One of the greatest obligations a pregnant mother has is to take care of herself as well as her baby-to-be. With increases in hormonal levels and blood volume, along with increased pressure on the pelvis due to the growing fetus, pregnancy is not always the most comfortable condition. A common complaint that many women share is aching and tired legs and feet. Often mothers-to-be find that the legs and feet swell, causing circulation problems that can lead to varicose veins. A solution to this discomfort is to wear maternity pantyhose, a non-invasive therapy for the legs that helps to prevent edema, spider veins and varicose veins. By providing compression to the veins and muscles of the legs, wearing maternity pantyhose assists with normal blood flow. With the gentle feeling of compression that starts from the ankle and ascends to the buttocks and hips, water retention is reduced, which further limits the development of swelling. For optimum mobility without discomfort, wearing maternity pantyhose also helps to smooth the belly, hits, thighs and buttocks, allowing women to feel more svelte even as they gain their baby weight.
What to Look for
When shopping for maternity pantyhose, look for models with comfortable waistbands. Models with a tummy panel that supports the fetus throughout the pregnancy are the best. Also look for a built-in area that supports the back and belly for additional comfort. Maternity pantyhose come in stretchable materials that allow for a wide variety of styles, including lace. You can find these pantyhose in a myriad of colors as well, making them as much of a fashion staple as any normal lingerie. Maternity pantyhose come in varying degrees of compression, so you can choose a pair according to your need.
Common Pitfalls
Thigh or knee-high maternity hose do not do the job as well as maternity pantyhose. Even though you may want the freedom of a partial stocking, you will find more effective therapeutic benefits from the pantyhose for their support around the back and belly. Make sure you choose a pair that corresponds to your normal height and weight before pregnancy for the proper fit. And remember, no matter how comfortable your legs feel while wearing maternity pantyhose, take them off during bedtime so your skin has a chance to breathe. Wash maternity pantyhose in cold water by hand to preserve the fabric. When putting the hose on, make sure you place them over the foot and then gently roll them up the legs, rather than pulling, which can cause stretching and tearing.
