Pregnancy and motherhood come with a lot of changes. Some changes, like the baby bump, are physical. Others might be situational, while others can be emotional or hormonal. With all these new things going on, it’s no surprise that pregnancy and motherhood have their own challenges.
One common problem during pregnancy is pain in the back and hips, especially once the baby bump starts to get bigger. Although products like pregnancy pillows can help relieve some of the discomfort at night, pregnancy belts are a popular way to relieve discomfort during the day.
A pregnancy belt is intended to support the weight of the baby bump, which in turn helps relieve some of the pressure on the back and hips. However, if a belt isn’t worn correctly, it can cause other problems.
How do you put on a pregnancy belt? Let’s find out.
What Is a Pregnancy Belt?
A pregnancy belt is a band used to support a baby bump. It provides support to the round ligaments that support the uterus. Due to the growth and weight of the uterus, these ligaments can become strained, causing pain or discomfort.
A pregnancy belt can also help alleviate back and hip discomfort, as well as correctly align the body. Depending on the type of belt you get, it might come in one piece or two pieces.
The first piece is known as the abdominal support pad. It attaches to another piece, which is the belt that holds everything together.
There are multiple reasons that an expectant mother may need a pregnancy belt. Although a maternity belt can help provide abdominal support, not every pregnant mom has the same issues. Some may only have trouble with round ligament discomfort.
Others might have more trouble in their hips or back. Maybe you just need something to provide support if you need to do something slightly more strenuous. Some types of pregnancy belts can also be used to aid in abdominal exercises.
Whatever the reason, pregnancy belts can be a useful tool for expectant mothers.
What Types of Belts Are There?
There are multiple types of pregnancy belts. Some are intended to provide the most amount of support to the bump during pregnancy, while others can help after pregnancy.
There are also some that are intended to help with exercise. The important thing is to figure out which one suits your needs.
Pregnancy Support Belt
Maternity belts are the best option if you need to take pressure off your back. These belts can help support the weight of your belly, and they’re made with straps and padding to help keep you comfortable.
The belly band provided by Mommy Care Kit operates like a pregnancy support belt. It helps you return to your usual center of gravity, supports posture, and helps ease back discomfort with mild compression.
Belly Band
Most belly bands are made to cover more of the baby bump. A belly band is essentially a band made out of stretchy fabric, like nylon or spandex.
Belly bands are the best option if you’re looking for something that can help cover up pants that you can’t quite fasten anymore.
Post-Pregnancy Tummy Wrap
You can’t use post-pregnancy tummy wraps during pregnancy, but they can help support your abdomen afterward. A post-pregnancy tummy wrap helps support and reshape the muscles in the abdomen after giving birth.
During pregnancy, these muscles and the uterus stretch out, so these bands use light compression to help them return to normal. Our 3-in-1 belly wrap is a great example of a band that provides postpartum support for the abdomen, pelvis, and back.
Although these wraps are perfectly fine if properly used after you’ve given birth, you should not use them during pregnancy.
How Should I Put On a Pregnancy Belt?
Since there are many different types of belts, how you put the belt on will depend on which one you purchase. Most bands should have instructions on how to put them on, so it’s a good idea to read the instruction manual before you try the belt on.
Here are some things that you may need to keep in mind if you use a belt with two pieces.
Find the Best Fit
The first thing you want to do is find a belt that works for you. Depending on the issues that you are having during your pregnancy, one type of pregnancy belt may work better than another.
It’s also important to find the right size. A belt that is too small will put too much pressure on your stomach, while a belt that is too big won’t be as effective. Fortunately, many bands have velcro that allows you to self-adjust.
Place the Abdominal Support Pad
If you have a two-piece pregnancy belt, the first step is to place the abdominal support pad directly under the abdomen. You’ll want to make sure that it lifts the abdomen without any issues and isn’t resting on your thighs.
Attach the Belt
Once you have the abdominal support pad, it’s time to place the belt. You’ll want to slide it around your back first since the velcro will attach to the support pad in the front. After that’s secured, you may want to lay on the floor to readjust the belt to add extra support to your back.
What Is the Best Way to Wear a Pregnancy Belt?
There may be multiple ways that you can put on a pregnancy belt, but there are a few rules that you should keep in mind when you are putting a pregnancy band on.
Make Sure It’s Placed Properly
Since a pregnancy belt is meant to provide support and relief from discomfort, it’s important to make sure that you put the belt in the right place. You shouldn’t feel any pressure from the band, and it should allow you to move freely without causing any pressure or constriction.
If your band feels like a corset, then it may be too small or placed incorrectly. If you notice any pinching or tightness, you should be able to adjust the straps to make the band more comfortable.
If a belt is too constricting, it can cause pain, acid reflux or heartburn, circulatory issues, and bowel issues.
Don’t Wear It for Too Long
We understand that pregnancy belts are comfortable and take off some of the pressure, but it’s important to limit how long you use a pregnancy belt per day to roughly two to three hours.
If you wear a pregnancy belt too often, it can weaken your abdominal muscles, as well as muscles in your hips and lower back.
Even though the baby bump is adding extra weight and slightly straining the muscles with a new thing to carry, the baby bump strengthens these muscles as well. If you have a strong core, it can help with delivery and help you to take care of your little one since you’ll be doing a lot of lifting.
It’s best to ask your doctor or midwife’s advice on how to use a pregnancy belt to relieve some of the pressure and to ensure that you’re doing things correctly.
It’s best to wear pregnancy belts if you will be doing some difficult activities or hard work, or, if you prefer, you can use them to help you wind down in the evenings.
Be Sure to Exercise
Since it’s important to have a strong core for delivery, exercise is also important. However, with a baby bump, you’ll need to learn some new, expectant mother-appropriate exercises.
There are many prenatal workouts that you could use, but it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor or midwife first. They can help you figure out what kind of regimen is best for you and your little one. Exercise not only helps with labor, but it can also help make labor recovery easier.
A Comfortable Way to Get Through Pregnancy
With all the changes that pregnant women go through, it’s no surprise that there are many products that are created especially to make their lives a little easier.
Products like pregnancy belts and pregnancy pillows are a great way to provide needed support, especially as your baby grows in the womb.
A pregnancy belt is another non-medicinal way to relieve discomfort in your back and hips. With these tips and rules, you can find a pregnancy belt that supports you and your baby.
Sources:
Back Pain During Pregnancy | American Pregnancy Association