Which compression grade should I wear?

I am 27 weeks pregnant and am suffering from moderate varicose veins in my right leg and minor ones in the left. Which grade of compression stocking should I wear?

Answers from doctors (11)


Palm Vein Center

Published on May 14, 2014

30-40 mmhg would work best in your case.

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Answered by Palm Vein Center

30-40 mmhg would work best in your case.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on May 05, 2014

Since you are pregnant and are developing varicose veins, I suggest that you wear thigh high 30-40 compression. This will provide you with comfort and help to slow the progression of the varices and possible complications.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

Since you are pregnant and are developing varicose veins, I suggest that you wear thigh high 30-40 compression. This will provide you with comfort and help to slow the progression of the varices and possible complications.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 30, 2014

Need to get compression pantyhose made just for pregnant women. Check with Sigvaris brand hose.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Need to get compression pantyhose made just for pregnant women. Check with Sigvaris brand hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Published on Apr 23, 2014

15 -20 mmHg is best if you can tolerate it. Even over-the-counter support hose would be helpful. Btw, congratulations and good luck with your pregnancy!

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Answered by Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

15 -20 mmHg is best if you can tolerate it. Even over-the-counter support hose would be helpful. Btw, congratulations and good luck with your pregnancy!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Apr 23, 2014

Without considering any other medical factor(s), you should wear a 20- 30 mmHg thigh-high or (maternity) pantyhose. Have your veins evaluated by an expert in venous conditions 4- 6 weeks post-partum.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Without considering any other medical factor(s), you should wear a 20- 30 mmHg thigh-high or (maternity) pantyhose. Have your veins evaluated by an expert in venous conditions 4- 6 weeks post-partum.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


30-40mmHG would be best, but if they are too tight, 20-30mmHG would be OK also.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

30-40mmHG would be best, but if they are too tight, 20-30mmHG would be OK also.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Surgical Arts

Published on Apr 23, 2014

Please be sure to let your doctor know that you have varicose veins and how you are would like to use compression hose for conservative treatment. I would suggest going to a doctor or a pharmacist (if they dispense compression hoses) who knows how to measure your legs. You need a proper fit, regardless of the degree of compression. Without seeing you for evaluation, it's difficult to recommend the level of compression. However, in situations similar to yours, I would start with 15-20 mmHg compression hose, thigh-high if you can tolerate them. At the very least wear knee-high ones. As your pregnancy progresses, you may want to increase the compression to 20-30 mmHg, depending on the degree of swelling, pain and other symptoms that are associated with venous reflux disease. Additionally, varicose veins often "go away" after delivery because the pressure in your pelvis has been relieved. Many women think that their
problem is solved, but this is not true. Your leg veins have been stretched with likely result of valve incompetence, resulting in long-term reflux situation. I would recommend that you obtain a venous duplex ultrasound study after delivery to get a baseline level of reflux and treat your legs accordingly.

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Answered by Advanced Surgical Arts

Please be sure to let your doctor know that you have varicose veins and how you are would like to use compression hose for conservative treatment. I would suggest going to a doctor or a pharmacist (if they dispense compression hoses) who knows how to measure your legs. You need a proper fit, regardless of the degree of compression. Without seeing you for evaluation, it's difficult to recommend the level of compression. However, in situations similar to yours, I would start with 15-20 mmHg compression hose, thigh-high if you can tolerate them. At the very least wear knee-high ones. As your pregnancy progresses, you may want to increase the compression to 20-30 mmHg, depending on the degree of swelling, pain and other symptoms that are associated with venous reflux disease. Additionally, varicose veins often "go away" after delivery because the pressure in your pelvis has been relieved. Many women think that their
problem is solved, but this is not true. Your leg veins have been stretched with likely result of valve incompetence, resulting in long-term reflux situation. I would recommend that you obtain a venous duplex ultrasound study after delivery to get a baseline level of reflux and treat your legs accordingly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Graduated compression 20-30mmHg would be the compression of choice. You may also want to consider support panty-hose for pregnancy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Graduated compression 20-30mmHg would be the compression of choice. You may also want to consider support panty-hose for pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Apr 22, 2014

20-30 mmHg is recommended

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

20-30 mmHg is recommended

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I usually recommend 20 -30 mmHg compression for moderate varicose veins.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I usually recommend 20 -30 mmHg compression for moderate varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 22, 2014

I recommend ladies with family histories of vein problems, start wearing hose as soon as they know they are pregnant. The pressure I recommend is 20-30 mmHg. These should be professionally fitted and be maternity style. Often, in the third trimester, I will increase compression to 30-40 mmHg pressure for those with varicose veins. However, if you haven't been wearing hose it will be harder for you to learn how to do this. Try a 20-30 mmHg thigh- or panty-hose in a maternity style. Buy a good quality pair, as they will be more comfortable and effective than inexpensive brands.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I recommend ladies with family histories of vein problems, start wearing hose as soon as they know they are pregnant. The pressure I recommend is 20-30 mmHg. These should be professionally fitted and be maternity style. Often, in the third trimester, I will increase compression to 30-40 mmHg pressure for those with varicose veins. However, if you haven't been wearing hose it will be harder for you to learn how to do this. Try a 20-30 mmHg thigh- or panty-hose in a maternity style. Buy a good quality pair, as they will be more comfortable and effective than inexpensive brands.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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