Medical Grade vs Non-Medical Grade Compression: Innovation in incontinence and prolapse support
Compression garments have become increasingly popular among pregnant and postpartum individuals to support the body through its incredible changes. But not all compression is created equal. In our pelvic health physiotherapy clinic, we often get asked: "Do I need medical-grade compression?" or "Why is there such a price difference between some maternity and postpartum support products?" and “What options are there for incontinence and prolapse support?
What is Compression, and Why Does It Matter in Pregnancy and Postpartum?
Compression garments apply external pressure to the body to help:
Support abdominal and pelvic floor muscles
Improve circulation and reduce swelling
Provide proprioceptive feedback (awareness of body position)
Manage symptoms like vulval varicosities, prolapse, pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain or abdominal separation
Aid in postnatal recovery and c-section support
But the effectiveness of compression largely depends on the type, fit, and pressure level, which is where the distinction between medical and non-medical grades becomes essential.
Medical-grade compression is:
Clinically measured and graduated: pressure is highest at specific points (e.g. pelvis or lower limbs) and gradually decreases towards the heart to promote venous return blood flow.
Therapeutic: often prescribed or recommended by health professionals, and for this reason many private health insurers offer a rebate for their purchase.
Regulated: these garments must meet defined medical standards (often class I or II compression, measured in mmHg) and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods of Australia (TGA).
Targeted: designed specifically to support aches and pains during motherhood.
Brands we often recommend include:
You may also be offered Tubi- Grip by your pelvic floor physiotherapist in clinic or in hospital which is a sock- like tube you can wear over your abdomen and hips for some compressive support. Each brand and type (briefs, shorts, leggings and socks) offers different designs and panelling support options and we will individualise our recommendations to patients based on this.
NEW product innovation: Everform Therapywear Underwear Range
Everform Therapywear’s founder, Rosie Dumbrell, has spent four years developing their FemmeCore™ technology based on clinical, experiential and research backed knowledge and has now applied this to their new underwear range, including the light bladder leak recovery and pro support brief high waisted options.They are anatomically designed to reduce perineal descent, stabilise the pelvic girdle joints and provide structural support to reduce the symptoms caused by fascial damage, and overstretched or weakened pelvic floor muscles. The leak proof recovery brief also features moisture wicking and leakproof properties for added confidence for light bladder leakage. You can view their new range here. Rosie recommends wearing them up to 8 hours per day for 6-8 weeks, followed by use for more intensive exercise as needed.
Non-medical-grade compression refers to:
Garments that provide light or moderate support but are not clinically regulated or TGA-listed.
Maternity clothes that accommodate space for your growing bump or postpartum clothes that consider firmness around the abdomen or placement of seams for comfort against any perineal or cesarean scars.
These can feel helpful, especially in early pregnancy or light activity, but they often lack the structure and targeted pressure needed for therapeutic benefit.
How can a pelvic floor physio help me?
It is important to note that these products will not treat the underlying cause of your pelvic floor dysfunction but will greatly assist in managing symptoms and minimise their impact on your day to day life. Seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist, such as those at Embrace Physio + Pilates will allow you to truly understand the cause of your symptoms and work on a specific management plan to optimise pelvic floor muscle function, which may include compression products.
At Embrace Physio + Pilates, we always assess whether compression is needed based on individual concerns, assessment findings, and goals. We may recommend medical-grade compression if you:
Experience pelvic pressure, prolapse, or vulval varicosities
Are returning to exercise postpartum and need core/pelvic floor feedback
Have significant abdominal separation
Need C-section scar support
And yes, we do recommend purchasing different medical grade garments pre and post natal due to the amount of therapeutic compression applied to the abdomen.
We may advise against certain garments if:
The compression is too strong and creates downward pressure or you feel uncomfortable wearing firm fabrics
The garment is ill-fitting and interferes with breathing or pelvic floor function
The client is using it to mask symptoms rather than address them
Compression can be a powerful tool in prenatal and postnatal care—but like all tools, it needs to be used with purpose and guidance. Medical-grade compression offers clinical benefits that non-medical alternatives often can’t match, especially when managing pelvic floor dysfunction or recovering after birth.
Want to find out what’s right for you?
Book in with one of our pelvic health physiotherapists at Embrace Physio + Pilates. We’ll assess your needs, provide individualised advice, and guide you toward compression that supports—not suppresses—your recovery.
Find out more about Everform Therapywear’s new Underwear range here and follow us @everformwear, @embrace.phsio.pilates and @physio_with_jess to see us review the product!
Author: Jessica Adams, 2025