A maternity belt (also known as a pelvic belt) is worn during the pregnancy to give added support to the growing belly and relieve pressure and pain from the back and the pelvis.
A maternity belt goes under the belly to support the growing belly and to take the weight off of the woman's back and to support the pelvis. Some physicians also believe that a maternity belt will take some of the weight off of the woman's cervix thereby preventing early birth, but this is controversial.
What is the medical evidence behind a maternity belt?
There is evidence that a maternity belt relieves back pain and that pain is relieved by supporting the ligaments of the pelvis. A maternity belt (or pelvic belt) is considered standard therapy for women who experience pelvic or back pain during pregnancy.
How do maternity belts work?
The belt goes under the belly and around the back. The weight of the belly is transfered from the pelvis to the spine. The spine is better capable of carrying such heavy weight.
Why did we try a maternity belt?
Our OB/GYN insisted on it. In fact, once my wife went to a check-up without it and was scolded for not wearing it. She wore it for most of her pregnancy and nearly full time in the last months.
Our experience with a maternity belt?
Generally we think that the maternity belt helped a great deal, particularly during the final months of pregnancy. The maternity belt was a bit uncomfortable when sitting down. But during the final weeks of pregnancy it was nearly impossible to walk without the maternity belt.
Which maternity belt should you buy?
We believe that all maternity belts will do a similar job, though some maternity belts may be more comfortable than others. Our maternity belt worked well, but had a tendancy to fold at the top when seated. Otherwise, we were happy with it.
What size maternity belt should you buy?
This depends on when you start to wear your maternity belt. Most maternity belts will accomodate a very large range of sizes. Keep in mind that the most important months for your maternity belt will be the final two months. Your belly will be heavy at that point. If your maternity belt is not able to accomodate you then, you may need to purchase a second maternity belt.
What is the best way to put on a maternity belt?
We would generally put on my wife's maternity belt when she was lying on her back on a bed. It was easier to get the maternity belt into the correct position. Then she would stand up and and we would make any necessary adjustments.
When should you begin to wear your maternity belt?
Buy a maternity belt when you begin to feel pain in your hips or back. Or buy one when your OB/GYN advises you to.
Note: Consult with your OB/GYN or medical care giver concerning your questions about postpartum girdles.