Hundreds of women suffer daily through back pain or pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during the second or third trimester of their pregnancy. Pregnancy belt is a support garment or medical binder made from breathable cotton fabric specially designed by women for women.
Generally recommended for the second and third trimester of pregnancy. They are formed of 3D mesh cotton blend fabric, providing additional support to the heavy belly of the later stage of pregnancy.
Additionally, it can aid postpartum recovery providing gentle core support. Breathability plays a crucial role during the adjustment of the belt to avoid any unnecessary skin irritation and uncomfortable feeling. It gently supports the spinal muscles and relaxes the tension of the spine.
Cause of back pain during pregnancy?
Back pain is a chronic problem faced during the later pregnancy stages. It can be caused due to factors like postural stress of lower back, hips and abdominal area. The major factor causing pain is shifting of the body’s centre of gravity.
Furthermore, It causes load to the heavy belly and weight gain during pregnancy. Body hormonal changes cause release of relaxin along with progesterone in the body which indirectly affects the functionality and stability of spine and sacroiliac joints. It can also loosen pelvic ligament and joints adding to the instability of the spinal cord.
Why choose the Maternity belt?
- Provides underbelly lift also referred to as under belly cradle to pregnant women.
- It has re-adjustable velcro straps for flexible use.
- Helps in relieving back pain and pelvic pain.
- Provides breathability for less discomfort.
- Improves posture by supporting lumbar area ( lower back).
- Guides for the sleep positioning during pregnancy.
- Loosens up the tightened muscles.
Key benefits:It helps in temperature regulation of the body.
- Provides good ventilation due to the porous structure of blended fabric.
- Non-slip compression without unnecessary overload.
- Good for hot climatic conditions due to less microbial growth.
- Provides optimal support to sensitive skin too.
- Light weight and flexible to use.
- Odourless and eliminates trapped heat.
- Aids postpartum recovery.
How to use it?
- Positioning the widest part of the belt at the centre base of the lower spinal area is advised.
- Further, wrap the elastic anchor strap around the back without pressing directly into the belly.
- Now, add top and side straps gently for firm support to lower back and balanced lift.
When to use?
A belt can be used during active body movements like walking and standing to provide additional support to a heavy belly. Generally recommended for the second and third trimester of pregnancy to support abdominal area and lower lumbar area.
It additionally provides support to the posture and reduces load on the spine. Advised during the crucial medical condition of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. Can be used in daily routine if duration of work is longer but is advised to limit the daily use keeping it to a short time limit of 2-3 hours.
Advised to remove the belt while resting or sleeping to avoid any unwanted discomfort. Also, the belt aids the postpartum recovery gently after 1 to 2 weeks (once cleared by a doctor) following a C-section.
Care and maintenance tips:
- Fasten any Velcro strap or hooks present in the belt to avoid any elasticity loss or wear and tear.
- Hand washing with normal cold water is recommended by mild soap or detergent.
- Avoid machine washing or hot water to prevent sagging.
- Air drying and avoiding ironing improves longevity of the belt.
Facts to note during use :
It is important to choose correct sizing while purchasing the belt for its best effects. To avoid unnecessary load on sore muscles of the back. Correct positioning must be done as it can be difficult to re-adjust after fitting.
If used for a longer period of time, the belt can cause skin irritation thus, should be used optimally. Core body temperature and heat can cause discomfort. Limiting the time of use to 2-3 hours daily is advised. Expert medical guidance is needed as some cases of fetal heart rate changes have been reported.
Conclusion:
Maternity Belts are a very crucial garment for late stages of pregnancy. It can be beneficial for women struggling with medical conditions of pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and sacroiliac (SI) joint pain.
They help in adjusting posture to a certain extent and provide flexible breathable support to the heavy belly even during changing climatic conditions.
Breathability of cotton blend fabric provides odourless, microbial free and temperature regulated effect on skin, thus, decreasing the heat sensitivity. It additionally decreases the discomfort to the pregnant belly. Therefore, a breathable belt is a fine choice if used optimally and accurately. Taking expert medical advice is recommended before using the compression features of the belt as sometimes may cause fetal heart rate changes. The belt also aids postpartum recovery through gently supporting the spinal muscles of the pregnant women acting as a support belt for assistance.
