Abstract
Background
Pregnancy is characterized by physiological changes that can contribute to development of varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and leg edema.
Objectives
To evaluate the effect of compression stocking on lower limb edema in pregnant women and their perceptions of wearing them.
Methods
This was a randomized, controlled, prospective, parallel, blinded clinical trial conducted with 60 pregnant women randomly distributed into two groups: an intervention group (n = 30) wearing compression stockings and a control group (n = 30). Standardized ankle and calf measurements were taken of all 120 lower limbs using a tape measure. At the end of the study, a questionnaire was administered to identify perceived difficulties and advantages related to wearing compression stockings.
Results
Pregnant women in the intervention group had a significantly smaller increase (p < 0.05) in calf and ankle diameters compared to those in the control group. The mean differences from the beginning to the end of gestation in the diameters of the right calf, left calf, right ankle, and left ankle respectively were 0.30 cm, 0.30 cm, 0.15, cm and 0.15 cm in the intervention group and 1.95 cm, 1.95 cm, 1.73 cm, and 1.87 cm in the control group. Most of the pregnant women had no difficulty wearing the compression stockings and all reported that they felt a difference in leg symptoms and would wear stockings again.
Conclusions
Compression stockings were effective for preventing lower limb edema in pregnant women, who had a positive perception of wearing them.
Keywords:
varicose veins; edema; stockings, compression; pregnant women; controlled clinical trial