What are Maternity Support Belts?
Maternity support belts, sometimes called “maternity bands”, are worn around the low back and hips to provide stability during your movements during pregnancy.
The support belts we recommend here at Pelvic Health Fund are from BabyBellyBand by Cabea as they offer easy to use design, comfortable materials, and won’t stretch out over the course of your pregnancy and postpartum period. Shoulder straps can be easily added for extra support (which is especially wonderful with pregnancies of multiples!). Groin straps can be added if you are struggling with vulvar varicosities (a far too common challenge during pregnancy where the veins of the vulva swell and become painful), inguinal hernia, pubic pain, prolapse, or feelings of vaginal pressure.
Who Needs Maternity Support Belts?
Maternity support belts are a great option for pregnant persons struggling with back, hip or belly pain. They provide immediate relief and can be worn throughout pregnancy and into your time postpartum.
- SUPPORTIVE, GENTLE LIFT: takes the weight off your pelvis and back
- RELIEVES BACK, BELLY, HIP AND PELVIC PAIN so you can relax
- FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: easy to bend and move for an active lifestyle
How to Use Maternity Support Belts
Basic Instructions
For abdominal and back support:
- Place the band behind your lower back, above your hip bones, and under your belly. The band will likely angle down in the front slightly.
- Fasten in the front under your belly.
- Unfasten the side wings and pull them forward. Refasten them to the band such that the belt is tight enough not to shift with movement.
- The band should feel secure and comfortable
For back and hip support:
- Place the band behind your lower back, below the top of your hips, and under your belly. The band should sit below the top of your hip bone on each side.
- Fasten in the front under your belly.
- Unfasten the side wings and pull them forward. Refasten them to the band such that the belt is tight enough not to shift with movement.
- The band should feel secure and comfortable
Things to Avoid
Maternity support belts should be secured to a level of comfort for each woman indicated by immediate feeling of support and relief of pain to each wearer. The belt should NOT be worn during pregnancy as a binder or girdle directly over the abdomen, should NOT restrict breathing or movement of your baby, or cause discomfort. If pain or discomfort increases you may have a more serious problem. Stop using the Babybellyband or any maternity band immediately and talk to your health professional.
Sizing
| Women’s US Pant Size | Fits waist or hip size between | Belly Band Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 | 30-40 inch or 76-101cm | SMALL |
| 8-10 | 40-45 inch or 101-114cm | MEDIUM |
| 12-20 | 45-50 inch or 114-127cm | LARGE |
| 22-24 | 50- 55 inch or 127-140cm | EXTRA LARGE (XL) |
| PLUS | 55- 70″ inch or 140-177cm | XXL GODDESS |
Measuring yourself for the Babybellyband®
For pregnancy abdominal & back support:
Place the measuring tape on your lower back above your hips, then measure down under your belly where the abdominal band will fasten to lift your abdomen. This measurement will give you an idea of your abdominal circumference.
For Hip/Pelvic or Sacroiliac joint support:
Place the measuring tape on your lower back below the top of your hips (where low cut jeans would be) then measure around your pelvis to the front where the abdominal band will fasten. This measurement will give you an idea of your hip circumference.
Babybellyband® grows with you. Abdominal/maternity support band and accessories are sized to assure that each component fits you properly. Selecting each component size separately (ab, groin, and shoulder) provides choice and customized sizing to fit each unique body type. Based on their sizing, the BabyBellyBand will fit you throughout your entire pregnancy and during postpartum.
Additional guides for use of Maternity Support Belts can be found through BabyBellyBand’s site.