The 5 Reasons You Need a Pregnancy Belly Band
Wearing a belly band during pregnancy may help support your lower back and baby bump during activities, which can result in decreased pain overall. During pregnancy, SI joint pain is common due to the increased presence of relaxin, a hormone aptly named for its role in loosening the hip joints and reducing stability.
Overview
Belly bands are crafted to offer support to the lower back and abdomen throughout pregnancy. These adaptable support garments can offer numerous benefits to expectant women who lead active lifestyles, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
1. Belly bands help decrease your pain
Experiencing back and joint pain during pregnancy can be challenging, hindering participation in daily activities. Wearing a belly band during pregnancy may help support your lower back and baby bump during activities, which can result in decreased pain overall.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
During pregnancy, SI joint pain is common due to the increased presence of relaxin, a hormone aptly named for its role in loosening the hip joints and reducing stability.
This pain manifests as a sharp, sometimes excruciating sensation in the lower back near the tailbone. Belly bands and braces designed to support this area can stabilize the joint, potentially preventing discomfort during activities.
Round Ligament Pain
This symptom typically arises in the second trimester, characterized by sensations ranging from a dull ache to sharp pains in the front of the hip and below the belly.
Attributed to the additional weight and pressure on the ligaments supporting the expanding uterus, it's a temporary yet sometimes unbearable issue. Belly bands aid in distributing the baby's weight across the back and abdomen, potentially alleviating pressure on the round ligaments and reducing pain.
2. Belly bands offer gentle compression during activities
Ever attempted a run without a sports bra? Sounds uncomfortable, doesn't it? Similarly, the principle holds true for a growing baby bump. The gentle compression provided by a belly band can aid in supporting the uterus and minimizing discomfort caused by movement during physical activities.
A word of caution: Excessive compression on the abdomen may impede circulation and lead to adverse effects on blood pressure. It can also exacerbate heartburn and indigestion.
3. They provide external cues for posture
Prenatal support band offer external cues to help maintain proper posture. By supporting the lower back and torso, they encourage correct posture and prevent excessive arching of the lower back. The characteristic "swayback" appearance during pregnancy results from the additional weight carried in front of the body, coupled with the stretching and weakening of core muscles that support the spine.
4. They allow you to engage comfortably in daily activities
Engaging in regular exercise during pregnancy offers numerous health advantages. It enhances muscle tone and endurance while reducing the likelihood of hypertension, depression, and diabetes. However, many women experience pain and discomfort, making it challenging to exercise or continue with daily tasks. Wearing a belly band can alleviate discomfort, enabling active participation in daily activities. This not only leads to physical benefits but also contributes to financial savings by reducing the need for additional medical interventions.
5. They offer postpartum support
Following childbirth, it's common to experience reduced core strength in the weeks that follow. The muscles and ligaments, stretched and strained during pregnancy, require time to heal. Weakness, coupled with the demands of caring for a newborn, can present challenges and increase the risk of injuries.
Many women find that wearing a belly band postpartum provides additional support to the abdomen and lower back, alleviating discomfort. For women who have experienced separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), a belly band can be beneficial by physically bringing the abdominal muscles back together. When combined with targeted exercises, this may aid in closing the gap between the abdominal muscles.
However, it's important to note that a belly band serves as a temporary solution. It does not address the underlying condition or dysfunction. By supporting the abdomen, it may inadvertently weaken the muscles underneath over the long term.
Important things to know about wearing a belly band
1. Limit wearing a belly band or support garment to two to three hours at a time to avoid dependency.
2. Combine exercises targeting the transverse abdominis with the use of a belly band to strengthen core muscles during and after pregnancy.
3. Always consult your doctor before using any compression garments. Women with compromised circulation or abnormal blood pressure may be advised against using a belly band.
4. Belly bands are intended for temporary use and do not provide a permanent solution. It's crucial to address underlying issues. A referral to physical therapy is recommended to manage ongoing pain during and after pregnancy.
