Pregnancy brings beautiful changes, but also some physical discomforts. Belly bands can help alleviate these discomforts by supporting the growing belly and back.
How Do You Wear the Dutton Belly Belt?
Watch as @mariarose.ugc (in her third trimester) demonstrates how to wear the Dutton belly belt
When To Start Wearing A Belly Band?
Early Pregnancy
When you start to experience discomfort or back pain (usually around the 10-20 week mark), start with the cushioning abdominal support belly belt.
Place the cushioned portion under your belly and secure it with the velcro fastening. Adjust the position so that it is supporting the belly and not hindering you whilst sitting or walking.
As You Progress
As you progress into your second trimester, your belly starts to grow and as your body adjusts to the changes, you may start to experience back pain, pelvic pressure, and ligament discomfort.
For extra back support and belly lift add the support brace.
Place the support brace at your back, grip the sides and stretch it forward and attach it to the belly support belt. The tension and support needed can be adjusted by altering the amount the brace is stretched.
Home Stretch
During the last couple of months as your baby continues to grow and your belly becomes larger, the strain on your back and pelvis increases.
For added stability and a sense of security, include the belly strap to cradle your baby bump by lightly stretching it over your belly and attaching it to the brace.
Postpartum
The belly belt portion can also be worn after birth to support your abdomen and lower back as your body recovers from childbirth. This can help with posture and provide a feeling of support as your muscles regain their strength.
After a natural birth, position the belly belt over the hips to aid in pelvic recovery.
If you’ve had a c-section, position the cushioned portion over the caesarean wound. The padded cushioning is gentle and soft to help protect the area.
For those that want greater tension, the support brace portion can optionally be added, adjusting it to your comfort and support needs.
How To Choose The Right Size Belly Band?
Measure from your lower back and under your belly where the belt will sit. If you are in-between sizes and in early pregnancy, we recommend choosing the larger size.
What is a Belly Band?
A belly band is a stretchy, supportive garment worn around the abdomen. It is designed to provide support to the lower back and the growing belly, helping to alleviate some of the physical strains associated with pregnancy.
How Do Belly Belts Work?
Belly belts work by providing external support to the abdomen and lower back during pregnancy.
- Elasticity and Compression
Belly bands are typically made from stretchy, breathable materials that provide gentle compression. This compression supports the muscles and ligaments without restricting movement or causing discomfort.
- Adjustable Fit
Many belly belts come with adjustable straps or Velcro closures, allowing for a customizable fit that can adapt to the changing size of the belly throughout pregnancy.
Benefits Of Using A Belly Band During Pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses, many women experience various physical discomforts due to the growing belly and shifting centre of gravity. Designed to provide gentle compression and stability, belly bands can enhance comfort and functionality, making daily activities and physical exercise more manageable.
Here are some key benefits of incorporating a belly band into your maternity routine:
Support and Compression
- Abdominal Support
Belly bands are designed to cradle the belly, helping to lift and support the growing uterus. This alleviates some of the downward pressure that can contribute to discomfort and pain.
- Lower Back Support
By providing additional support to the lower back, belly bands help reduce the strain on the spine and surrounding muscles. This can be particularly beneficial as the centre of gravity shifts and the lumbar spine experiences increased stress.
Weight Distribution
- Even Distribution
Belly bands help distribute the weight of the growing belly more evenly across the back and abdomen. This balanced distribution can alleviate pressure points and reduce muscle fatigue.
- Pelvic Support
Some belly bands are designed to support the pelvis, which can help relieve pelvic girdle pain and round ligament pain by stabilizing the pelvic area.
Posture Improvement
- Encourages Better Posture
A 2018 study involving 90 pregnant women found a connection that the additional support of wearing a belly belt to the back and abdomen encourages women to maintain better posture. This can help prevent the common tendency to slouch or sway back, reducing the risk of developing back pain.
Pain Relief
- Reducing Back Pain
The support provided by a belly band can help alleviate lower back pain by reducing the strain on the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine.
- Alleviating Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain, which occurs as the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch, can be reduced with the gentle compression provided by a belly band.
- Helping with Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Hormonal changes cause ligaments in the sacroiliac joints to loosen and stretch for childbirth, causing lower back pain and/or leg pain. Wearing a belly band helps to stabilise the area.
Activity Support
- Stabilisation During Movement
For pregnant women who wish to remain active, belly bands can provide the extra support needed during physical activities like walking, running, or prenatal yoga. This helps stabilise the abdomen and lower back, making movement more comfortable and safer.
Postpartum Recovery
- Support After Birth
Postpartum belly bands can help support the abdominal muscles and lower back as the body recovers from childbirth. They can aid in improving posture, reducing back pain, and providing a sense of stability to the abdominal area.
Important Things To Know About Wearing A Belly Band
A few things to keep in mind before wearing a belly belt.
- Talk to Your Doctor
While generally safe, it's always a good idea to discuss using a belly band with your doctor before starting.
- Comfort is Key
The band should feel snug but not constricting. If you experience any discomfort, loosen the band or take it off.
- Limited Use
Belly belts are meant for temporary relief, not constant wear. Aim for no more than a few hours at a time as any support garment can weaken your muscles with overdependence.
- Not a Replacement
Belly bands are not a cure-all for pregnancy discomforts. If you're experiencing significant pain, please consult with your doctor.
Explore Our Belly Bands For Extra Support Throughout Your Pregnancy
Wearing a belly belt during pregnancy can offer significant benefits, from alleviating back pain to providing support during physical activity. By choosing the right band and wearing it correctly, you can enjoy a more comfortable and supported pregnancy journey. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting to use a belly band to ensure it’s suitable for your specific needs and circumstances.
