As a mother-to-be, the joyous tiny bundle you carry for nine months can also become a growing cause of stress and discomfort. However, many expectant mothers find some relief from belly bands or belly belts, which offer support and assist lessen hip and pelvic pain throughout pregnancy.
Even while there is not enough solid scientific data to fully back its usage, many mothers claim that belly bands or belts help them feel better and lessen pregnant aches, particularly later in the pregnancy.
Experts explain that as the uterus expands, all the ligaments that wrap around the abdomen are stretched and pulled. This can result in significant pain in the back, pelvis, and hips. They claim that a belt can provide a little bit additional support and help you complete your daily duties with less pain.
Maternity Support Options
Be sure to wear belly bands, which are soft, tube-shaped clothing items that can give light compression and support the hips and lower back. They are also a practical fashion item. Many women wear the belly bands to cover exposed skin from their expanding stomachs as well as to cover unzipped or undone jeans. Sizes, forms, colors, and designs of belly bands vary widely.
During pregnancy, rigid belts called belly belts can help support the lower back, pelvis, hips, and abdomen. Although belly belts are often worn below garments, some women choose to do so. Belly belts are strap-like and slender.
In general, belts may be altered to fit you and are more adjustable. They offer firmer support, which helps improve posture and balance, particularly as your center of gravity shifts.
The Benefits Of Belly Bands And Pregnancy Support Belts
Pregnancy support belts and belly bands can provide the following advantages:
Reduced Leg Swelling: There is less strain on your lower back and legs when the weight of your growing baby is distributed more evenly. Pregnancy-related leg edema may decrease as a result of this.
Better Posture: By balancing out your center of gravity, belly belts help stabilize your abdomen and lower back. In a 2018 study, 90 women who wore a maternity support belt reported having somewhat better posture throughout each trimester.
Easy to Exercise: Running or walking may be more pleasant when a belly belt is worn in the later stages of pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pregnant women who exercise may also benefit from using a belly belt to prevent harm.
Lower Chance of Falling: Your pelvis is stabilized by belly bands, which may also help with balance.
Less Pregnancy Discomfort: Belts across the stomach and lower back more equally distribute the weight of your infant. This releases pressure from the lower body's muscles, ligaments, joints, and back, which lowers pain.
Prevention of Contractions During Pregnancy: Belts and belly bands provide stability and support, which lowers total bodily tension and may help prevent pre-term contractions.
Reduced Bladder Pressure: The weight of your baby and abdomen is lifted by belly belts, which releases strain on your bladder.
Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization: During pregnancy, the hip joints' ligaments weaken, which may be painful. Using a belly belt to evenly distribute your baby's weight helps lessen the sciatica-related pain and discomfort.
Prior to Wearing a Belt or Band, Take Into Account
It's not necessary to constantly feel uncomfortable while pregnant. Although they should only be used occasionally, maternity support belts can provide much-needed respite.
Wear it when you are more uncomfortable. You shouldn't wear it constantly because it does provide compression; instead, you want to promote healthy blood flow.
Keep these suggestions in mind as you think about how to wear a belly band or belly belt:
Consult your doctor: Talk about your symptoms and make sure nothing strange is happening.
Verify your insurance coverage: If your doctor issues a prescription for a baby belt, certain insurance companies will pay for it.
Reduce use: Too much belly band or belt wearing can restrict the body's movement and impede airflow to the skin. You can feel hotter due to the additional layer of material. According to many manufacturers, the devices should be worn for three to four hours each day. The ideal period of time for you should be discussed with your doctor.
Put on snugly: Your maternal support garment should fit snugly but not too tightly. Too-tight bands and belts can hurt and be uncomfortable.
Consider the cost: Belts and belly bands can be pricey. As you make preparations for your kid, think about including them in your budget.
Examine appearance: Some belly belts are obvious and can be seen through your clothing. Consider the ideal attire to go with your belt.
According to experts, a lot of women use belts and bands and find them useful. They advise everyone who might require one of those to try one; if it works, excellent! It's a simple, non-intrusive procedure.