Show Add to Registry Pros: Supportive, more affordable than some other belts Cons: Bulky, some say it runs smaller than expected If you’re looking for lots of support (or are dealing with back pain, too), Dr. Gangestad recommends going for a maternity belt. They’re usually bulkier than belly bands (more on those in a sec), but the straps that wrap above and below your abdomen help stabilize your bump and take weight off your pelvis and lower back. It can be great for exercise, too, she says. If you can, Dr. Gangestad recommends getting fitted at your OB-GYN’s office to ensure the belt is sized properly and supporting you correctly. This option from Neotech is a winner among What to Expect community moms and other parents thanks to its wide size range (fitting bumps up to 60.5 inches) and breathable fabric that keeps you supported without discomfort. It’s also very effective at reducing lower back pain, helping you deal with two discomforts in one product. Sizing: Small, 33 to 41 inches; medium, 38 to 45 inches; large, 42 to 49 inches; XL, 46 to 54 inches; XXL, 52 to 60.5 inches “I got the neotech care maternity support belt after trying 3 or 4 the first time around this one was the best by far. I don't put the strap above my belly but it works amazingly to redistribute the pressure helps with back and pelvic pain so much.” - Bex789“I started using this one from Amazon. I like it a lot.” - MnOwls16Pros: Easy to adjust, good for exercise, pocket for ice and heat packs Cons: Some say it runs small Maternity bands like this one offer lighter support, says Dr. Gangestad, and can work for some people — especially if you have less overall pain. The Gabrialla Maternity Belt sits on your hips and fits snugly under your growing bump to help ease the pressure on your ligaments. This adjustable band fits under your belly and around your lower back, and even has a built-in back pocket that can hold ice and heat packs. Some What to Expect community moms say the belt is great for stability while running and working out, too. Sizing: Small, 30 to 36 inches; medium, 34 to 40 inches; large, 38 to 44 inches; XL, 46 to 52 inches; 2X, 46 to 52 inches; 3X, 50 to 56 inches “I also have the GABRIALLA Elastic Maternity Belt, Medium Strength Pregnancy Support band that I used with my son when I was farther along. In my opinion the Gabriella band is much more supportive but not really necessary until your bump is larger.” - mpalmison“I second the Gabriella! It makes a huge difference! I ran up until around 32 weeks with my pregnancy.” - dambo87Buying Options: See Now Registry List:Add to Registry Pros: Comes with protective cover, stays warm for a long time Cons: Cover can be hard to remove, some say it leaks Hot water bottles provide soothing heat with less risk of burns or overheating than a heating pad, as they naturally cool down over time. This cute rubber option comes with a fleece cover that protects your skin from direct contact with the bottle, making it a safe and cozy way to soothe round ligament pain. Simply fill the bottle with warm water, let it heat up and rest it on the area that needs soothing. Capacity: 2 liters Pros: Heats up quickly, easy to use Cons: Goes cold sooner than some would like, can’t be reused Round ligament pain can strike at random, and sometimes in places where you don’t have a hot water bottle handy. Enter: these portable instant heat packs, which provide heat for about 30 minutes once activated. Simply squeeze the pack and shake it to activate the chemicals inside, then wrap it in a cloth before applying to the area. It’s about the same size as a paperback book, so it’s easy to throw in your bag or store in your desk at work for emergencies. Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches Pros: Very supportive, can be worn under clothes unlike bands and belts Cons: Some found it hard to remove, may irritate very sensitive skin, can’t be reused Looking for the support of a band with a bit less bulk? You might like kinesiology tape, which can be placed underneath your bump, along the sides of your abdomen and on your lower back to ease strain. This product, which is available in four colors, also comes with step-by-step instructions to make taping easier and safer. That said, you should still talk with your OB-GYN or physical therapist before using it. Dimensions: 6.33 foot roll
Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. © 2022 Everyday Health, Inc A property of |