In This Article
What Is a Belly Band and What Does It Do?
What Are the Different Types of Belly Bands?
What Is a Belly Belt and How Does It Work?
What Is a Maternity Cradle and Who Is It For?
What’s the Difference Between a Belly Band and a Belly Belt?
Why Use a Belly Belt During Pregnancy?
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain and How Belly Belts Help
What Is Round Ligament Pain and Can Support Garments Help?
How Long Can You Wear Belly Support Garments?
Feel Supported Every Step of the Way
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey but it also comes with its share of discomforts. As your bump grows, your centre of gravity shifts, your posture adjusts, and your body works overtime to support new life. That’s where pregnancy support garments like belly bands and belly belts can be a real game-changer.
Whether you’re looking for light coverage in early pregnancy or firmer support in your third trimester, there’s a solution to suit every stage and style. Let’s break down the differences, benefits, and when to wear each one so you can feel supported, stylish and confident all the way to bub’s arrival.
What Is a Belly Band and What Does It Do?
A belly band is a wide, stretchy band of fabric that wraps around your midsection designed to provide light support, warmth, and comfort during pregnancy. Think of it as a layering essential that helps you feel more secure as your bump begins to show.
It’s especially handy in the early stages when your regular jeans don’t quite button up anymore. A belly band helps bridge that awkward in-between stage, covering gaps between your pants and top while gently supporting your belly.
One of our top sellers, the Seamless Barely There Belly Band, is perfect for this. Discreet and ultra-soft, it hugs your belly without restriction.
What Are the Different Types of Belly Bands?
There are several styles of belly bands, each with their own purpose and level of support:
Belly Warmer Bands (Haramaki)
Inspired by a centuries-old Japanese tradition, haramaki are thin belly warmers worn to maintain core body warmth. In Japanese culture, a warm stomach is believed to be essential for good health. During pregnancy, staying warm helps with circulation and comfort.
Our beautifully crafted Haramaki Cotton Silk Belly Warmer is ideal for layering under your clothing in cooler months.
Jersey or Seamless Belly Bands
These are the most common type of maternity band. Designed to blend seamlessly under clothes, they help extend the life of your pre-pregnancy wardrobe by keeping unbuttoned pants in place. They're also a great choice for modesty when tops start to ride up.
Queen Bee’s Seamless Maternity Belly band offers a smooth, snug fit that's perfect for everyday wear.
Support Belly Bands
These provide a higher level of support through built-in compression zones. Lightweight and breathable, they offer a gentle lift to the belly, reducing pressure on your back and pelvis. They’re often worn under clothing and ideal for long days on your feet.
The Pregnancy Support Belly Band is a favourite for active mums and those managing mild pelvic pain.
What Is a Belly Belt and How Does It Work?
Unlike belly bands, a belly belt is more structured and supportive. Designed to lift and stabilise your bump, it helps distribute weight more evenly across your back, hips and pelvis. Belly belts are typically adjustable using velcro straps, so you can increase or decrease support as needed.
If you’re in your second or third trimester and starting to feel lower back strain or pelvic discomfort, the Pregnancy Belly Belt is an excellent solution. Some belts can also be worn postpartum to support abdominal recovery and ease back into everyday movement.
What Is a Maternity Cradle and Who Is It For?
A maternity cradle takes the belly belt to the next level. It features an additional strap that wraps over the top of your bump cradling it from above and below. This helps take the pressure off your lower abdomen while encouraging better posture.
The Pregnancy Support Belly Belt Cradle is ideal for mums with a low-carrying baby, or those experiencing pelvic instability and fatigue in the later stages of pregnancy.
What’s the Difference Between a Belly Band and a Belly Belt?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Feature |
Belly Band |
Belly Belt |
| Fit |
Flexible fabric |
Customisable straps |
| Support |
Mild compression |
Firmer support, lifts belly |
| Use Case |
Early to mid-pregnancy |
Mid to late pregnancy |
| Visibility |
Discreet under clothing |
Can be worn over or under clothing |
| Postpartum Use |
Limited |
Often used for recovery |
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your trimester, body changes, and how much support you need.
Why Wear a Pregnancy Belly Belt?
Over two-thirds of women report lower back pain during pregnancy, and nearly 20% experience pelvic girdle pain. Belly belts are a safe, drug-free way to help relieve discomfort and maintain mobility as your body adapts to its new shape.
Benefits include:
- Improved posture and alignment
- Reduced pelvic and lower back pain
- Better weight distribution across joints
- Decreased bladder pressure
- Enhanced balance and stability
Think of a belly belt like a sports bra for your belly. It helps hold everything in place, reducing bounce and strain while allowing you to move more freely.
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain and How Belly Belts Help
The sacroiliac joint connects your spine to your pelvis, acting as a shock absorber for the lower body. During pregnancy, hormones loosen ligaments in this area, which can lead to pain in your lower back, hips, or legs.
A snug-fitting sacroiliac support belt, such as the Sacroiliac Support Belly Belt, helps stabilise this joint and relieve tension.
By anchoring the hips and minimising motion, you can reduce inflammation and stay more active throughout your pregnancy.
What Is Round Ligament Pain and Can Support Garments Help?
Round ligament pain is common from the second trimester onwards, especially for mums expecting multiples. The ligaments stretching to support your growing uterus can spasm, causing sudden, sharp pain in the lower abdomen.
Supportive belly belts help by holding the uterus in place and easing tension on these ligaments. While the discomfort is temporary, wearing a structured support garment can make daily movement more comfortable.
Remember: avoid sudden twisting movements and always transition between positions gently.
How Long Can You Wear Belly Support Garments?
Support is a good thing, but moderation is key. Belly bands are safe to wear for extended periods, especially when used for light compression or layering.
Belly belts, on the other hand, should generally be worn for 2–3 hours at a time unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. This prevents over-reliance and ensures your core muscles remain active.
As always, consult with your doctor or midwife before using any compression garments, particularly if you're managing pain or complications during pregnancy.
Feel Supported Every Step of the Way
Pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but your comfort doesn’t have to take a back seat. Whether you need a little extra coverage or structured support, QueenBee offers a curated range of maternity belly support garments designed with your changing body in mind.
Browse our full collection today or contact our friendly team if you need help choosing the perfect fit. We're here to help you feel your best, from bump to baby and beyond.
