Belly Bands During Pregnancy… Yay or Nay?

During pregnancy as baby is growing bigger and bigger, so is mama’s belly! Many women really start to notice their baby bump expanding rapidly at the end of the second trimester and into the third trimester. Sometimes women are asking, can it really get bigger!!??

Along with the growing belly in the front, many women may start to notice some aches and pains in the back. Our bodies are rapidly changing to accommodate baby’s growth and that can start to stretch our abdominal muscles and make them less efficient. When the abdominals are not able to support the lower back like they have before, it can lead to aches and pains. Many women ask about using belly bands , SI belts, or other supports.

Using a belly band or another type of support band may be a really helpful tool for some women, especially if they are on their feet for long periods of time and fatigue is ultimately what is leading to the increase in aches and pains. Wearing a support band isn’t going to make your muscles weaker or harm you (or baby) in any way! However, in addition to adding a support band it may be helpful to meet with a pelvic floor physical therapist to help you.

Often, there are a number of stretches, positions, and/or exercises that can help you with the symptoms you are experiencing. While a band may be a temporary support, the aches and pains may be a sign that you need some professional help to provide you with safe activities to improve your strength or lengthen some tight muscles.

Also, meeting with a pelvic floor physical therapist during your pregnancy can be so helpful in learning about the muscles of your core and pelvic floor. It can help to decrease your current aches and pains, but also help you learn about how to prepare for your upcoming labor and delivery. Learning safe abdominal and pelvic floor exercises can be extremely helpful in your early recovery postpartum as well!!

So... get the belly band for some additional support to help…but also consider scheduling a visit with your local pelvic floor physical therapist!

Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist