Does pregnancy belt help?
As your baby grows you will notice your tummy not only expanding but getting heavier too. You might feel a twinge of discomfort as your little bundle of joy causes your belly to swell, but you don’t have to wait until their due date for relief. You can get the extra support you need with the help of a belly band.
Belly Band Benefits
1. Pregnancy Pain Relief
Maternity support bands are generally recommended to help support the weight growing babies in the womb and to relieve pain due to having a heavier uterus.
This is because during the second trimester your round ligament that connects the groin to the front of the uterus changes to support your growing embryo. As a result, it changes positions and gets placed under additional pressure and may cause dull achy pain in the hip, groin, or abdomen.
During the third trimester, you may have to waddle instead of walk to balance with your baby’s excess weight which puts pressure on your lower back, ligaments, joints, and muscles. In some cases, this pressure can be painful.
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a pair of joints on the sides of your pelvic area responsible for stabilization during physical activities and for absorbing shock to the lower body. During the third trimester, certain pregnancy hormones loosen and stretch the joints to prepare your body for birth resulting in patient pain and possible instability.
2. Comfort During Physical Activities
You wouldn’t hit the gym without your trusty sports bra to keep your ladies in place, right? Well during pregnancy, those who are on their feet a lot can see their normal routine as an exercise. From walking back and forth all over the office to chase meetings to having a physically demanding position such as a cop or nurse, a belly band or band can help.
By providing comfort with a little compression physical discomfort can be reduced from the uterus and the belly. This will help you get through your work out and help take your mind off discomfort to better concentrate at work.
3. Outfit Hacks
Being pregnant is full of adventures and surprises. For example, one day your favorite pair of comfy jeans fit and the next day they don’t. However, you don’t have to panic and throw them out. You can use your belly band to bridge the gap between your shirt and pants.
It will provide a fashionable layered look with the privacy of covering your stomach. Many women can comfortably cover their unbuttoned pants and relax instead of squeezing into them and dealing with the discomfort of button imprints.
4. Posture Enhancing
Your maternity belt will also help you maintain proper posture, especially during the third trimester when your lower back and spine fall under increased weight. As your core muscles that support the spine weaken you’ll be more prone to extending your lower back. This can occur during your normal daily routine with activities such as walking or even sitting. However, your pregnancy belly band will give you the necessary support to stabilize your lower back and torso.
5. Postpartum Healing
Don’t put your belly band away after giving birth. It can help with postpartum healing as your muscles and ligaments that stretch during birth need time to heal. Strains and weakness can make it difficult to care for your newborn. The support provided by your belly band can decrease comfort.
Important things to know about wearing a belly band
- Wear a belly band or support garment for no more than two to three hours at a time to prevent overdependence.
- Exercises to strengthen the transverse abdominis should be done in combination with the use of a belly band to strengthen the core muscles both during and after pregnancy.
- Always consult your doctor before using any compression garments. Women with compromised circulation or abnormal blood pressure may be advised against the use of a belly band.
- Belly band are for temporary use and aren’t a permanent fix. It’s important to address the underlying dysfunction. A referral to physical therapy is recommended to address ongoing pain both during and after pregnancy.
