How long should I wear compression stockings after a C-section and when is it ok to take them off for a while?

I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.

Answers from doctors (13)


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Most patients experience dramatic relief from vein-related discomfort soon after delivery. If you are still having problems six weeks later, it would be wise to see a phlebologist.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Most patients experience dramatic relief from vein-related discomfort soon after delivery. If you are still having problems six weeks later, it would be wise to see a phlebologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If you are wearing them as a precaution for deep venous thrombosis only- then when you are back to being fully mobile you can discontinue them. Check with your MD to see if there are other reasons you should wear
them for longer.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

If you are wearing them as a precaution for deep venous thrombosis only- then when you are back to being fully mobile you can discontinue them. Check with your MD to see if there are other reasons you should wear
them for longer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

There is no fixed guideline but your comment goes right to the issue. If you are mobile, it is not likely you will get a DVT. It sounds like you might need to wear them a bit longer.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

There is no fixed guideline but your comment goes right to the issue. If you are mobile, it is not likely you will get a DVT. It sounds like you might need to wear them a bit longer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 03, 2012

This is a question best left up to your OB-GYN physician.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

This is a question best left up to your OB-GYN physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Until you're mobile, but 6 weeks is a reasonable time already.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Until you're mobile, but 6 weeks is a reasonable time already.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jul 03, 2012

At least a month for most cases and/or until patient becomes mobile.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

At least a month for most cases and/or until patient becomes mobile.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I would recommend wearing them until you are back to normal activity.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

I would recommend wearing them until you are back to normal activity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You should continue to wear them for as long as you are not mobile. Why are you not mobile 6 weeks after C Section? Please consult your doctor about this.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You should continue to wear them for as long as you are not mobile. Why are you not mobile 6 weeks after C Section? Please consult your doctor about this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 03, 2012

When you get mobile.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

When you get mobile.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If you still have reduced mobility, it is better to continue wearing the hose. It is also important to remain well hydrated and do some leg stretches, exercises to pump the calf/thigh muscles. If you are sitting in the evening with your legs elevated (while watching TV) it would be okay to remove them and also at night while you sleep. However, I would recommend following your Obstetrician's guidelines.
Once you are more mobile and able to exercise or go for longer walks, you should be able to reduce wear to those times you are sitting for prolonged periods or standing.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If you still have reduced mobility, it is better to continue wearing the hose. It is also important to remain well hydrated and do some leg stretches, exercises to pump the calf/thigh muscles. If you are sitting in the evening with your legs elevated (while watching TV) it would be okay to remove them and also at night while you sleep. However, I would recommend following your Obstetrician's guidelines.
Once you are more mobile and able to exercise or go for longer walks, you should be able to reduce wear to those times you are sitting for prolonged periods or standing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Jun 17, 2012

Compression stockings help reduce swelling after surgery. Continue wearing the stockings until you resume normal activity.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Compression stockings help reduce swelling after surgery. Continue wearing the stockings until you resume normal activity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 30, 2012

People wear compression stockings for certain reasons. They are effective in minimizing patient's risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while in the hospital and post-discharge. Normally for post-surgical patients, your risk of developing a DVT remains increased for almost a month after your hospital discharge. So typically I would have told you to wear it for a month or until you are fully mobile. However, since you are still not very mobile, I would recommend wearing them, as long as they are not really hurting you, until your are back to normal activity levels.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

People wear compression stockings for certain reasons. They are effective in minimizing patient's risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while in the hospital and post-discharge. Normally for post-surgical patients, your risk of developing a DVT remains increased for almost a month after your hospital discharge. So typically I would have told you to wear it for a month or until you are fully mobile. However, since you are still not very mobile, I would recommend wearing them, as long as they are not really hurting you, until your are back to normal activity levels.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 24, 2012

There is no absolute time to wear compression stockings. The rule of thumb is to wear them until you are fully up and about. If you feel more comfortable with them then wear them longer. Most people will only wear them for about 2 weeks after surgery.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There is no absolute time to wear compression stockings. The rule of thumb is to wear them until you are fully up and about. If you feel more comfortable with them then wear them longer. Most people will only wear them for about 2 weeks after surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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