You can wear a belly band for as long as you feel like it and still want to conceal your postpartum belly. It is up to you how long you wish to utilize this product. You can wear belly bands while pregnant as much as you feel comfortable. During the first trimester, some women choose to wear maternity bands discreetly under their clothes throughout the day. As the bump grows, some women will opt to wear them just at night or when they exercise. In the third trimester, the belly band may need to be worn during sleep, especially if you have an active pregnancy and are experiencing a lot of discomfort or pain. You should always consult your doctor before changing any elements of your care routine
As your body changes and grows, belly bands are designed to help you feel comfortable throughout your pregnancy. Wearing a belly band is one of the best ways to get back into your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and feel comfortable again. While pregnant, you can wear a belly band during any trimester and for as long as you want.
Belly bands are adjustable, so they can go all the way up to your high waist. The only limit is how short or long you want to wear your pants. Belly bands are great for pregnancy, but if you’re looking to wear one throughout your entire pregnancy, we recommend buying a few. The elastic in the band may stretch out over time and become less effective, so having a few on hand is always a good idea!
How Long To Wear Belly Band During Pregnancy
Wear your belly band for as long as possible during pregnancy. It helps with fluid retention, and keeps you more comfortable throughout the day. Wearing a belly band during pregnancy is an excellent way to help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with your growing belly. Our product is designed to stretch and mold to the individual size of each woman’s stomach, ensuring that you get the best possible fit each time you put it on. When you’re pregnant, it’s completely natural to worry about your growing belly. If you feel like you need a little extra support during pregnancy, there are many ways to ensure that your body feels as comfortable as possible. But the question remains: how long should you be wearing a belly band?…
As with all health-related products, especially during pregnancy, the key to making the right decision is knowledge. Consulting a women’s health care professional like a Women’s Health Physiotherapist is always a good idea. So, what are Belly Belts, Maternity Belts and Pregnancy Belts?
Belly Belts and Maternity Belts Because the terms “belly belt” and “maternity belt” do not specify whether it is for pregnancy or post-natal use, they are ambiguous, and you need to work out what stage of your maternity journey they are for; during pregnancy or for recovery after birth. Maternity belts and belly belts can be either a Pregnancy Support Belt or a Post Pregnancy Tummy Wrap. Some claim to do both.
The Good – Why You should Wear a Belly Belt, Maternity Belt or Pregnancy Belt: Approximately 70% of all pregnant women suffer low back pain and up to 45% exhibit symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain. Women with one or both conditions can find it difficult to cope with and participate in everyday activities. Good reasons to wear pregnancy belts during your pregnancy:
- Relieving pain in joints, muscles and lower back
- Assisting with pain of the sacroiliac joint and hip joint
- Decreasing the discomfort and providing support to the pelvic area during various activities by stabilising the pelvis and relieving pressure from the lower back
- To help improve posture
According to Dr. Christopher Smith, obstetrician and gynaecologist, maternity belts offer additional comfort during daily activities, reducing soreness associated with abdominal wall expansion in the late trimesters. Because Belly Belts and Maternity Belts could also refer to post-partum belly belts, or post-partum girdles for after delivery, the benefits they can deliver after birth are:
- Postpartum belly belt can help to speed up the recovery process by providing support to the abdominal muscles that have separated during pregnancy and encourage them to return to their pre-pregnancy state
- The post-partum maternity belt may also assist with better healing of your C-section scar
- Finally, it will provide stability and support to assist with your general mobility after delivery
The Bad – Why wearing a Belly Belt, Maternity Belt or Pregnancy Belt may not be your optimal solution: The issue with most belly belts is that they do not move with your body, they can feel restrictive and need constant readjustment which can be frustrating to some. It’s a good idea to 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. Pregnancy belts 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 maternity belts have hooks, loops or Velcro to adjust the belt and keep it in the right position and at the right tension, however this also means there is a chance of these catching and ripping your clothes.
The Ugly – Why you need to take wearing pre-natal or post-natal Belly Belts Belly Belts fall into the same category as Shapewear which by definition are designed to change shape with high levels of compression being applied to your body. Here are some medical opinions:
- 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: “Maternity shapewear that is too tight and puts too much pressure on the body is never a good idea. If you have trouble breathing, or you’re in pain while wearing your shapewear, that’s a sign that it’s probably too tight for you”. Discomfort, pain, reduced blood circulation and heartburn are some of potential issues from maternity shapewear that is too tight or worn for prolonged periods of time. Ross is most concerned about the Kardashian favorite “waist trainers” that can, if done up too tightly, compress and squeeze internal organs and ribs.
- Dr. Christopher Smith points out that there is some concern that wearing a maternity support belt during pregnancy may impair blood circulation, and negatively impact pelvic floor and bowel function. He recommends women wear belly bands for short periods at a time to prevent dependency and encourages them to use maternity support belts in conjunction with core muscle strengthening programs.
The commonly accepted advice about belly belts means that you shouldn’t be wearing it all day long every day. Wearing it just for two to three hours every day is best. If you were to wear it too long, you may end up weakening your lower body muscles causing muscle wastage: a garment that supports your stomach and bottom all day, every day, will take the load away from muscles and ligaments.
What are the alternatives to Belly Belts or Maternity Belts? Purpose made compression garments are more expensive but may present a more versatile and functional investment for many pregnant and post-partum mums. They can be worn as outerwear as well as undergarments and may be worn 24 hours per day without deactivating your muscles.
SRC Health is a leading Australian brand that has been designed by women for women in consultation with an obstetrician. 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. They can be worn from 12 weeks, until term. Some women with severe pain combine a pregnancy belt with SRC Pregnancy Compression Shorts /Leggings. This prevents atrophy due to prolonged muscle deactivation during periods where they need to be on their feet a lot and require additional support. SRC Recovery Shorts and Leggings can assist women with fast tracking recovery after pregnancy by treating Abdominal Muscle Separation, Perineal Tears and stitches, C-Section wounds, Sciatica and Low Back Pain. With no adjustable buttons, velcro or zips, the garment doesn’t need to be constantly adjusted while wearing. Recommended by health care professionals for improving mobility and pelvic muscle function post-partum it’s ideal for exercise and for aesthetic reasons under fitted clothing. It can be worn the day after delivery and for as long as it provides benefit.
A holistic approach to management of these pre and post 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 the pregnancy journey.
you can wear your belly band throughout the day and night, but it is most comfortable to wear right before bedtime, when you are sleeping on your stomach. The belly band is used to compress your abdomen and reduce back pain, allowing you to keep working out without being distracted by discomfort.
When To Wear Belly Band During Pregnancy
The belly band is one of best solutions for pregnant women. Especially, it gives the comfort and protection to your baby during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the belly expands and stretches to make room for your growing baby. The belly band helps support your increasing skin while you sit or stand up straight. Wearing this adjustable fabric during pregnancy is essential to help ease the discomfort that comes with carrying extra weight around your midsection.
During pregnancy, many women choose to wear a belly band to support their abdomen and lower back. Belly band can give you the comfort and increased flexibility that you need as your body changes. A maternity belly band provides a comfortable and stylish way to hide your tummy during pregnancy. Most of these bands have adjustable velcro straps that are easy to adjust depending on the amount of weight you’ve gained, allowing for a custom fit at any time during your pregnancy.
The belly band is the best option for an expectant mother who has a low-rise or high-rise waist, is between sizes 2 and 16, and wants to keep her favorite pants or skirt fit. We all know pregnancy is one of the happiest and exciting times, but it can also be a bit challenging. As you prepare for this wonderful time in your life, it’s important to consider dressing in a way that supports your changing body and helps protect your growing baby.
Wearing a belly band during pregnancy is a great way to manage back and abdominal pain. We have compiled a list of occasions when the belly band comes in very handy for mothers-to-be: Being pregnant can be very exciting yet challenging at times. You want to do everything you can to keep you and your unborn baby healthy, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Which is why we recommend wearing a belly band during pregnancy your doctor has given you the full green light. The Oura Belly Band comes in 6 different sizes to fit all bellies, no matter how big or small yours is! This Belly Band is not just a maternity support wear, but also works as a post-pregnancy tummy control garment.
The belly band is a great way to solve the problem of tight jeans and tops. The belly band doesn’t leave any weird lines on your stomach, just smooths out your outfit so you can feel stylish while pregnant. Wearing a pregnancy belt is important when you are pregnant to help relieve pressure on your abdomen, support your back and prevent any unnecessary stretching of your abdominal muscles. You should wear a belly band every day during pregnancy to get the most from it.
The belly band is designed to help support your growing bump and offload pressure from the lower back area, allowing you to carry a larger baby comfortably. It helps distribute weight between your hips and pelvis, making it one of the most popular maternity bands during pregnancy. Belly Bands are great for your postpartum recovery, too. During the first few weeks after childbirth, it is common to experience swelling in the legs and feet. Belly bands can be worn over these areas to prevent any discomfort, but also to give relief from cramping and other issues.
How Often Should You Wear A Belly Band During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and wearing a belly band, the best advice is to wear it for as long as you feel comfortable. There is no specific time where you must stop wearing it, although it can be hard to get used to at first. The most important thing is to make sure that it is comfortable enough so that you do not experience any type of itchiness or irritation. Every woman deserves to feel and look her best, even when she’s pregnant. Our belly bands are comfortable and supportive, which makes them perfect for your every day wardrobe.
The belly band is not just for postpartum moms! Moms-to-be can wear the belly band throughout their pregnancy to support their growing bellies, whether or not they’ve already had a baby. The belly band can help relieve back pain and help prevent other pregnancy discomforts by supporting your growing belly.
Whether you’re in your first trimester, snuggling your little one postpartum, or somewhere in between, a little belly support goes a long way. As your belly grows during pregnancy and shrinks postpartum, you might find that a belly band or belly wrap is all you need to feel energized and ready to conquer the day.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite belly bands and belly wraps, plus a list of how you can use them at every stage of pregnancy—especially in that critical “fourth trimester.” But first, let’s talk about the benefits of wearing a belly support band during pregnancy.
Why You Need a Pregnancy Belly Support Band
Here are three ways a belly band can help support you and your little one as they grow inside you:
- Belly bands can help decrease pain. By the time your little one is ready to come out, you’ve gained quite a bit of weight in your belly. That’s going to take a toll on your back and hips. In fact, 71 percent of women struggle with lower back pain during pregnancy. Belly bands give that little extra support you need, and just the right amount of pressure on your lower back to relieve any pain, to help you accomplish what you want to when you’re pregnant.
- Belly bands provide compression. When you’re running around (exercise, chasing older kids, or having a great time on vacation), having a little bit of compression to support your back and belly can make all the difference. Just make sure it’s not too tight and that you give your belly a break after an hour or two.
- Belly bands support posture. Something about a comfortably snug band around your middle reminds you to sit and stand up straighter, which is so great when you’re pregnant. You’ll be tempted to hunch over and cuddle that baby belly, but a pregnancy support band can help you stand up straight and give your little one all the space they need to grow.
Who doesn’t want an easy piece of clothing that decreases pain, provides compression, and adds posture support? Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, you might have some more questions about belly bands—and that’s where we come in.
We’re breaking it down trimester by trimester, with some ideas of when to start wearing a belly band, how often, and what type might be best for each stage of pregnancy.
First Trimester Belly Bands
These three months probably feel like survival mode for many moms-to-be. Between morning sickness and exhaustion, your growing body is putting you through the ringer as you nurture that little one through its earliest days of life.
In these first few months, you might not need a belly band regularly, but once in a while, the support can make all the difference. Here’s what we suggest:
2-in-1 Bandit™
This maternity belly support band is a smart purchase because it also doubles as a hip wrap for postpartum. It lifts and supports your growing belly, while also reducing the strain on your back muscles. During your first trimester, you might need this band towards the end as your belly really starts to grow. We suggest wearing it for an hour or two at a time, especially if you’re exercising.
Second Trimester Belly Bands
For so many women, the second trimester is their favorite. Baby is moving a lot, you get to see that cute little face in an ultrasound, and you might even get to start planning a nursery or choosing a layette. But even more exciting—the second trimester is usually when women feel their energy come back and want to get out and about. If you want to capitalize on that newfound energy, don’t forget to take a belly band with you.
2-in-1 Bandit™
This one is your best friend, again! Seriously, we can’t recommend this band enough as you and your baby are growing.
Flawless Belly or Belly Boost
We also recommend the Flawless Belly or Belly Boost, both of which are designed to gently support your belly and seal in any stretch mark lotions or creams. Just rub that shea butter all over your growing belly to soothe itchy skin and help prevent stretch marks, slip on one of these, and keep your skin soft and moisturized all day long.
Third Trimester Belly Bands
This trimester, it’s all about growing. As you near the end of your pregnancy, your baby will start putting on a pound a week. And baby isn’t the only one changing. You might experience leg cramps, swelling in your ankles and hands, and backaches. Guess what? All of these things can be alleviated by wearing a belly support band just a few hours a day.
While you don’t want a lot of compression on your baby as they’re growing, having the support of a belly band can help relieve the pressure on your legs and feet (helping ease cramps and swelling!) and, of course, that support on your back will feel oh-so-wonderful.
Upsie Belly
As you get bigger (and baby does, too!) your belly might feel like it’s weighing you down. The Upsie Belly is designed to give you just a little bit of lift, relieving the muscles in your stomach and back throughout the day. Our favorite feature? A pocket designed for a hot/cold pack to give your lower back an extra dose of relief!
V-Sling
You know how you said you wouldn’t be one of those pregnant women who waddles by the end of her pregnancy? Nine months later, you might be eating your words. But with the V-Sling, you can get relief and avoid the waddle! The V-Sling supports your belly and uterine wall, which helps with symphysis pubis, pelvic floor pressure, and other issues that cause that stereotypical waddle.
Postpartum Belly Wraps
Many doctors are embracing the idea of a “fourth trimester.” You and your baby are still going through so much change and growth after birth. While your body is actively recovering from a major event—whether you had your baby vaginally or via C-section—you deserve all the support and love you got while you were pregnant, and then some.
With that in mind, we’ve developed several different types of Belly Wraps to help you not just recover from birth, but start to feel like yourself again . Here’s a breakdown on what each of our belly wraps do, so you can choose the one that fits your needs in the fourth trimester.
Original Postpartum Belly Wrap
We still love our O.G. belly wrap! It does all the things we designed it to do over a decade ago: slims and supports, strengthens core muscles, eases back pain, promotes mobility, and provides support after C-sections.
B.F.F. Belly Wrap
Utilizing Power Compress Core™ fabric, the B.F.F. Belly Wrap applies targeted compression; slims your belly, waist, and hips; and helps strengthen your core muscles that went through so much during pregnancy.
Viscose from Bamboo Belly Wrap
Our softest wrap ever, this wrap is covered in viscose from bamboo fabric, perfect for caring for your incision after a C-section or just giving your midsection a soft hug after birth.
Postpartum Luxe Belly Wrap
This belly wrap was designed with five levels of targeted compression for the perfect cinch postpartum. Ten years in the making, it combines all the things we love about our other belly wraps into one. Ultra-thin, breathable, and invisible under your clothes, it’s a new-mama favorite.
Couture Belly Wrap
If you need a self-esteem boost or want to feel chic after giving birth, snag this belly wrap! Covered in a super soft lace-printed fabric, it gently hugs and shapes your postpartum curves.
Mother TuckerⓇ Belly Compression Corset
This corset is designed for when you’re ready to transition out of wearing a postpartum belly wrap. It provides compression to help you look and feel your best postpartum, plus released tension at the bottom for more comfortable sitting. Flexible boning helps prevent rolling and digging, and gives your torso that long, lovely shape you want.
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Having a belly band during pregnancy and a belly wrap for the postpartum period can give your body the extra level of support and compassion (even compression!) you need to feel and look great—through every stage of motherhood.
For the most comfortable and fashionable way of concealing your growing belly, look no further than this premium belly band. Our high quality fabric stays soft next to your skin, while the elastic waistband provides comfort and support during all stages of pregnancy. The belly band is designed to help support your growing belly and help you feel more comfortable. The amount of time you wear your belly band will depend on your personal preference and comfort, but the general guideline is to wear it at least 6 hours a day. So if you’re planning on getting up early and taking your bump for a stroll, this is where we’d recommend wearing it! And if you’re enjoying a lazy evening at home, perhaps pop one on after supper?
As often as you need to. We recommend wearing one daily to help reduce bloating and swelling.