1) Although they look like regular nylon knee-highs, they are made from MUCH thicker fabric which does NOT breath or allow for adequate ventilation. As such, you can expect your core temperature to increase by approximately 20 degrees the instant you put them on.
2) Actually getting them on poses quite a challenge when you have a big ol' belly preventing you from bending over adequately. So if you're going to wait to put them on until after you are in your cramped seat on an airplane, you may want to warn the poor lady sitting next to you that you're going to need to lean into her personal space for a few moments while you contort your legs in an effort to get them close enough so you can hook one end of the sock over your big toe and then pull and shimmy with all your might.
3) These socks squeeze your legs and ankles (they should be called "tourniquet socks" in my opinion) so if you are anything like me and have claustrophobic tendencies this can make you quite uncomfortable after an hour or so. Just take deep breaths and try to remain calm while periodically wiping the sweat from your brow (see reference to changes in core temperature under #1).
4) If you are planning on wearing flip flops on your travels, try to find the open-toe variety of compression socks (not available at the Shreveport Walgreen's). Otherwise, you will be confined to your seat on the airplane despite the fact that your baby is dancing on your bladder because you can't get your sandals on and you would hate to contract a fatal fungus by walking into the airplane bathroom with only a thin layer of tourniquet fabric between you and who-knows-what.
5) Since you will be confined to your seat anyway, it may be better to sit closest to the window as this will enable only the person sitting next to you to cast sideways inquisitive glances about your fashion statement rather than every person who walks down the aisle.
6) After wearing these socks for several hours, large indentations are left on your skin just below the knee. Capris would be a better option than shorts so people don't wonder what happened to your legs. Definitely DON'T go for long pants as your ability to maintain a healthy body temperature for your fetus would be nearly impossible under such conditions!
Those are all things I learned during the Reno trip. Well, we drove to Dallas this weekend and I knew the responsible thing would be to wear my blessed tourniquet socks on the drive. Just before we left, David heard me huffing and puffing in the front room and came in to see what was going on. I indulged him by posing for a picture, but he'd already missed the worst of it (the very difficult toe-hook and shimmy)
Aren't they attractive?
14 comments:
Hot (as in sexy :)). And ick. I am SO incredibly glad I have never needed these for any of my pregnancies. My friend has to wear the full length ones 24/7 to even be able to walk at all. She tells me she's worn them to the beach and everywhere else -- there's no dignity in being pregs, but the end result IS worth it.
As a fellow compression hose wearer, let me offer my two cents:
1. The open toed ones are a hundred times better, not only because you can wear them with sandals, but they help with the temperature problem and you don't have to worry about standing on the toe seam.
2. I like to go with the nude colored hose, because it makes me feel tan when I am glancing at my legs and I trick myself into believing they are less noticeable.
I do think they help a lot with circulation, which is why I wear them with all my pregnancies. I haven't had any real problems with varicose veins, and I think it's because of those beauties. Hopefully you can stick to just long trips and not have to go to daily usage.
I love them and you made them sound so fabulous that I will have to check out my local Walgreens for a pair! he he You may start the next fashion trend that sweeps the nation . . .
I didn't have to wear these (YET) but have heard many horror stories! :)It's still so weird to me that everyone's pregnancies are so different. Hang in there! And hey, I hear knee highs are back. See if David can find you a hot pink pair next time!
I just watched Roller Boogie a couple days ago while folding laundry. It's a classic (I'm using the word 'classic' here loosely)from 1979. I say paint a couple stripes on top of your compressions and call them tube socks, slap on a pair of quad skates (not roller blades!), some Dolphin shorts, frizz your hair out, and you'll undoubtedly be responsible for ushering in the retro Linda Blair look.
Whoa I had no idea that wearing such a thing would cause such issues, especially the issue of boiling your child due to the increase in body tempurature. Whew so glad i did not experience to torure socks. Oh and love the cute living room. Can we have more pics of the house?!
Girl, if anyone can pull those off, it is you! Socks aside, you look great!
Isn't it all so much fun!!??!
Just call you Britney Spears.
Ok, well first of all I am glad you are taking the proper precautions to prevent a blood clot, second- have your hubby help you put those tricky things on. Bending over can be pretty hard and not to mention uncomfortable, just you wait sister... it gets worse. I remember Tim helping me put shoes on toward the end of my pregnancies. If I ever need the socks in the future I will remember to not put them on in the airplane, thanks for the advice!!!
Ok, well first of all I am glad you are taking the proper precautions to prevent a blood clot, second- have your hubby help you put those tricky things on. Bending over can be pretty hard and not to mention uncomfortable, just you wait sister... it gets worse. I remember Tim helping me put shoes on toward the end of my pregnancies. If I ever need the socks in the future I will remember to not put them on in the airplane, thanks for the advice!!!
The only other person I know who had the MISFORTUNE of wearing compression socks was Krystal--and might I say she was a faithful wearer. I have to refer to #5 when I say I thought someone should tell her nude-colored nylons were "out", especially in July. I believe she kindly told me they were not nylons... Sorry about that. I have a few spider veins that I am ignoring so as to avoid the socks. Supid?? Probably!
Wow!! Pretty!! One day that could be me, I can't wait :) I will remember the hook and shimmy though!! Call me, I have options for your nursery :)!!!! And...Your belly is too stinkin' cute!!!
No one could do it with such style or grace! I love the phobia of the airplane bathroom with too little protection. Aunt Kayte must have gotten to us all:)
Post a Comment