Why Use A Pregnancy Support Band? What You Need To Know

Understanding Pregnancy Support Bands

Pregnancy brings about significant physiological changes largely due to hormonal fluctuations that prepare your body for labor. While these alterations are natural, they may result in discomforting side effects such as back pain, pelvic pain, and hip discomfort, which are commonly experienced by expectant mothers.

However, there's good news - various measures can be taken to mitigate these discomforts, one of the most effective being the use of a pregnancy support band.

Types of Support Bands: Belly Band vs. Pregnancy Support Band vs. Maternity Belt

With the variety of support options like belly bands, pregnancy support bands, and maternity belts available, it’s essential to understand their distinctions.

While these terms might sometimes be misused interchangeably, there are key differences. A belly band is mainly a cosmetic accessory aimed at improving the appearance of your midsection (often used postpartum) or helping in the fit of pre-pregnancy attire. Conversely, a pregnancy support band, maternity belt, or pelvic support belt is a medical garment designed to relieve the back and abdominal pain linked to pregnancy and childbirth.

Defining a Pregnancy Support Band

A pregnancy support band is a durable yet comfortable garment crafted to offer support to the lower back and abdomen during and after pregnancy. It envelops the lower back while gently lifting the belly, thereby alleviating pressure on the pelvis and spinal region.

These kinds of bands, also referred to as maternity belts, can provide benefits such as:

• Alleviating back and pelvic discomforts linked to pregnancy and childbirth
• Supporting healthy posture
• Providing mild compression during physical activities
• Facilitating postpartum recovery of abdominal strength (when paired with appropriate exercises)
• Enhancing core stability

Timing: When to Start Using a Pregnancy Support Band?

Before deciding to use a pregnancy support band, discussing it with your healthcare provider is crucial. This ensures that you are considering your health and safety, and it often is a prerequisite for obtaining the band through insurance.

Pregnancy belts can be utilized throughout the duration of pregnancy or afterward, but they are especially beneficial in the second and third trimesters when many women experience heightened discomfort. It’s generally recommended to start using a pregnancy support band around the 20-week mark.

These bands are intended for temporary use to relieve discomfort in the lower back and abdomen during pregnancy and postpartum. It is advisable to wear them for shorter durations, typically between 2 to 3 hours, to avoid relying too heavily on external support rather than developing core strength. Many women find it beneficial to wear a support band while engaging in physical activities or exercising.

Understanding Postpartum Support Belts

Pregnancy support belts, also known as postpartum support belts, can be useful after delivery to assist the abdominal muscles in their recovery process. Regardless of whether you experienced a vaginal birth or a C-section, many women find themselves needing to rebuild strength in their abdominal region during the postpartum phase, and a support belt can significantly aid in this period of healing. Meanwhile, postpartum recovery garments also support the abdomen but often focus on providing gentle compression for the abdomen, back, and thighs.