injury or surgery), 
• Weakness in the walls of the veins of the legs (also known as venous insufficiency)

These will result in blood pooling in the veins of the lower limbs or feet, and will lead to leg swelling, achiness, and leg fatigue; it could also increase venous clot.

So how does maternity compression stockings help?

By compressing the leg tissues and walls of the veins, compression stockings can improve blood circulation in the veins flow back to the heart.

They can also improve the movement of the fluid(called lymph) that cleanses the cells in the legs. Improving the flow of lymph can help decrease tissue swelling.

The stockings can also improve comfort even if they don’t have a health benefit.

For example, increasing blood circulation may make legs feel less tired in some people. Though runners and other athletes sometimes wear compression stockings to improve athletic performance or prevent injury.

Compression stockings are helpful when they are worn properly. 

Please note: If you have any medical condition, please talk to a doctor before using compression stockings.

How do you settle for the right size?

There is no standard for sizing for compression stockings. Therefore, using a tape measure is the best answer.

You’ll need to take measurements at

• the circumference of your ankle
• the circumference of your calf
• the circumference of your thigh
• the distance from your knee (For thigh height)
• the distance from the thigh to the floor. (For knee height)

So I buy Knee Height or Thigh Height Compression stocking?

This depends on your reasons for buying them. Knee-highs are easier to wear and usually more comfortable than wearing thigh-highs stockings.

If you are wearing the socks or stockings for a non-medical reason, such as jogging or due to prolonged standing for long hours on the job, you may want to get a knee-high pair.

If you’re wearing the stockings for a medical condition, your doctor will advise what’s best for you. Thigh-high stockings are recommended over knee-high stockings for preventing DVT post-surgery.

When should you wear the stockings?

Often people have this misconception that you should wear your compression to bed.

Nope!

You should put them on before getting out of bed (before any swelling starts),  and avoid putting moisturizer on your legs before you wear them.

What do the compression ratings mean?

Compression stockings are sold in 4 or 5 main levels of compression.

Often referred as the amount of pressure (measured in millimetres of mercury, or mmHg) applied to the leg.

The higher the class, the stronger the compression.

• Class 1  - Mild or light compression (under 15 mmHg) is for healthy people like pregnant women who have sore legs from sitting or standing all day.
• Class 2 - Moderate compression (15 to 20 mmHg) can prevent DVT in passengers on medium to long-haul flights and helping with minor leg swelling.
• Class 3/4 - Higher compression levels (20 to 30 mmHg, 30 to 40 mmHg, or more than 40 mmHg), are often referred to as “medical-grade,” are for medical condition such varicose veins, Edema, and preventing blood clots post-surgery.

These higher compression stockings are often tighter at the bottom (foot and ankle) and looser at the top, as this will help cut off blood circulation.

This will ensure that you get the right size and class and learn how to put them on properly.

Where to buy Maternity Compression Stockings in Singapore?

You can buy maternity compression stockings online, or in pharmacies.

Prices vary widely depending on many factors,

• Brand
• Quality of the fabric
• Made to measure
• Opaque or sheer (solely a fashion concern)
• Open or closed toed
• made with latex or latex-free,
• The length
• The strength of the compression
• Purpose the stocking

Our Recommended Maternity Compression Stockings