Read About Belly Bands, Maternity Belts and Pregnancy ...

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SUMMARY: A pregnancy belt and a belly band are popular generic names for a category of products that can help you cope with some of the challenges of pregnancy. However, they do have drawbacks that you should be aware of.  While all belly belt/band products are safe when used according to manufacturer guidelines and/or your health care practitioner directions, the key to making the right decision for yourself, especially during the period of pregnancy, is knowledge and understanding, which we aim to provide in this blog. 

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We’ll explore the various options available in the market, and shed light on how compression garments, such as the SRC Pregnancy leggings and shorts, provide a beneficial alternative for many customers as well as why so many women’s pelvic health physiotherapists recommend them to their clients over a pregnancy belt or a belly band. While a belly band or a pregnancy belt can be useful for many women, it is important to consider individual preferences. If in any doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy is a transformative and beautiful journey, but it also comes with its fair share of discomforts 

Approximately 70% of all pregnant women suffer low back pain and up to 45% exhibit symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)1,2. Women with one or both conditions can find it difficult to cope with and participate in everyday activities. 

What’s causing the Low Back Pain and Pelvic Girdle Pain?

One hormone released during pregnancy is Relaxin which softens ligaments and other soft tissues throughout the pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding. As the ligaments soften, the underlying joint becomes more mobile, potentially leading to pain of varying degrees of severity.

To alleviate the strain on the body and support the growing belly, many expectant mothers turn to a pregnancy belt or a belly band

Pregnancy belt or belly band. What’s the difference?

A pregnancy belt is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a belly band and vice versa. With so many brands in the market competing for attention, it can be confusing as the original product naming becomes less relevant. However, for the sake of differentiation between these 2 appliances we will use the traditional definitions:

a) A pregnancy belt is designed to carry your belly weight so as to offer support and relief to the lower back, hips, and abdominal muscles during pregnancy. In comparison to the belly band, it is less lightweight and can be more rigid as it is meant to hold up the pregnant belly and take the pressure off your back. They are also typically worn over clothing. A pregnancy belt is usually narrower and more strap-like than a belly band, especially the part that lies across the front of the body. Pregnancy belts are also referred to as belly belts, pregnancy braces, or straps.

1. b)

   A belly band

   on the other hand, according to

   Medical News Today

   provides you with proper ‘coverage’. When your pants stop fitting, the fabric you place around yourself is called a belly band.

   Huggies

   define belly bands as “an item of clothing and looks like a tube top or boob tube.” It is a wide circular strip of fabric, which is seamless and knitted; much like a pair of pantyhose is woven. Made from fibres like Cotton + Elastane/Spandex or Lycra, a belly band stretches to stay up and on and also to “grow” with your abdomen as your pregnant belly expands. A belly band is also sometimes called a belly sleeve or a maternity or pregnancy band.

Finally, because the generic terms “belly band, belly belt and maternity belt or maternity wrap” do not specify whether they are for pregnancy or for post-natal use, these terms are ambiguous we will try to provide you with a general rule of thumb:

Terms belly band and belly belt - tend to be for use during pregnancy which is the focus of this article.

Terms maternity belt, maternity wrap, tummy wrap – tend to be products designed for postpartum

Pregnancy belt or belly band. What’s the difference?

A pregnancy belt or a belly band (terms that are being used interchangeably) is a device that wraps around your lower abdomen and back to provide support and compression during pregnancy. It can help relieve some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as back pain, pelvic pain, and poor posture. However, a belly band / pregnancy belt is not suitable for everyone, and it may have some drawbacks as well. Here are some factors to consider before deciding whether a maternity belt is right for you before we dive into the details. 

• Your stage of pregnancy

  : A pregnancy belt / belly band is usually more helpful in the 2

  nd

  and 3

  rd

  trimesters, when your belly is bigger and heavier. In the 1

  st

  trimester, you may not need a maternity belt, unless you have a history of back problems or pelvic instability. 

• Your level of activity

  : A pregnancy belt / belly band can be useful if you are physically active during pregnancy, such as walking, exercising, or working. It can help stabilize your pelvis, improve your balance, and prevent injuries. However, it can also make exercising harder depending on the type of exercise, as the pregnancy belt doesn’t “move with you”. If you are mostly sedentary, a maternity belt may not be necessary, and it may even discourage you from moving around. You should also avoid wearing a maternity belt for too long, as it may weaken your core muscles and reduce your blood circulation. For these reasons it may be worthwhile considering a pregnancy compression garment such as

  SRC Pregnancy Shorts or Leggings

  which doesn’t have the drawbacks associated with pregnancy belts allowing you to move more freely and not having the risk of weaking your muscles through muscle deactivation. They do however come at a higher price point than most pregnancy belly bands and belts. 

• Your personal preference: A pregnancy belt is a matter of personal choice, and you should wear it only if you feel comfortable and benefit from it. Some women may find a maternity belt too tight, too hot, or too bulky. You should choose a belly band / pregnancy belt that fits you well, is made of breathable and flexible material, and has adjustable straps and hooks.

 

The Ugly – Why you need to take care when it comes to wearing a pregnancy belt or belly band

A belly band in the original definition of the product is no more than a stretchy bit of fabric to provide the coverage over your belly when your pants stop fitting you. So, it has no therapeutic purpose. This is further confused by some brands having the term “belly band” in their name yet providing a pregnancy belt that does have a therapeutic purpose! So going forward we will use the terms “pregnancy belt and belly band” interchangeably. 

If used for too long a period of time or incorrectly, a pregnancy belt / belly band, falls into the same category as shapewear which by definition is designed to change the shape of your body with high levels of compression.4,5

Here are some medical opinions discussing the dangers of pregnancy belts or bands that may act like shapewear if worn incorrectly by their user:

According to Sherry A. Ross, MD, author of “she-ology, The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period”, the benefits and risks for pregnant women depend on the maternity shapewear product, and how much you wear it. She goes on to say that:

"Shapewear worn during pregnancy that fits too tight or puts unwanted pressure on different areas of the body is never a good idea…. Besides creating a lot of discomfort, it can also cause pain in different parts of the body, reduced blood circulation, heartburn and yeast infections… No pregnancy or postpartum shapewear clothing should overly compress and squeeze internal organs including ribs, abdominal muscles, liver, spleen and intestines”4 

Dr. Ross is most concerned about the Kardashian style waist trainers. “When the waist trainer is tied up too tightly, it could cause rib fractures, limit your mobility, affect your breathing capacity, restrict your abdominal muscles and affect your posture” 4 

“Shapewear that’s too tight may lead to health problems”, says neurologist Orly Avitzur, MD, medical advisor for Consumer Reports. "Any time we put on really tight garments we take the risk of compressing organs or nerves." Avitzur says that in her practice, she has had patients complain of tingling and numbness in the front to outer thigh region, from hip to knee. Avitzur has linked the cause back to restrictive clothing like shapewear or skinny jeans, in the article titled "How to Choose and Use Shapewear" on WebMD6.

You can also become overly dependent on the pregnancy belt which is the exact opposite of what you should be trying to achieve. “Activate don’t deactivate” is often heard advice of many women’s health physiotherapists as well as the founder of SRC Health, Sinead O’Donovan who developed a range of gentle medical grade compression garments; for different stages of a woman's life.

The commonly accepted advice about belly belts and bands means that you shouldn’t be wearing it all day long every day. Wearing it just for 2 to 3 hours every day is best. A pregnancy belt or belly band that supports your stomach and bottom all day, will take the load away from muscles and ligaments and may end up weakening your lower body muscles causing muscle wastage.

London-based physiotherapist Sammy Margo, a spokeswoman for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, explains: "What I say to my patients is use it or lose it. What we find is that women who wear maternity shapewear when they have no physical need can weaken muscles in their bottoms, stomachs and lower backs. After the birth of their baby, they are more likely to be injured as they lift and care for their newborns' she warns."7

So please ask your health care provider on how to wear your pregnancy belt or belly band to avoid putting pressure on your uterus. and Only wear a pregnancy belt for a couple of hours a day, never wear a pregnancy belt continually. Alternatively, there's always a more comfortable / practical alternative, one where you don't have to worry about deactivating your muscles that is discussed straight after The Bad. 

The Bad – Why wearing a Belly Belt, Maternity Belt or Pregnancy Belt may not be your optimal solution

The issue with a belly band / pregnancy belt, even those that have stretchable inserts, is that they:

• do not easily move with your body,

• they can feel restrictive and need constant readjustment which can be frustrating to some (and perfectly ok for others).

• pregnancy belts / bands are not the most comfortable or flattering things to wear, especially if you are wearing them under anything that is fitted as they will show through.

• many pregnancy belts and maternity belts have hooks, loops or Velcro to adjust the belt / belly band and keep it in the right position and at the right tension. However, this also means there is a chance of these catching and damaging your clothes.

We recommend you try one on and/or make sure you can get a refund if the product simply irritates you when you have to constantly readjust when sitting down or getting up.

The Good - Why you should wear a pregnancy belly band/belt:

Usually prescribed for extra postural support for severe symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and Pelvic Instability, here are several good reasons to wear a belly band/ pregnancy belt during your pregnancy:

1. Relieving pain in joints, muscles and lower back

2. Assisting with the

   sacroiliac joint pain

   and hip joint pain

3. Decrease the discomfort and provide support to the pelvic area during various activities by stabilising the pelvis and relieving pressure from the lower back.

4. Help improve your posture

Although research has found 83% of women with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Lower Back Pain (LBP) LBP experience reduced posterior pelvic pain when wearing a pelvic support belt, with only 12% experiencing no relief, and 5% reporting they felt worse (Depledge et al., 2005) other factors need to be considered when prescribing a pregnancy belt / belly band, given the target population is pregnant women. These factors include:

• low levels of compliance

  3

  in wearing pregnancy belts due to issues like comfort, 

• need for frequent re-adjustment, skin irritation from the seams and fasteners. 

• positioning of the belt, 

• accuracy in sizing, 

• required compression,

• location to stimulate stabilising muscles, and

• effects on core body temperature (a special consideration, as this needs to be carefully regulated during pregnancy) (Damen et al.,2002; Ho et al., 2009b).

The Benefits of SRC Pregnancy Compression Shorts and Leggings

For those seeking an alternative to a belly band/pregnancy belt, SRC pregnancy leggings and shorts have gained recognition for their enhanced support, muscle activation, versatility, and tailored fit. 

With 15 years’ experience under our belt, figuratively speaking, we know a thing or two about the industry and how to assist mothers to deal with the most common conditions during pregnancy.

SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings are ideal for providing pain relief during pregnancy and treating Low Back Pain, Pelvic Girdle Pain, Mild Varicose Veins, Sciatica and Vulvar Varicosities.

Designed by women for women in consultation with an obstetrician, the SRC Pregnancy shorts and leggings are endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Australian College of Midwives.

A Quasi‐Experimental Study To Evaluate The Use Of Compression Garments To Manage Prenatal Pelvic And Low Back Pain by Szkwara J, Hing W, Pope R, Rathbone E, Bond University, Robina, Australia, November 2017 concluded that:

"SRC Pregnancy Shorts are effective, thermally safe and a non-pharmacological option for prevention and management of pain during pregnancy."

Hundreds of women's health care professionals around the world recommend SRC compression garments for pregnancy and postpartum recovery, like Anna Scammel, who is a Masters-trained Women's Health & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist from The Whole Mother in Sydney, who helps optimise your physical health during pregnancy and recovery. Here’s a 90 second video explaining why she favours SRC Pregnancy Leggings and Shorts over a pregnancy belt or belly band.

SRC Pregnancy compression shorts and leggings are more expensive but also provide worthwhile benefits:

1. Enhanced Support:

   SRC Pregnancy leggings and shorts offer targeted and consistent compression to the pelvic area, lower back, and hips. They are a purpose made medical grade compression garment (leggings graduated 4mmHg to 15mmHG). This can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. With a gusset panel that provides compression to the perineum, the SRC pregnancy garments also assist with vulvar varicosities - a condition a pregnancy

   belt/belly

   band cannot address unless through the use of a different pelvic belt attachment that provides compression to the pubic area but resembles a marriage of a mediaeval chastity device and a jockstrap! Not exactly comfortable or a sexy fashion statement.

2. Muscle Activation:

   SRC Pregnancy compression garments are designed to activate specific muscles, providing additional support and stability during movements. This can aid in maintaining good posture and reducing strain. They can be worn 24 hours a day without deactivating your muscles which as discussed above presents a challenge with a pregnancy

   belt

   or belly band.  

3. Versatility:

   SRC Pregnancy leggings and shorts can be worn throughout the day, providing continuous support, and promoting blood circulation, assisting you in getting through the demands of work and exercise and aid in reduction of leg swelling. They can be worn from 12 weeks, until term and keep you looking and feeling fabulous. They are suitable for various activities, including exercise, without compromising comfort.

   They can be worn

   as outerwear or as an undergarment and you can sleep in them to get the necessary support through the night! 

4. Tailored Fit: SRC Pregnancy compression garments are available in a range of sizes and accommodate the changing shape of your body during pregnancy growing with your bump! The expandable or adjustable (depending on the model you choose) waistband ensures a comfortable and personalised fit.

 

  

And here are just some of the things our customers have to say about our pregnancy garments: (you can read many more reviews from verified buyers on our website)

"Have found the src pregnancy shorts to be very helpful for my pelvic girdle pain. Now not worried about going for walks."

"Absolute game changer! I wish I got the shorts sooner, and currently in my 3rd pregnancy & chasing two toddlers too! These shorts have provided wonderful support for me to continue enjoying my pregnancy as I go into the third trimester!"

"Amazing. Definitely helps with back strain and the pain from symphysis pubis dysfunction and pelvic girdle"

"Great product. Started wearing the mini over the bump shorts at 22 weeks and felt near instant relief from SIJ pain and an aching lower back."

"Great compression. Definitely pays to measure up correctly, as having the correct size can create the compression that you need otherwise they don’t serve their purpose. Have lived in these since they arrived!!"

"Worth the money. Gave SO much relief for vulvar varicose veins. A total game changer in a good way!"

"Comfort & Confidence. I lived and loved my SRC Pregnancy full length over the belly tights. I felt secure, comfortable and confident making my belly shaped perfectly and dressing to a growing belly easy."

 

The company is the world’s best Maternity Postpartum Support Belt supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

 

Some women combine a pregnancy belly band/belt and their SRC Pregnancy Compression Shorts /Leggings. The benefit for women with severe pain is that they can wear their SRC Shorts/Leggings 24 hours a day without causing atrophy due to prolonged muscle deactivation and during periods where they need to be on their feet a lot, they can combine both products by adding the pregnancy belt for additional support.

The major differences between SRC pregnancy garment and a pregnancy belt/band can be summarised as follows:

Pregnancy belly band/belt:

1. Is not recommended to be worn day and night due to the risk of muscle deactivation. To get the right level of compression you are relying on your ‘feel’ and risking the belt providing a potential level of compression that is too high.

2. Can’t treat multiple conditions like the SRC pregnancy garments that utilise Anatomical Support Panels to help with Lower Back Pain, Vulvar Varicosities, Pelvic Instability and Pelvic Girdle Pain.

3. Does not have True Cross Compression - multi-layered support panels that provide consistent and anatomically targeted compression during movement which means constant readjustment of your belly band/belt, for example from sitting to standing. 

4. Does not usually have moisture wicking fabric that eliminates odour.

5. Does not have flat lock seams that increase comfort and don’t aggravate wounds.

6. Relies on adjustable Velcro zips and clips making it less comfortable and convenient which in turn lowers what the

   healthcare

   industry calls the "compliance rate" with many women simply not wearing the belly

   band/belt

   at all.

7. Are not a multi-purpose garment that is ideal for exercise, work and everyday wear as well as for aesthetic reasons under fitted clothing.

In short, the SRC compression leggings and shorts have all the benefits of a belly band or pregnancy belt with no disadvantages listed above and we have the science to prove it.

A holistic approach to management of these pregnancy conditions will produce the best outcome. Visiting a Women’s Health Physiotherapist can greatly assist as they will provide you with a tailored program which may include clinical Pilates as well as fit you for the right garment for supporting you through your pregnancy journey.

References:

1. The Effect of Abdominal Support on Functional Outcomes in Patients Following Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Volume 62 Issue 3, Summer 2010, pp. 242-253. Oren Cheifetz, S. Deborah Lucy, Tom J. Overend, Jean Crowe.

2. Effect of Abdominal Exercises versus Abdominal Supporting Belt on Post-Partum Abdominal Efficiency and Rectus Separation. International Journal of Medical, Health, Biomedical, Bioengineering and Pharmaceutical Engineering Vol:7, No:1, 2013. Hanan S. El-Mekawy, Abeer M. Eldeeb, Marzouk A. El- Lythy, and Adel F. El-Begawy

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6651323/ 

4. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/maternity-shapewear-safety-concerns 

5. https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-support-band-benefits 

6. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/shapewear-tips

7. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2510902/How-disturbing-Spanx-pregnant-women-maternity-have.html

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Several different types of support garment are available for pregnant women and new mothers. It can be confusing to determine which products are most suitable for each pregnancy stage and postpartum phase.

In this article, we provide a breakdown of the most popular maternity support garments currently on the market, what they claim to do, and what the research says about them.

Types of maternity support garment

The primary types of maternity support garment available for pregnant women and new mothers are:

Belly bands

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Belly belts support the lower back and hips.

Belly bands are flexible tube-like garments that women wear around the belly to extend the life of prepregnancy clothing by covering unbuttoned or unzipped pants. They also act as a layer to help cover areas of skin that become exposed as the belly expands.

Some belly bands provide mild compression and may offer the hips and lower back an element of support.

Belly bands remain popular among pregnant women and come in many different sizes, shapes, colors, and designs. They often have some elastic or a rubber trim to help prevent them from bunching up.

Belly bands are sometimes called belly sleeves or maternity or pregnancy bands.

Belly belts

Belly belts are rigid belts that wrap around the abdomen to help support the lower back, pelvis, hips, and abdomen during pregnancy.

Belly belts typically sit on top of clothing, although some people may wear them underneath. Belly belts are usually more narrow and strap-like than belly bands, especially the part that lies across the front of the body.

People may also refer to belly belts as maternity or pregnancy belts, braces, or straps.

Prenatal or maternity cradles

Prenatal or maternity cradles consist of a belly belt that wraps around the lower body and an upper strap that extends over the top of the belly. Together, these form a cradle for the belly.

While some prenatal cradles are available to buy as a single item, they often come as an add-on to belly belts or in combination packs with them.

Maternity support clothing

Many maternity briefs and leggings contain an underbelly supportive belt and a non-binding waistband, which provides a stretchy space to accommodate the pregnancy bump. Most maternity briefs and leggings claim to help support the lower body, including the legs, buttocks, and hips.

Some maternity tops contain supportive sports bras and belly bands that absorb pelvic weight. Most supportive maternity tops claim that their structure helps reduce stress on the upper body.

Postpartum belly wraps and girdles

Postpartum belly wraps and girdles contain multiple layers of alternating stretchy and rigid wrapping that extends from under the breasts to the hips. They are also sometimes called belly bands.

Although there is scant unbiased research to support their use, most postpartum belly wraps claim to help by:

• supporting the lower back
• speeding up postpartum recovery, especially after a cesarean delivery
• improving blood circulation

Potential pros and cons

Below, we consider the possible benefits of certain maternity support garments, as well as some of their limitations.

Belly bands

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Wearing a belly band may reduce the need to buy new maternity clothes.

The design of belly bands allows them to extend a pregnant woman’s wardrobe by covering the lower abdomen. The intention is not usually to offer much support, although different brands provide various options.

There is little to no scientific research to back the claims that some belly bands do offer support.

The potential benefits of belly bands include:

• Reducing the need to buy new clothing. Belly bands can help prolong the life of maternity clothes. Some women feel uncomfortable with clothing that exposes their growing bellies, but the bands cover this area. As a result, a pregnant woman may have to buy new maternity clothing less often.
• Are usually suitable both during and after pregnancy. Many women are most likely to wear belly bands during the earlier months of their pregnancy when they require less support. However, women can also use belly bands during the postpartum months as they readjust to their prepregnancy clothing.
• Often inexpensive. In addition to potentially saving women money by extending the life of their prepregnancy clothing, some types and brands of belly band can be very affordable.

The potential cons of belly bands include:

• Lack of support. While different brands vary in their design, most belly bands only offer minor compression at best and provide little to no real support.
• May bunch up. Some belly bands do not come with special trims to hold them in place and reduce bunching. Even belly bands with these trims might bunch up or ripple because they are not rigid and do not have binding, ribbing, or Velcro to secure their positioning.
• Lack of research. There is currently little scientific research to either support or discourage the use of belly bands during pregnancy.

Belly belts

Belly belts aim to offer pregnant women support by taking some of the weight of the growing belly.

The potential pros of belly belts include:

• May help encourage proper posture. Belly belts could help stabilize a pregnant woman’s abdomen and lower back by taking some of the weight of her belly and by evening out her center of gravity. A 2018 study involving 90 pregnant women found that wearing a maternity support belt slightly improved posture during all trimesters.
• Might lower the risk of falls. Belly bands may reduce the risk of falls for pregnant women by stabilizing their pelvis and improving their balance. A 2014 study that included 90 pregnant women found that wearing a maternity support belt improved balance and reduced the risk of fall during all trimesters.
• Make it easier to exercise. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, wearing a belly belt during the later stages of pregnancy may help make some activities, such as running or walking, more comfortable. A belly belt may also help pregnant women avoid injury while exercising.
• May help reduce some pregnancy aches and pains. Belly belts may help alleviate some of the aches and pains that can occur during pregnancy by taking some of the belly’s weight and helping stabilize the body.

While there is still not enough scientific evidence to fully support the use of belly belts to reduce pregnancy pains, a few early studies indicate some potential benefits from wearing belly belts when pregnant.

A 2017 study evaluated 46 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. Pelvic girdle pain usually occurs in either the back of the thigh or the space between the middle of the pelvis and the pubic bone. Women with pelvic girdle pain usually have trouble walking and standing for extended periods.

In the women who wore pregnancy belts frequently for short periods, the belts seemed to reduce the intensity of pain and make daily tasks more manageable.

A 2015 review of methods for relieving pregnancy-associated pain in the lower back and pelvis found that pelvic belts and acupuncture were the only methods with strong positive evidence to support their use.

The potential cons of belly belts include:

• Unsuitable for prolonged use. Women should avoid wearing more constrictive garments, such as belly belts, for too long at any one time because they may decrease blood flow to the abdomen and growing baby.
• Can be expensive. Many belly belts can be expensive, especially those that are more rigid or have thicker padding. As they play a functional role rather than a cosmetic one, belly belts should ideally be of reasonable quality and robustness.

Wearing a belly belt for too long could cancel out the benefits of wearing one. In a 2017 study in which 46 pregnant women wore one of two different pelvic belt models, both belts reduced pelvic girdle pain but only when the women wore them for short intervals a few times a week.

Other maternity support garments

Maternity support garments range from inexpensive, basic underwear to expensive, multi-piece cradles and girdles. However, there is virtually no scientific evidence to either support or discourage the use of most of these types of garment.

Women looking for the right maternity support garment may wish to consider the following criteria:

• what the product is for
• how comfortable the product is to wear
• their size and body shape
• product price and budget
• available colors, patterns, styles, and designs
• product quality
• how long they will use the product for
• how easy the product is to obtain

How to wear maternity support garments

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Avoid wearing maternity support garments in hot weather and when working out.

Women will often decide how and when to wear a maternity support garment based on the product instructions and how it feels on them.

However, it may be best to wear belly belts, or the tightest part of any clothing, below the belly bump and above the pubic bone and hipline.

Although there is little scientific evidence to confirm when women can safely wear supportive maternity undergarments, it is probably best to avoid them when:

• in hot, humid, or elevated environments
• working out or exerting a lot of energy
• in areas with limited airflow
• the pregnancy has complications
• the mother is unwell

Other considerations

There is not enough research to fully determine the benefits and drawbacks of most maternity support garments. One key thing to consider with all garments, however, is that it is best not to wear any of them too often or for too long at a time.

Most health authorities recommend that pregnant women avoid constrictive or tight clothing, especially for extended periods or in warm or humid environments. Pregnant women are prone to overheat, and tight or constrictive clothing can increase the likelihood of this by:

• limiting airflow
• trapping body heat
• making it harder to breathe deeply

A 2015 study recruited 20 pregnant women with pubic pain. The women wore either a flexible, neoprene support belt or a rigid, foam-lined belt for roughly 5 hours daily for 3 weeks. They then wore the other belt under the same conditions for 1 week. The researchers found that:

• wearing a support belt increased daily functional activity levels
• both types of support belt decreased pain
• the participants found the flexible belt more comfortable

Some older research involving non-pregnant adults also suggests that wearing tight or constrictive clothing could increase the risk of specific health issues, which pregnant women already have a higher likelihood of developing. These include:

• constipation
• lower back problems
• digestion problems
• nervous system problems

As a general rule of thumb, if clothing leaves pressure marks on the skin, feels uncomfortable, or causes a sense of relief on removal, it is probably too constrictive to be suitable for a pregnant woman.

Summary

It can be challenging to decide which maternity support products are most suitable at each point during pregnancy.

Overall, belly bands and supportive undergarments, such as maternity tops, underwear, leggings, and tights, usually offer only mild compression and minor support.

On the other hand, belly belts, maternity cradles, and postpartum wraps or girdles tend to be more constrictive and offer more support, although they are typically less fashionable and less easy to hide.

While lots of good maternity support products are available, most do not have proven health benefits, and some may not be safe for all women. It might be best to talk with a doctor or obstetrician before wearing any maternity support products.

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