Pregnancy and postpartum can be an expensive time between all the new products needed, appointments and days off work. So I get you if you think ‘why would I spend $199 on a pair of leggings when I can get another pair for $40!’ Let me tell you as a physiotherapist working in the women’s health space why…

The garments that have a higher price tag do so because of their quality, effectiveness, durability and research backing them.

There is a difference between pregnancy garments and pregnancy compression garments. The compression garment provides a graduated medical grade compression, meaning it is tighter at the bottom and looser at the top to encourage blood flow and lymphatic flow up the the heart to prevent swelling. They have inbuilt compression support at the perineum and abdominal region to help align, lift and support the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Companies like Everform Therapy Wear have clinically tested their products and have found they improve pelvic floor function. These features in particular are important in pregnancy and postpartum as your body is undergoing unique changes and requirements unlike any other time in life.

Standard pregnancy garments that are not medical grade compression may not provide you with the same level of support with regards to swelling management, pelvic floor and abdominal support and reducing pregnancy related pains.

If you're deciding whether you should get the shorts or leggings here are a few things to consider:

• Time of year you will be heavily pregnant?

• If you have any lower leg swelling or know you are prone to swelling, the leggings would be recommended.

• What else you feel comfortable wearing? Eg: You may like wearing loose dresses or tracksuit pants and could consider wearing the shorts underneath.

• Are they going to be worn for day to day use or for exercises (or both)? Shorts may be more suitable if you’re exercising in them to prevent over heating. Leggings may be more suitable for day to day wear.

When measuring yourself for the garments always follow brand specific fit guides. However here are a few tips:

• You’re size is generally based off hip circumference which is unlikely to change significantly throughout pregnancy and postpartum. So the size you wear in pregnancy is likely to be a similar size post partum.

• If you are between sizes, size up for a looser fit and size down for a tighter fit.

• Many women find it extremely helpful to have a tighter fitting pair as it can help with the sensation of support around the abdomen and lower back.

When deciding if compression leggings are worth the cost, think about:

• Cost per wear. Many of my clients say they lived in their compression garments during pregnancy and the first 6 months postpartum.

• Everform Therapy Wear and Bare Mum compression garments are stylish and look like every day leggings. Many people still wear them years later.

• Pregnancy and postpartum come with a lot of physical changes in the female body and having a garment that can support you through that, is priceless.

• Compression grade medical garments from Everform Therapy Wear can be claimed on private health insurance if you have physiotherapy extras as they are TGA registered medical devices.

If you have any questions or would like to claim a private health insurance rebate, please email bloom.essentials@outlook.com