Measurement of Skin Thickness Using Ultrasonography to Test the Usefulness of Elastic Compression Stockings for Leg Edema in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: One of the most common treatments for leg edema during pregnancy is the use of compression stockings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the objective effectiveness in pregnant women, by measuring the changes of skin thickness using ultrasonography. Methods: Pregnant women were diagnosed with leg edema using the pitting edema method at 36 weeks of gestation. Twenty-four pregnant women (48 legs) with leg edema spent time without wearing elastic stockings at 36–37 weeks of gestation. Then, they wore elastic stockings for one week at 37–38 weeks of gestation. We measured the grade of edema (from 0 to 3) and the skin thickness of the lower leg by portable ultrasonography at 36, 37, and 38 weeks of gestation (a before-and-after study). Results: In 24 pregnant women, thigh edema was not detected in any of the 48 legs before or after the use of elastic stockings. All 48 legs in 24 pregnant women had physiological lower leg edema, but not thigh edema. The average grade of pitting edema in each lower leg significantly decreased after using the stockings (36 weeks, 1.77 ± 0.85; 37 weeks, 1.79 ± 0.77; 38 weeks, 1.04 ± 0.74, p < 0.0001). In addition, the skin thickness of the lower legs was significantly decreased after the use of elastic stockings (36 weeks, 7.47 ± 2.45 mm; 37 weeks, 7.93 ± 2.83 mm; 38 weeks, 7.15 ± 2.35 mm, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The wearing of elastic compression stockings on the lower legs is objectively effective for improving leg edema in pregnant women.