Compression stocking prevents increased venous retrograde flow time in the lower limbs of pregnant women

Abstract

Objectives To analyze the effect of graduated compression stockings on the venous reflux in the lower limbs of pregnant women. Method A controlled randomized clinical trial was performed with sixty women: intervention group (n = 30), who used compression stockings, and control group (n = 30). Using duplex-ultrasound, the reflux time and peak reflux velocity in the great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein were analyzed. Results Great saphenous vein reflux times in the intervention group were 0.13 s at the beginning (initial) and 0.04 s at the end of pregnancy (final) in the right leg and 0.02 s and 0.34 s (p < 0.0001) in the control group. No patient in the intervention group experienced pathological reflux at the end of the pregnancy. There was a significant difference in the reflux time measured from both the great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein and peak reflux velocity between the groups. Conclusion Compression stockings prevent increased venous reflux in lower limbs of pregnant women.