Did you know that a whopping seventy-one percent of women experience pelvic or back pain during pregnancy? If this is or was you during pregnancy, you are very much not alone. But what can be done about it, besides waiting it out for several months? Belly bands are designed to provide support and gentle compression during pregnancy so you can have decreased pain, better posture, and increased blood circulation–– AKA feel way better.
Many women don’t feel the need to wear belly bands until their second and third trimesters when the baby's weight starts to cause discomfort in their hips and pelvic area. However, you can totally wear a belly band in the first trimester to support your belly as it begins to grow–– particularly in second or third pregnancies when women tend to show much sooner. There are many benefits to wearing a belly band during and after pregnancy, which is why many medical doctors and midwives suggest it, and veteran moms rave about it. Let’s answer some commonly asked questions about them.
What are belly bands?
A belly band is a band that wraps around your abdomen and back to support your lower back and hips during pregnancy. Like we mentioned, women wear them in the second and third trimesters when the weight of the growing belly adds pressure to the pelvic area. Additionally, some belly bands, also known as belly wraps, are specifically designed for postpartum to help support weakened joints and ligaments while you heal from birth.
How safe are belly bands during pregnancy?
Super safe. Like, the most safe. Belly bands are safe during pregnancy and can be helpful during postpartum recovery as well. Doctors often recommend belly bands as a safe and natural option to relieve pelvic and back pain as your baby grows.
Can a pregnancy band be harmful to a baby during pregnancy?
If worn properly, there is no risk of harm to your baby. A belly band is specifically designed to be worn during pregnancy and does not cause harm to a baby. However, if your belly band is too tight, it may reduce blood flow to your pelvic floor, which may be harmful to your baby.
When should you start wearing a belly band during pregnancy?
It is never too early during pregnancy to start wearing a maternity belly band. It may feel silly at first to wear a belly band before you experience pain or discomfort. However, beginning in the first trimester may help with pelvic pain and discomfort later in pregnancy. When to start wearing a belly band is a personal decision, and some women wait until they see if they are experiencing pain or discomfort in the second and third trimesters. Be sure to check with your physician before starting to wear a belly band, as every pregnancy is unique, and so is prenatal care.
How long should you wear a belly band while pregnant?
Belly bands are versatile and may be worn throughout pregnancy and even postpartum. In addition, belly bands are beneficial in supporting weakened ligaments and joints caused by the hormone relaxin produced during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How tight should a belly band be?
A belly band should fit snugly but not too tight. There shouldn’t be too much compression that is restricting blood flow to your abdomen. Always listen to your body if you feel you may need to take a break from your belly band.
How to choose a belly band size right for you
First and foremost, it is essential to discuss belly bands with your doctor to decide if a belly band is right for you during pregnancy.
When choosing a size, use a measuring tape to measure around the largest part of your belly and find your corresponding size using the sizing chart provided by the product sizing chart. Belly Bandit makes sizing easy by providing an easy-to-use "Find Your size" feature. Input the number of weeks you are in your pregnancy and the corresponding belly circumference into an interactive sizing chart to find your coordinating belly band size.
Which belly band is best for pregnancy?
Let’s break down our pregnancy belly bands and their features:
The Belly Boost Pregnancy Wrap is a discrete (under your clothes) way to give yourself a little extra support your body needs during pregnancy. The pregnancy wrap lightly lifts your belly to relieve the strain on your pelvic joints, hips, and back. In addition, it features Belly Bandits patented WonderWeave™ material which is breathable yet allows the creams and lotions to stay on your skin and not rub off on the wrap. This is beneficial as it may help prevent dry and itchy skin so you can wear your favorite lotions and gels confidently.
Flawless Belly Wrap is the ultimate 4-in-1 belly wrap for pregnancy and postpartum. This wrap is designed to grow with you and keep you feeling comfortable through every stage of pregnancy. In addition, the Flawless Belly Wrap helps you wear your pre-pregnancy clothes as long as you can by covering any peak-a-boo areas from the belly growth! . If you are concerned about your pre-pregnancy top being too short, this wrap acts as an undershirt without the top half of the shirt. This wrap offers light belly support, a layering piece for under your clothes, a clothing extender for pre-pregnancy clothing, and a nursing cover for you or your baby.
The 2-in-1 Hip Bandit is designed to offer support during and after pregnancy. The wrap lifts your belly to alleviate pelvic pain, promote better posture, and relieve pressure on your bladder. After pregnancy, this wrap helps stabilize the hip and pelvic area and supports weakened joints while your body heals and shifts back to the prepregnancy position.
You can think of a belly band for pregnancy as similar to wearing a sports bra while working out. Without a sports bra, we do not get the proper support we need for our bust. A belly band supports our belly by providing gentle compression to alleviate the weight and strain on the hips and lower back. It is incredible to imagine that our bellies are not the only thing going through significant changes during pregnancy. Our entire body undergoes substantial changes to accommodate a growing life. Therefore, it is essential to give our bodies the proper support it needs so we can exercise, stay active, and experience less pain during pregnancy!
