Guide to bands, girdles and girdles for pregnancy
The most popular pregnancy products currently on the market that help the mother relieve these discomforts are the support bands and girdles.
The period of pregnancy is certainly a beautiful and joyful moment but the change that takes place in the woman’s body and the increase in weight of the belly can lead to assuming a wrong posture and having pain in the lower back and lower abdomen.
Pregnancy bands: what they are, what they are for and where to buy them
What are
Maternity bands and girdles or girdles are comfortable, stretchy garments made of soft, flexible fabric that surround the belly. There are with and without seams, with and without anatomical parts, but they are all very enveloping, so they can be worn under clothing, helping to create soft lines.
But what is the difference between one and the other?
The pregnancy band is a strip of stretch fabric that is placed on the hips and under the belly. They are useful to provide support to the lumbar area but leave the belly free without any type of protection. There are many types on the market. The most common bands are those that close with superimposed Velcro, which allow them to be adjusted as the belly grows.
The sheath or girdle, on the other hand, is a real slip/wearable garment that has a lumbar and lower abdominal reinforcement and an anatomical part that covers and wraps around the entire belly.
There is also another type of product which is a cross between the band and the girdle and which is very popular with mothers.
It is a tubular bandeau without seams and without panties that can be worn both low and to cover the entire belly. They do not support the lumbar area but are practical and comfortable to wear. Their function is to “accompany” the belly and, looking very much like simple T-shirts (some even have lace at the bottom), they are also used to wear everything.
What are they for
The function of pregnancy bands and girdles is to support the weight and gently push the belly up and in , creating comfortable support not only for the belly but also for the back.
In fact, by lifting the belly, the weight is redistributed on the woman’s body in a more regular manner, helping to improve posture and balance.
But pregnancy bands and girdles also have an aesthetic function. In fact they are very useful for being able to wear all the dresses and trousers and help to create soft lines and define the figure well.
Who they are convenient for
As we know every pregnancy is different from woman to woman so it is not said that you necessarily have to buy a band or a girdle.
In fact, if you don’t have particular back pain or discomfort and if your “free” belly doesn’t prevent you from a normal daily life, you can easily do without it.
The use of girdles and bands for pregnancy is instead recommended if you suffer from lumbar pain or if you want to feel your belly protected by an enveloping anatomical support.
Usage tips
If you wonder if bands and sheaths are useful, I answer that they are, but only if used correctly . Because they can help manage back pain better, maintain correct posture and support the muscles to support the belly, they must not be abused. They must therefore be worn for a few hours and not for the whole day.
In fact, by wearing this type of clothing for too long, the muscles can relax too much and this could slow down the recovery of physical shape after childbirth.
It is therefore advisable to put them on when you have to stand a lot, you have to go out or make particular efforts or movements. But if you are comfortable at home and at rest you can do without it.
Where to buy them and how much they cost
The bands and girdles are generally found in pharmacies and health or in all underwear shops where they also specialize in pregnancy.
If you decide to buy a belly band, don’t forget to check online stores as well . This way you can compare prices, brand, quality.
The pregnancy bands have prices that vary greatly between them and when choosing, try to buy something that meets your needs and also has a good quality / price ratio.
Before buying, it is also important to pay attention to the sizes. Try to evaluate your weight, the size well and possibly in case of uncertainty it is better to take a size above.
Supportiback® Therapeutic Maternity Belt
This is one of the most popular bands : it is soft, elastic, fresh, breathable and provides a soft and enveloping compression. It is fixed with Velcro, has no attachments or rigid closures and is slightly anatomical in the front. Plus, it’s fully adjustable to fit all stages of pregnancy.
Pretty See pregnancy band
The Pretty See is a structured and breathable pregnancy band particularly indicated to help the lumbar and abdominal areas to support the weight of the baby bump. Made of lightweight cotton and breathable spandex, it offers better airflow and maximum comfort. Easy to put on and hard to tear, it is one size fits all but has an adjustable size.
Ingrid & Isabel – Support Bands
Ingrid & Isabel ‘s wraps are a very easy garment , halfway between a wrap and a girdle. Soft but with good hold and support, they allow you to continue using old trousers and skirts even when they no longer close, without having visible aesthetic problems or discomfort. They are easy to wash at 30 degrees. They are offered in several colors and with a model with a lace lower edge.
Love Eden headband
This is a pregnancy band with suspender . Provides good lumbar support, holds the belly but does not cover it. It is easy to wear and adjusts with Velcro and this means that it can be worn throughout pregnancy without having to change size as the belly grows.
Chicco Adjustable Pregnancy Sheath
This is a Chicco pregnancy girdle , in soft elastic fabric and cotton. Maximum support, follows the development of the abdomen without compressing. Adjustable elastic band with Velcro to support the back and abdomen. Anatomical leg for total freedom of movement. Leaves no marks.
Premamy sheath
Premamy is a girdle with attention to the smallest details, comfortable and useful for wearing any outfit. Pleasantly wraps and supports the belly during pregnancy, but can also be used after childbirth. The composition of the materials is light and extensible 90% Cotton, 10% Elastane bi-elastic cotton. It can be washed at 30°, also suitable for frequent washing.
These are obviously just some of the dozens of bands and sheaths that you can find on the market. If you want, you can also find many other bands, girdles or belly bands from many other excellent brands
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.