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Is it safe to wear a pregnancy support belt?

pregnancy belt
 
Sophie Martin
Medically reviewed by
9th Apr 2024

Back pain is common in pregnant women, with more than 65% having lower back pain during pregnancy. Pelvic girdle pain, caused by stiffness of the pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at the back or front of the pelvis, is also common, affecting around one in five pregnant women. Pregnancy support belts (also known as ‘maternal belts’ or ‘belly belts’) are designed to support the abdomen and lower back of pregnant women without harming the developing baby.

What is a pregnancy support belt?

A pregnancy support belt is a rigid elastic panel that you wrap around your abdomen, under your bump. The most common belt designs have a one-piece adjustable panel, and some also have a wide supporting panel at the back. Normally the belt sits on the top of clothing, although it can be worn underneath if you prefer. Pregnancy support belts should not be confused with pregnancy bands, which are usually an elastic tube worn around the belly, and which do not provide as much support as a pregnancy support belt.

How can a pregnancy support belt help me?

Pregnancy support belts are designed to take some of the weight of your growing abdomen, similar to how a sports bra supports the breasts, with the aim of reducing low back and pelvic girdle pain. Support belts may offer some advantages for pregnant women, however, there is very little evidence to support this. It's important to note that if you would like to use one, you should seek assistance from a trained practitioner.

Are there any disadvantages of wearing a pregnancy support belt?

Support belts are specifically designed so that they are safe to wear in pregnancy and do not harm your baby. The main downside of support belts is that they cannot be worn for long periods of time as they may affect blood flow to the abdomen, and can also cause pain and heartburn. If worn for too long, support belts can also affect pelvic floor and bowel function, and may be less effective at reducing pain than if only worn for short periods. It is therefore best if you wear the belt for only a couple of hours per day, and talk to your midwife or physiotherapist about how best to position the belt. Finally, support belts can be quite expensive compared with pregnancy bands, especially the most rigid or thickly padded belts.

Where can I get a pregnancy support belt?

Support belts are widely available from online and high-street retailers however, it is important to note that there is very little evidence to support the usage of pregnancy support belts and therefore it's vital you seek assistance from a trained practitioner. 

 

Approved by healthcare team

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