Best Maternity Belts For Back Pain
Pregnant women experience back pain at various stages of pregnancy for a variety of different reasons. During pregnancy, the uterus expands rapidly, which shifts the mother’s center of gravity. This can result in the abdominal muscles weakening somewhat. The weakness can cause posture problems, which makes the muscles in the back work harder than usual. In some cases, the growing uterus may press on a nerve. To complicate things, instead of being able to take standard medications for back pain, pregnant women have to cope without pain relief. Hormones and strain on the abdominal muscles also contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Here are a selection of maternity support belts to help ease pain and strain:
Bracoo Breathable Abdominal Binder and Maternity Back Support
Features
The Bracoo maternity belt features two adjustable straps for the perfect fit all the time, no matter how often you adjust for posture during the day. The belt is made of neoprene, for the ultimate in flexible support and comfort. It’s value priced, at just around $14.
Pros
The Bracoo belt can help to prevent uterine prolapsed by adding just the right amount of compression. It helps to reduce pressure on your lower spine by lifting and supporting your abdomen. Relief is almost immediate upon wearing the belt, and it is even comfortable enough to sleep in.
Cons
Those who have a neoprene allergy should only use this product under a doctor’s care, and discontinue immediately in the case of pain or a rash. This product is hand washable only, which is a drawback for a product intended for daily use.
Gabrialla Elastic Maternity Support Belt
Features
The Gabrialla maternity belt features a soft, flexible construction (20% lycra, 80%). It supports the uterus and alleviates pain in the lower back. This belt is a generous 6 inches in height in the back, and even features a pocket for use in cold/heat therapy. It helps users to maintain correct posture, and can even help to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks. This belt runs about $29 in cost.
Pros
The Gabrialla belt is popular for its comfort and support, adding compression to keep your hips stable, and promoting the best possible posture during pregnancy. It reduces uncomfortable lower back pressure. It creates warmth, which aids the muscles. The high back provides extra support, and the extra pocket to hold hot or cold packs in place is definitely a bonus. There are no stomach straps to create extra pressure on baby. The construction is one-piece. The belt is easy to remove, and it can be worn under clothing without being obvious, and next to the skin without causing irritation or itching. This product is recommended for pregnant women who are runners.
Cons
This product retains heat. This can promote sweat to the point of discomfort in summer. Also, there are several size charts for this product, so buyers will want to go one size up to be sure of an appropriate fit.
Maternity Belt by EBP Medical
Features
The medium size of the EBP Medical belt supports 38-46” (or 97-117cm) circumference of the belly. It also comes in two other sizes. It includes a lift attachment for the abdomen, which lifts without unduly pressing. The belt features built-in support, which keeps the belt from rolling over on itself. It helps to avoid the skin’s becoming overstretched without hampering your baby’s ability to move, which helps to prevent stretch marks. The belt is fully adjustable. It features four elastic panels built into the sides. These add compression and support while still being breathable. The EBP Medical belt can relieve lower back discomfort and reduce pressure on organs, making it easier to breathe and preventing issues with constant restroom trips. Wearing the belt during pregnancy will help you regain your pre-baby shape more quickly. This belt is reasonably priced at about $20.
Pros
This belt is comfortable for all day use and provides excellent much-needed abdominal support. It does well with relieving lower back pain and uncomfortable pressure on the uterus and abdomen. It is easy to put on and to adjust, which for many users, is a continuous process as the day goes on. It is machine washable and resists warping.
Cons
There are no instructions for use and care included in the package. Also, sizes tend to run small, so buyers would do well to order a size larger than generally required.
Baby Belly Band Original Maternity Support Belt
Features
The Baby Belly Band is a three-piece unit designed to provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort related to not only pregnancy, but also hip and hernia problems. This belt also provides sacroiliac support. A wide range of sizes is available, ranging from petite to plus. Unlike other belts, the Baby Belly Band features add-ons that are sold separately that can address specific problems the user may be having. The belt includes an extra support band that attaches with Velcro, providing enough support even for mothers pregnant with twins. The separate attachments include shoulder bands (great for giving an extra level of abdominal support) and groin bands (to address pelvic floor issues, prolapsed vagina or uterus and more). The styling is discrete and the band can be worn even postpartum, or by those who have discomfort arising from issues other than pregnancy. This one is a bit pricier than most belts, running anywhere from $40-45, which is unsurprising, considering the many uses and attachments.
Pros
The Baby Belly Band provides many levels of support, thanks to the variety of available attachments, and can even be used to address problems not arising from pregnancy (see above). Some of the conditions for which it is helpful include (but are not limited to) pregnancy, back pain, sciatica, bariatric problems, hernias, multiple pregnancy, Cesarean section delivery, varicose veins or injury prevention during exercise.
Cons
The V2 Support Belt (included) may not fit all users comfortably in advanced stages of pregnancy.
Soft Form Maternity Support Belt
Features
The Soft Form belt helps to relieve lower back issues by supporting the back and abdomen. The belt is made of a laminate in multiple layers. The lining is nylon/cotton, and features no-latex construction. The belt features elastic panels on the side to increase breathability and compression. This product comes in beige and can be worn discretely under clothing. Instructions are included for use and care. The price is middle-of-the-road at about $32.
Pros
The Soft Form belt is a source of great back support. This item is well-suited for multiple pregnancies. Since it’s made without latex, those with latex allergies can wear it without issue.
Cons
While the back and abdominal support from the Soft Form belt are good, users with pelvic issues may find it a bit hard to wear. It is a bit bulkier than advertised, so it’s not as invisible under street clothes as the manufacturer would like for you to believe. Also, this item is not returnable once it has been opened, so buyers will want to choose sizes carefully.
