After nine months of carrying your little miracle, you may find yourself feeling more than a little bit of stress and pain. But many expectant mothers feel that belly bands or maternity belts, which offer support and alleviate pelvic and hip pain, are helpful.
Though there isn't a ton of research to back it up, many mothers report that belly bands or maternity belts ease their discomfort during pregnancy, especially as the 8th and 9th month approaches.
What’s a Maternity Belt?
Belly bands, also known as maternity belts, are intended to provide support for the pregnant woman's pelvic and abdominal areas. Pregnant women who are active, particularly in their second and third trimesters, may benefit greatly from wearing one of these adaptable support garments. Maternity belts are also called by several names including pregnancy support belt and maternity support brace. But regardless of the name, every pregnancy belt shares a few essential features:
- They're constructed out of a comfortable, elastic, and long-lasting material.
- They have a velcro closure.
- They're created to rest comfortably beneath your belly.
- They expand as your belly does.
Why Would You Need a Maternity Belt?
To Help With Posture
In order to accommodate your developing child, you have to adjust your gait and movement patterns, which can have an adverse effect on your posture. The pregnancy support belt will also help you sit and stand up straight by compressing your lower tummy and raising the baby off your hips. Because of the extra support you'll be getting for your lower back, your poor posture will be a thing of the past. Pregnancy bands serve as outward reminders to help you stand up straight. Belly bands prevent lower back overextension by providing support for the lower back and torso, thereby encouraging proper posture.
Additional Support During Exercise
A lot of pregnant women can't work out because of the discomfort they experience. A pregnancy support belt is a useful gear for any active pregnant woman. Even if you don't normally require support, using it when working out can help you keep up a more efficient routine. As an added bonus, the abdominal compression it provides can help save you from being injured when you're exercising.
Reduce Pain and Discomfort
Most pregnant women wear maternity belts because they help reduce discomfort. Your body will feel more strain as your baby gets bigger. Your muscles and joints may hurt because you've adjusted the way you walk and stand to accommodate the increased weight. As your baby grows, your ligaments loosen during the second trimester. As your pregnancy advances, you may have more and more pain in your hips, thighs, and calves.
Help With Your Outfit
Your waistline may be expanding, but your thighs and hips may be staying the same size. This allows you to pull your favorite pants up, but not secure them. A pregnant band can help you feel more comfortable by covering your tummy and the upper band of your jeans. The elastic band will also prevent any embarrassing back or stomach flashes when you bend over.
Assist With Postpartum Recovery
You can continue to reap the benefits of your pregnancy support band long after delivery. After delivering, you can still benefit from the band's support. The physical and emotional stress of pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming. Core strength typically decreases in the weeks after birth.
It takes time for the muscles and ligaments to recover from the strain and stretching they endured during pregnancy. Maintaining additional support for the lower back and abdominal region has various advantages, including facilitating a quicker recovery and decreasing the risk of injury.
Some Helpful Tips in Choosing a Maternity Belt
We’ve added a checklist to help you choose the right maternity belt for your needs:
- Maternity belts can be adjusted to fit as your belly expands, but it's still important to have the right size to begin with. To determine the proper fit throughout pregnancy, most bands provide size charts that are based on your size before you became pregnant. Overstretching a band might be dangerous for a developing infant.
- Belly bands may either have front or rear fastenings. Avoid misusing your pregnancy support band by wearing it incorrectly.
- If your support band is too tight, it may cause discomfort. Compression under the abdomen and over the back should be gentle. So, it's important to remember that a tight pregnancy support band can put pressure on your internal organs, leading to symptoms like indigestion, heartburn, and possibly even an increase in blood pressure and circulation.
- We know a lot of moms swear by the maternity belt, but you should talk to your doctor first. Before trying anything new during pregnancy, it's crucial to consult your physician first. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor can help them decide whether or not a band would be helpful.
In conclusion, just because you're expecting a child doesn't mean you have to suffer through extreme discomfort. Just make sure to keep in mind that while maternity belts can be helpful, they should be used carefully as well. Are you currently using the Bub’s Maternity Belt™? We’d love to hear how it’s able to help you with your pregnancy in the comments section below.