How Long Should I Wear Compression Stockings After Cesarean?
Using Compression Stockings To Heal After C Section
Did you just give birth to your little precious angel? Congratulations! While this time in your life will be filled with enormous amounts of joy and discovery, it can also be scary and painful to recover from a c section whilst trying to bond with your baby. A cesarian is a major abdominal surgery, and recovering can be a lot of hard work, especially while taking care of your newborn. Compression stockings for women will come in handy after surgery to help with swelling and to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression stockings are effective in minimizing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while in the hospital and post-discharge. Normally for post-surgical mothers, your risk of developing a DVT remains increased for almost a month after your hospital discharge. So typically, it is recommended you to wear compression stockings for a month or until you are fully mobile.
Maternity Compression Stockings Benefits
Compression stockings help support good blood flow in your legs, specially when you aren’t moving around much which is the case post C section. Many new moms spend hours every day sitting, standing and feeding the baby. The problem is, sitting upright or standing for long periods of time can lead to swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles.
This is worsen by the limited amount of time you have to exercise while taking care of a newborn, which is why compression stockings can be so beneficial to wear at this time. Even once you get home, you will still not be as active as you had been before your baby’s birth, so wearing compression stockings can continue to help reduce swelling and promote good blood flow when you need it the most.
What’s my compression stockings size?
Wearing Compression Stockings Postpartum
You might be sore after delivery even if you didn’t have a c section. This is completely normal, and it’s ok to ask for help when putting on your maternity compression stockings. Make sure you have a pair of medical grade compression stockings, with a healthy amount of compression; typically 20-30mmHg.
If you are wondering if you should wear your compression stockings 24 hours a day, the plain answer is No. We do encourage you to consult with your OBGYN directly, in case you have to account for special circumstances. You are also free to continue to wear your compression stockings well after recovery, especially if you notice you have started to develop spider and varicose veins because of your pregnancy. Compression stockings will continue to serve you well in easing the pain caused by varicose veins, leg swelling, cramps, and restless leg syndrome.