Maternity Supports, Back Support Belts, Belly Bands

During pregnancy, back pain is a common problem that most women suffer from. The added weight of the growing baby is the primary reason. Once the baby is born, this pain normally goes away. But at times, back pain can be too tough to put up with. That is where maternity supports come in handy. They are designed in a way to help reduce back pain and provide the needed relief to an aching body. Some of the benefits of wearing a maternity support are the reduction in lower back pain, reduction in swelling, and improvement in circulation in the pelvic region. Other benefits include relaxation and comfort while exercising, helping to reduce tiredness and muscle fatigue, and providing the needed ‘lift’ to the belly.

What is a Maternity Support Belt?

Carrying a baby inside the body can be tough work for the body as a whole. As the baby grows and gains weight, it can cause more pressure on the bladder, create varicose veins, and cause chronic low back pain. This is why many women turn to support devices or garments that can give some extra support for the belly. One type of device is a maternity support belt. The simplest type of belt is made of elastic material and normally can be adjusted to fit different sizes of bellies. Others may need to be purchased in average dress sizes or in weight and height sizes. Basic belts are worn underneath the stomach and around the back. The compression of the belt can help reduce lower back pain and may increase the blood flow to the pelvis. This extra support can also relieve pressure on the bladder.

Other types of maternity support belts may cover more of the lower back and offer more support. Some types feature a strap that not only goes under the belly, but also one that fits above it. There are other types of support devices that fit like a camisole over the entire body, and some belts have straps that give greater support by going over the shoulders. These can slightly change the way the body carries the extra weight of a growing baby to help reduce pressure pain.

When the discomfort from the pregnancy is extreme, it is recommended to speak to an obstetrician to make sure there are no other causes for the pain. For example, pre-term contractions may be felt in the back. Therefore, women should make sure they determine the cause of discomfort before trying to resolve it. Another reason to speak with an obstetrician is because some insurance plans may cover the cost of a maternity support belt. They are usually called durable medical equipment and some insurances may pay for part or all of them.

Some women wear a maternity support belt during the day, while others only use one on days when walking or standing a lot. When exercising, some women feel more supported if a belt is worn, and this may be the only time a woman feels a belt is needed. For those carrying more than one child, a recommendation may be given to use a maternity support belt because of the added stress on the body from carrying multiple babies. Other women go through a pregnancy without needing a belt or feeling uncomfortable enough to wear one.

How do I Choose the Best Maternity Support Belt?

The purpose of a maternity belt is to allow a woman to move around without restrictions while relieving the pain from carrying a child. There are different types of maternity support belts available which include the baby hugger, belly bra, prenatal cradle, and Medela support belt. When choosing a belt, personal preference and needs should be considered. For example, some may need a belt that makes it easier to move and exercise, while others may need one that strictly relieves pain. For some expectant mothers, the change in body weight during pregnancy is enough to cause back pain. This additional weight causes exercising to be a difficult process besides having a lot of discomfort. The goal of a maternity support belt is to not only help reduce the level of pain that is felt, but also to make exercise easier. Depending on the type of belt, each one focuses on certain body parts.

The baby hugger is a maternity support belt made specifically for those with severe back pain. It is helpful for women who are in the last part of their pregnancy and are having problems with swelling. The baby hugger helps relieve pain by giving support to the baby. A belly bra is a maternity belt device that covers the entire torso. It is an option for those looking for full upper body support. Many doctors recommend its use, making it one of the most popular types of belts available. It is designed for women who are wanting to stay active for as many months of the pregnancy as possible.

Another versatile maternity support belt is the prenatal cradle. This type can be used as a regular belt, as one that resembles underwear, or as one that can be wrapped around the shoulders. No matter which type is chosen, proper support from the belt will be received to help reduce the pain. All of these belts are made to help keep movements easy. An unusual maternity support belt option is a Medela belt. From the front, it appears to be just like any other maternity belt. But, it has a wider than normal back to provide additional comfort for the expecting mother who is in severe pain. Although it is soft, it offers extremely firm support for the one wearing it.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry a variety of comfortable maternity supports from high quality manufacturers, such as Chattanooga, Core Products International Inc., North Coast, and BSN Medical.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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