The effects of long term graduated compression treatment on venous function during pregnancy

Objectives: To evaluate venous function during pregnancy and to compare two levels of graduated compression. Design: Prospective, randomized study. Setting: Vascular Surgery and Vascular Laboratory, University Hospital. Patients: Fifty pregnant women using graduated compression with pantyhose stockings exerting either 25 or 13 mmHg ankle pressure. Eight pregnant women acting as controls. Interventions: Foot volumetry to determine venous function (venous emptying during exercise and reflux) close to week 20, week 33 and post-partum. Results: The expelled volume increased significantly when graduated compression stockings were used. Refilling how did not change significantly. Few patients with reflux were found. Conclusion: Graduated compression stockings of pantyhose type are effective in increasing venous emptying during pregnancy. Stockings exerting an ankle pressure of 13 mmHg at the ankle level were as effective as those exerting 25 mmHg.