Medical compression and pregnancy

Abstract

The High Authority for Health (HAS) and the French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians have given opinions on the importance of wearing compression during pregnancy and postpartum (respectively in 2010 and in 2016). About the prevention of deep or superficial venous thrombosis. The available recommendations support the use of 15-20 mmHg compression at the ankle during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks postpartum for surgery including caesarean section. The data available in pregnant women on the preventive or curative treatment of chronic venous disease are most often a matter of professional agreement. In the light of these data, the HAS considered that the systematic wearing of a compression of 15-20 mmHg, of 20-36 mmHg or more was justified. One particular point, the HAS considered that maternity tights are no more effective than stockings or thighs as well in the treatment of venous thrombosis as chronic venous disease during pregnancy.