Sigvaris Women's Cotton Maternity 15-20 mmHg Knee High Socks

Pregnancy is a joy, but the leg swelling that often comes with it, is definitely not. Treat your pesky leg swelling with Sigvaris Women's Cotton Maternity 15-20 mmHg Knee High Socks.

These unique maternity circulation stockings are made from the highest quality cotton, and feature a non-constricting top band, for a comfortable yet secure feel.

66% cotton, 26% nylon, and 8% spandex - Latex free.

Available colors: black, white.

Science Behind It

Venous disorders and leg health problems are among the most frequent medical conditions in North America. You may experience these conditions for the first time during pregnancy. For example, swollen feet, tired aching legs and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are among everyday symptoms that pregnant women may experience.

These symptoms are especially frequent when:

• there is a family history of varicose veins and venous disease
• a venous condition was already present before the pregnancy
• the woman sits and/or stands for prolonged periods of time
• the woman does not exercise regularly during the pregnancy
• the woman has had more than one pregnancy

During pregnancy, many hormonal changes occur in the body that have a profound effect on the veins. Blood volume increases between 40 percent and 50 percent, while increased amounts of progesterone cause the vein walls to dilate and become less elastic. The pressure of the fetal head on the pelvis can compression the iliac veins and obstruct venous outflow from the legs. As the baby grows, the uterus enlarges and applies pressure on important veins that return blood to the heart. This pressure can cause a slowing of the blood flow and valve damage, resulting in swelling, leg discomfort and even varicose veins.

A pregnant woman’s feet and legs may start to swell after sitting or standing for only a short time. In principle, this is a completely normal symptom. However, if your feet are already swollen when you get up in the morning, consult your doctor; while these symptoms may subside in the weeks after delivery, with each subsequent pregnancy, they are less likely to completely disappear.

Varicose veins may either be hereditary or happen as the result of pregnancy. For many women they are often seen for the first time during pregnancy. If you take the time to baby your legs, you can help reduce your chance of developing vein disease. Many women expect that they will have tired, achy legs while expecting, but they are unaware that these symptoms can also be a warning sign that blood is not properly circulating throughout the body.

Women who are pregnant are at a high risk for the development of a Deep Vein Thrombosis, known as a DVT. One reason is due to the increased blood volume at full-term. Additionally, pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase blood coagulability, a measure of how easily blood clots. The expanding uterus puts pressure on blood vessels, restricting blood flow from the legs and pelvis back to the heart. Slower blood flow increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. The risk continues during the postpartum period until the woman’s hormonal levels return to their pre-pregnancy state.

Blood circulation supplies the body with nutrients and oxygen and removes waste products. Together, the heart, arteries and veins facilitate blood circulation. The heart pumps fresh, oxygen-rich blood throughout the body via the arteries. The veins channel oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Healthy veins are vital in maintaining good blood circulation in the body. Valves inside the veins keep the blood moving back toward the heart. These valves prevent the force of gravity from pulling blood back down toward the feet.

Varicose Veins

When the veins are damaged, gravity will hinder normal blood flow causing blood to form pools in the weakened, damaged veins. The pooling blood causes these veins to enlarge. Bulging veins beneath the surface of the skin, known as varicose veins, often result. Varicose veins are larger and located deeper in the leg than spider veins. Spider veins are small red, blue and purple veins on the surface near the skin.

Sigvaris Catalog Numbers: 146CA99/M, 146CB99/M, 146CC99/M, 146CA00/M, 146CB00/M, 146CC00/M