My OBGYN told me that it is dangerous to wear thigh-high compression stockings during pregnancy as it could cut blood flow at the groin area. True?

I was told that only full belly/closed-toe stockings were appropriate for pregnancy as thigh-high compression stockings could pinch blood flow at groin area. Is this correct info? Are there any dangers to wearing thigh-high compression stockings during pregnancy? Thanks.

Answers from doctors (16)


Interventional Radiology Consultants

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I have not heard this, but it would be better to wear full panty hose to get better compression.

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Answered by Interventional Radiology Consultants

I have not heard this, but it would be better to wear full panty hose to get better compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I think thigh high stockings are fine in pregnancy. Just make sure they fit. If you put on a lot of weight, you may need larger stockings.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I think thigh high stockings are fine in pregnancy. Just make sure they fit. If you put on a lot of weight, you may need larger stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 03, 2012

We do a lot of ultrasound scanning and compression hose fitting for women who are pregnant. Many women are able to wear thigh hose, but mostly we fit women into maternity panty hose. This offers abdominal support in the later weeks of pregnancy. We do not find any problems with outflow to the groin area, as the hose we fit are not "tight" at the top of the leg. The bands are designed to grip the leg without constricting and we are already compressing the superficial venous system in the lower leg. That is why you are wearing hose in the first place - they reduce the stress on the already dilated venous return system stimulated by pregnancy. However, you should always follow the advice of your ob/gyn on these things. We do not feel, however, that you will cause undue harm by wearing them early in the pregnancy. We often recommend pantyhose in the late second and third trimester for the reason mentioned above.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We do a lot of ultrasound scanning and compression hose fitting for women who are pregnant. Many women are able to wear thigh hose, but mostly we fit women into maternity panty hose. This offers abdominal support in the later weeks of pregnancy. We do not find any problems with outflow to the groin area, as the hose we fit are not "tight" at the top of the leg. The bands are designed to grip the leg without constricting and we are already compressing the superficial venous system in the lower leg. That is why you are wearing hose in the first place - they reduce the stress on the already dilated venous return system stimulated by pregnancy. However, you should always follow the advice of your ob/gyn on these things. We do not feel, however, that you will cause undue harm by wearing them early in the pregnancy. We often recommend pantyhose in the late second and third trimester for the reason mentioned above.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jul 03, 2012

We encourage pregnant patients to wear support hose in whatever length they are willing to wear, though we believe the support pantyhose with a maternity panel are best for those with swelling or varicose veins at the upper thigh. Properly fitted thigh length hose do not "pinch blood flow" at the groin.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

We encourage pregnant patients to wear support hose in whatever length they are willing to wear, though we believe the support pantyhose with a maternity panel are best for those with swelling or varicose veins at the upper thigh. Properly fitted thigh length hose do not "pinch blood flow" at the groin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

It will be very unusual that the thigh-highs will cut the blood flow, unless they are too small for the thigh size. There is no "contraindication" to using them.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

It will be very unusual that the thigh-highs will cut the blood flow, unless they are too small for the thigh size. There is no "contraindication" to using them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Proper fitting thigh high stockings will not diminish the flood flow in the groin. The statement is incorrect.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Proper fitting thigh high stockings will not diminish the flood flow in the groin. The statement is incorrect.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If they fit well and cause no swelling then they should be fine.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

If they fit well and cause no swelling then they should be fine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Wearing thigh-high stockings presents no danger to pregnant women. They are not meant to be worn in the groin area, and are instead designed to provide compression from the foot to the upper thigh several inches
below the groin. In addition, there are specially designed panties to compress vulvar varicosities when present.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Wearing thigh-high stockings presents no danger to pregnant women. They are not meant to be worn in the groin area, and are instead designed to provide compression from the foot to the upper thigh several inches
below the groin. In addition, there are specially designed panties to compress vulvar varicosities when present.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I agree overall, but it might be safe to try knee high stockings first. If they do the job, one can avoid the pantyhose type of stockings since they are very cumbersome to use on a daily basis.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

I agree overall, but it might be safe to try knee high stockings first. If they do the job, one can avoid the pantyhose type of stockings since they are very cumbersome to use on a daily basis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 03, 2012

The pantyhose type are best in your situation.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The pantyhose type are best in your situation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Physicians Vein Clinics - Sioux Falls

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Thigh high would be fine unless you have vulvar varicosities.

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Answered by Physicians Vein Clinics - Sioux Falls

Thigh high would be fine unless you have vulvar varicosities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lubbock Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

There are no dangers of compromising blood flow in the groin by wearing properly fitting thigh high compression stockings. The stockings end at the upper thigh and do not even cover the groin.

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Answered by Lubbock Vein Specialists

There are no dangers of compromising blood flow in the groin by wearing properly fitting thigh high compression stockings. The stockings end at the upper thigh and do not even cover the groin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

This appears to be plausible on the surface but in reality is not a concern. If you have swelling in the legs due to venous insufficiency made worse during pregnancy, then the net improvement to your health from compression hose at any level is greater than the potential for compressing the veins in the thigh region, which incidentally are quite deep.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

This appears to be plausible on the surface but in reality is not a concern. If you have swelling in the legs due to venous insufficiency made worse during pregnancy, then the net improvement to your health from compression hose at any level is greater than the potential for compressing the veins in the thigh region, which incidentally are quite deep.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I often prescribe mid thigh high hose during pregnancy. They are often more comfortable than pantyhose and not as hot.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

I often prescribe mid thigh high hose during pregnancy. They are often more comfortable than pantyhose and not as hot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 10, 2012

Truth be told, wearing thigh high compression stockings during pregnancy will not cut off blood flow to the groin area because it does not even reach or cover the groin area. They are "thigh high." In fact, the contrary is true in that the thigh high stockings, especially if you have swelling or vein disease, will actually help your legs' venous return. This will hopefully allow you to minimize your leg swelling, heaviness, and/or any other symptoms that you might be experiencing as a result of your pregnancy.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Truth be told, wearing thigh high compression stockings during pregnancy will not cut off blood flow to the groin area because it does not even reach or cover the groin area. They are "thigh high." In fact, the contrary is true in that the thigh high stockings, especially if you have swelling or vein disease, will actually help your legs' venous return. This will hopefully allow you to minimize your leg swelling, heaviness, and/or any other symptoms that you might be experiencing as a result of your pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 10, 2012

I agree that thigh high compression during pregnancy can cause a problem if they are too tight at the thigh level. Ideally, pantyhose that cover the abdomen or knee-high length is usually all that is necessary. 85% of the muscle pump for venous return is at the calf level so knee highs are usually sufficient.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I agree that thigh high compression during pregnancy can cause a problem if they are too tight at the thigh level. Ideally, pantyhose that cover the abdomen or knee-high length is usually all that is necessary. 85% of the muscle pump for venous return is at the calf level so knee highs are usually sufficient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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