A randomized crossover trial on the effect of compression stockings on nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the impact of wearing compression stockings on women’s quality of life (QoL) associated with nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (NVP). METHODS: In this randomized, open, single-center, crossover study, 74 women were assigned 1:1 to 2 weeks with compression stockings followed by 2 weeks without or vice versa. The main outcomes were NVP-associated QoL, leg-related QoL, and dizziness, as assessed by the Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Quality of Life (NVPQOL) questionnaire, Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life (CIVIQ) questionnaire, and questions on dizziness at baseline and after each 2-week period, respectively. Daily NVP was assessed using the modified Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square and independent t-tests. RESULTS: Fifty-eight women completed the study. QoL scores improved with compression treatment; changes in mean total scores were as follows: NVPQOL, −36.7 with compression vs −21.7 without (P<0.0001); and CIVIQ, −4.5 with compression vs +1.4 without (P=0.001). Mean dizziness scores were −3.2 with compression vs −0.4 without (P<0.0001). PUQE mean total score (standard deviation) was 4.9 (2.3) with compression vs 5.5 (2.2) without (P=0.042). DISCUSSION: Wearing of compression stockings in early pregnancy may improve nausea and vomiting-associated symptoms in addition to improving QoL factors.