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The best pregnancy support belts and belly bands 2024
Even the smoothest of pregnancies may come with backache, pelvic pain or sciatica. The best pregnancy support belt or band can help to relieve these common aches and pains as your belly grows.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Jun 11, 2024
Along with the inevitable emotional ups and downs, pregnancy comes with plenty of physical aches and pains too. From sciatica to symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), round ligament pain and persistent back pain, carrying a growing human is hard work!
We recommend talking to your doctor or midwife if you’re experiencing any aches and pains during your pregnancy. However, often aches and pains are natural and occur when your uterus expands, if this is the case your doctor or midwife will probably suggest a maternity belt or pregnancy support belt. The best pregnancy support belts will be designed to support your belly and back as the baby grows and helps to relieve pressure on your lower back and pelvis, and offer you more comfort. The belt fits under your bump and slightly lifts it - making it the perfect accessory for mums-to-be who just want to pop in their prenatal vitamin and go about their day without dreaded pregnancy pains.
The best pregnancy support belts: at a glance
BabyGo 4-in-1 Pregnancy Support Belt
Easy to put on and take off
Can be worn under or over clothing
Fully adjustable Velcro belt
Ideal for postpartum support too
Velcro can irritate the skin
Can lose some elasticity as you grow
May not withstand multiple washes
Price on writing: £30 | Sizes: S to XXL (from 70cm to 140cm) | Materials: 75% polyester, 25% spandex
Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth BabyGo Support Belt Review
With excellent reviews on Trustpilot and recommended by obstetricians and Mumsnetters alike, the creators of the UK’s bestselling birthing ball have clearly nailed it when it comes to maternity support garments too.
Made from a soft two-way stretch material, plus mesh inserts for extra breathability, the BabyGo 4-in-1 Pregnancy Belt is lightweight, comfortable and versatile. It comes with two sturdy straps which fit snugly under your belly and across your lower back, plus a third strap that you can add just above your rib cage for an additional lift should you need it.
With plenty of size options to choose from, ranging from size six to 20+, this belt is great for women of all shapes and sizes. And alongside comfort and support, it also comes in three colours - black, white and nude, so you can be sure that this belt is discreet under your clothes.
The belt is designed to relieve a variety of discomfort that you might feel during your pregnancy, including swelling, back and pelvic pain, sciatic pain, round ligament pain, and muscle tension. Suitable to use from day one after your positive pregnancy test (though you may not need it quite so early) and then right alongside your best pregnancy pillow as the new aches and pains emerge, it is designed to support your changing body through all three trimesters and into postpartum recovery.
Supportiback Adjustable Maternity Belt
Affordable
Eco-friendly - made from sustainable bamboo and 100% recycled fibres
Lightweight and breathable material
3-zone panel structure
Some reviewers reported it wasn't as helpful for PGP
Sizing may be a bit off
Price on writing: £10 | Sizes: One size | Materials: Bamboo, PCI PIMA Cotton, Recycled poly-fibre
If you're looking for a lightweight, stretchy pregnancy support belt which costs under a tenner but still provides support for back, belly and hips, the Supportiback may be the one for you.
It's ergo-tilt design sits lower at the back and higher on the hips than comparable belts, which is meant to encourage a more natural posture through the back and hips. It also uses a 'Kinesio-weave' - inspired by kinesiology tape used by athletes - to try and give a lifting sensation to heavy pregnancy bumps.
It also ticks the boxes for sustainability thanks to its composition of bamboo, eco-friendly cotton and recycled poly-fibres. It's also discreet and soft against your skin, so you can pop it on under your favourite maternity clothes and go about your day pain-free.
KeaBabies Maternity Belly Band
Encourages proper positioning and lumbar support
Lightweight and breathable
Easy to use with one adjustable Velcro section
Machine-washable
Only offers basic support
Band might be too wide for some
May not withstand multiple washes
Price on writing: £23 | Sizes: M/L, XL | Materials: 60% cotton, 40% polyester
This maternity band by KeaBabies has been specifically designed for pregnant women who prefer less restrictive, gentler support.
The wide band is made from super soft mesh fabric and provides 360-degree ergonomic support with just the right amount of stretch, promising to offer relief from lower back pain and round ligament pain, while supporting your pelvic floor. The ergonomic design also helps to support your abdominal muscles during pregnancy and postpartum.
A more basic-looking option but ideal to hide under your best maternity leggings and suitable for everyday activities such as standing in queues, walking and running errands. KeaBabies recommends wearing the support belt under your clothes, for extra comfort.
This maternity support belt is usefully machine washable but it may lose elasticity after multiple washes - so be careful when washing it or opt to hand wash it. Pair with one of the best maternity bras for extra support tailor-made with pregnant and postpartum women in mind.
Neotech Care Maternity Pregnnacy Support Belt
Takes pressure off your bladder
Robust and durable
Offers stability in the pelvic area
May be uncomfortable when sitting
May not stay put when you walk
Some find it tricky to adjust
Price on writing: £10 | Sizes: M | Materials: polyester, elastodiene, cotton
Struggling with pelvic pain? This belt might help. Considered to be an extra support maternity belt, the NeoTech quite literally ‘has your back’ and is one of the best pregnancy bands for PGP available.
The front pad is wide and thick, which is perfect for bigger bumps, while the heavy-duty, elastic side panels help to distribute weight evenly around your back and hips - which helps to relieve backaches and abdominal pains. And we like that the front pad is made from cotton to ensure extra comfort whether you wear it underneath or on top of your clothes.
Attach the back support to the front pad based on the tension you need, then add the top strap over your belly for a gentle lift. It might not look attractive or hide easily under clothing, but it gets the job done. Plus, you can cut the extra Velcro strip off once you’ve adjusted the size so it's more comfortable under your favourite maternity jeans.
Belly Bandit Upsie Belly Belt
Comes with a hot/cold pack
Helps to speed up postpartum recovery
Helps to relieve bladder pressure
Hand wash only
Velcro may lose its functionality
Could roll or bulge in places
Some claim it doesn’t offer enough compression
Price on writing: £105 | Sizes: XL, XXL | Materials: 92% bamboo, 8% spandex; 75% polyester, 25% spandex
Yes, it’s pricey but if you’re looking for a comprehensive pregnancy support belt, this is a great option. As well as giving your hips, back and growing bump great support, it also comes with a hot/cold pack that’s inserted inside the back pocket to instantly soothe tired, achy muscles.
Belly Bandit claims this belt helps to ease sciatic, back and leg pain while improving overall blood flow in the abdominal area - all essential for a healthy pregnancy. The belt is suitable to wear postpartum and can help to speed up your recovery too, particularly when you team it with the best pelvic floor trainer.
We also like that it’s made with sustainable SecureStretch™ bamboo material and offers plenty of adjustment room for all shapes and sizes. However, unlike some maternity belts, this one cannot be machine washed, instead you need to hand wash it in cold water and leave it to air dry. And drying may take up to 12 hours, so make sure you wash it when you know you won’t be needing to wear it again for a while.
Read next: New baby in your life? Discover the best baby gifts and the top gifts for new mums according to the Mumsnet users who've received them all.
Babymoov Dream Belt
Inbuilt memory foam makes it comfy to sleep in
Stretches to accommodate every stage of pregnancy
Memory foam moulds around your bump
It's not technically a support belt, more a sleep-aid
Price on writing: £40 | Sizes: S/M; L/XL | Materials: Outer fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane; Centre front fabric: 65% polyester, 27% viscose, 8% elastane; Inner fabric: 100% polyamide; Memory foam: 100% polyurethane
Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Babymoov Dream Belt review
If you're finding sleep a problem and your conventional pregnancy pillow just isn't cutting it, this Babymoov Dream Belt offers a pregnancy belt and pillow combination. It works by wrapping around your body to support your bump (though the manufacturer points out that it shouldn't be used in place of a more supportive pregnancy belt during the day) and features memory foam padding for extra comfort.
Unlike some of the larger pregnancy pillows on the market, it won't take up extra room in bed and you're essentially able to take your pillow with you when getting up in the night. It features two elasticated bands to keep it in place, which means it's particularly useful for restless sleepers.
Read next: Check out our guides to the best compression socks for pregnancy to fend off swelling, and the best skincare for pregnancy items for the all-important self-care during your pregnancy.
Serola Maternity Support Belt
Breathable and hypoallergenic
Comes with an additional belt extender to wear in third trimester
Ideal for aligning hips and pelvis postpartum
Supports the sacroiliac joint in the lower back, which is a major shock absorber
May not be able to sit or bend with it on
Can be uncomfortable to wear in the heat
Some suggest it frays easily
Price on writing: £36 | Sizes: S to XL
This pregnancy support belt looks and feels more like a belt than any other brand on our list. And with a hip circumference of 76-132 cm, it’s ideal for larger bellies and is made with the primary purpose of stabilising your lower back, hips and pelvic region to prevent sacroiliac pain.
It has two layers which are easy to put on and wrap close to your body, offering just the right amount of compression without restricting blood flow. What’s more, it can be worn postpartum to offer extra stability after your little bundle of joy has arrived.
The belt can be worn in an upper or lower position, depending on where your baby is lying as well as the type of support and pain relief you need. However, some users found that the belt wasn’t comfortable to sit or bend in - so it might be a better accompaniment for when you’re out and about running errands, rather than kicking back with a good hypnobirthing book on the sofa.
Belly Bandit Original Postnatal Belly Wrap
Covered in super soft bamboo viscose
Designed to support and accelerate postnatal belly reduction
Supports back and core
Pricey
Price on writing: £75 | Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: 75% Polyester, 25% Elastane
Doctors recommend using postpartum belly wraps or belts after natural births or C-sections to speed up the healing process and support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after birth. This belly wrap from Belly Bandit claims to do just that. It’s been designed with an elastic material and Belly Bandit's PowerCompress Core™ technology to gently hold your tummy in while helping your uterus shrink back to its normal size.
The band is deisgned to work with the body's Relaxin hormone and if worn for the first six to ten weeks postpartum, is supposed to help support the postnatal body and promote fluid loss so you're quicker to regain your pre-pregnancy shape. Belly Bandit also claims to help with diastasis recti (separation of your core abdominal muscles during pregnancy) and the reduction of stretch marks.
Expert midwife Marie Louise points out that postpartum belts can be 'very helpful for most new mums' (see more in the FAQ section below) by supporting their healing body and reducing pain, swelling and prolonged bleeding, particularly for c-section mothers.
We think it’s a safe, clever way to support new mums in the fourth trimester. However, these belts should only be worn after you’ve given birth and are not suitable to wear during your pregnancy.
Related: Trying for a baby and want to know more about your fertile days? Our guide to the best ovulation test has you covered.
Flexguard Maternity Support Belt
Larger sizes available
Offers support and comfort
Breathable material with extra padding
May not be suitable for petite women
Could move up and down
May feel uncomfortable at first
Price on writing: £40 | Sizes: M - 3XL
With a range of sizes (from 96 - 157 cm belly circumference) the Flexguard Maternity Support Belt is suitable for all mum tums, especially those with twins or larger bumps. (And speaking of twins, don't miss our handy guide to what to buy for twins according to expert Mumsnet twin parents)
The fully adjustable belt expands as you and your bump journey through pregnancy to ensure you have maximum support. And with extra padding and made from a strong breathable material, this belt offers additional comfort.
The elastic belt gently and firmly lifts your belly, which helps to relieve back, hip and pelvic pain. It is suitable to wear while you’re on the go and also while you’re sitting. Not only will the belt help to relieve pain, but it also helps to correct poor posture and supports weak abdominal muscles during your pregnancy.
Some reviewers found that the belt moved up and down during the day and that it was uncomfortable at first, but with the easy-to-follow instructions, you should be able to adjust the belt so you get the right amount of support and comfort.
SIYWINA Maternity Belt Pregnancy Support Belt
Provides support and pain relief
Breathable and soft material
Three colours to choose from
Velcro may be irritating
May move up and down
Softer belt - not suitable for those wanting firmness
Easier to put on with an additional pair of hands
Price on writing: From £17 | Sizes: One size | Materials: 54% polyamide, 46% cotton
You can wear the SIYWINA Maternity Belt Pregnancy Support Belt both during your pregnancy to help relieve back, hip and pelvic pain, and postpartum (for both vaginal births and c-sections).
The 360-degree full support belt is also designed to ease spinal pressure, improve poor posture and support weak abdominal muscles.
With a mix of soft and elastic polyamide and cotton, this breathable belt can help keep you cool as well as supported. The front curved pocket is slightly padded for abdominal support while the adjustable Velcro strap fastens at the back to suit you and your bump.
You can wear the belt under clothes without it being noticeable or over them (if it feels more comfortable). It’s easy enough to put on by yourself, although if you prefer a tighter and firmer feel, then you might need another pair of hands to help you.
How to choose the best pregnancy support belt
We consulted experienced senior midwife Marie Louise - also known as The Modern Midwife - for the lowdown on maternity belts, including what the best pregnancy support belt should offer and the top medical benefits of using one. We also took a deep dive into the Mumsnet forums to find which bands were voted the best.
As home to the largest UK network of online parents, our Mumsnet forums are a wealth of useful information and recommendations for all things pregnancy-related, from the best pregnancy books to read as those nine months tick by to the favoured TENS machines to help during labour and top-rated parenting books to guide and advise on the years to come. We researched the best pregnancy support belts recommended by maternity experts and cross-referenced with the advice from the millions of mums and mums-to-be on Mumsnet to find our shortlist.
The best pregnancy support belt: what do the experts say?
We asked experienced senior midwife Marie Louise, author of The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, whether she recommends use of a pregnancy support belt to help with back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
'Yes! These are great to support the weight of your pregnancy.'
What are the medical benefits of a good pregnancy support belt?
'Some bands do have some incredible features,' explains Marie. 'One even had a hot or cool pack for your lower back. Research shows using hot and cool packs can reduce pain and inflammation.'
What should you look for in a pregnancy support belt?
'Those involved in the design process or have been backed by physiotherapists or healthcare professionals maybe a good option. Ensuring the material is comfortable on your skin is key and easily adjustable.'
What does a pregnancy support belt do?
A pregnancy support belt or a belly band is a flexible support garment for pregnant women. It’s typically made of breathable, stretchy fabric that expands with your bump as you grow. Most come in a wide range of sizes and are fully adjustable, while other styles have detachable straps if you prefer gentler support.
If you’re always on the go, a pregnancy support belt is useful as it provides gentle compression during daily activities which helps to take pressure off your back and belly and minimise the chance of developing common pregnancy niggles.
Some pregnancy support belts are useful in the postpartum period too. According to an article by Healthline, many new mums find that when combined with specific exercises, a pregnancy belt or band can help to improve diastasis recti (a separation of the abdominal muscles) by gently bringing them back together in the first few weeks after birth.
'Some studies show that wrapping or binding may help to reduce pain alongside aiding healing.'
-The Modern Midwife, Marie Louise
Are postpartum support belts essential after a c-section?
We asked senior midwife Marie Louise, who explains: 'I wouldn’t agree that much is always ‘essential’, however a postpartum support belt can be very helpful for most new mums. C-section mums have been through a major surgery, which is often overlooked because they have a baby to care for. But supporting their body to heal, organs to return to their pre-pregnancy position and encourage the uterus to contract back down into the pelvis can really aid recovery, as well as reduce prolonged bleeding.
'Some studies show that wrapping or binding may help to reduce pain alongside aiding healing. If mums ever have any concerns over their pain, healing or wound site it is crucial to seek early support from a midwife or doctor.'
When should you start wearing a support belt during pregnancy?
Pregnancy support belts are safe to wear from the first trimester, or as soon as you start feeling pregnancy niggles and need that extra support around your tummy.
The NHS advise you to wear a maternity belt when you’re doing activities that cause pain, such as walking or housework. Some doctors or physiotherapists may also recommend you wear the belt or band while sitting down or in bed - but make sure the belt isn’t too tight and if you’re uncertain about how best to wear it, speak to your physiotherapist.
Do pregnancy support belts work?
This depends on what type of support you’re looking for. A maternity band differs from a pregnancy support belt in that it’s wider, more elastic and feels like a supportive garment rather than a rigid, strap-like belt.
Maternity bands don’t hold the tummy up the same way as pregnancy support belts do, but they stay put thanks to elastic or rubber trims, and offer some support to the tummy and lower back. Many mums use maternity bands to extend the life of maternity clothes by covering unzipped or unbuttoned trousers.
As a one-piece design, the maternity band is often a cheaper alternative, but it won’t provide you with the same level of support as a maternity belt.
How many hours a day should you wear a maternity support belt?
Medical News Today suggests not wearing a constrictive garment like a pregnancy belt for too long at any one time as it may decrease blood flow to your tummy and growing baby. Some pregnancy support belts can also cause general discomfort, pain or skin irritation particularly if the sizing isn’t right.
Additionally, over-dependence on a pregnancy belt or maternity band can weaken your muscles and core strength. They’re ideal for short-term support and shouldn’t be worn for more than two to three hours at a time. After wearing the belt or band for two to three hours, it’s also advised that you have an hour break in between wearing it again.
How do you wear a belly band while pregnant? How tight should it be?
Belly bands are very easy to put on as they are elasticated and stretchy. To wear a belly band, simply slide it over your bump and fasten it at the back with Velcro (if necessary). It can be placed over your jeans or it can act as an extra t-shirt, so you don’t need to get new maternity clothes.
A belly band needs to feel comfortable when you wear it, as it is only acting as a gentle compression. If your belly band is too tight you might experience indigestion or heartburn.
A maternity belt sits around your pelvis, with the Velcro straps attaching underneath your bump. The maternity belt needs to be snug, but also feel comfortable and not be too tight. To make sure your belt isn’t too tight, you should be able to slide your hand around the inside of the belt.
When should I start wearing a pregnancy support belt?
Whenever you feel the need for a bit of extra support. For some mothers-to-be, that's early on in the first trimester, for others it's usually once the belly has 'popped' around the 5-6 month mark.
Are support belts safe during pregnancy?
Pregnancy support belts are designed to help you sustain a healthy pregnancy and take the strain off your back, hips and pelvis if you’re active throughout the day. They are safe to use throughout each trimester if worn correctly.
Some evidence suggests that restrictive maternity garments can cause fetal heart rate changes, particularly if they’re too tight or worn for more than three hours. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right pregnancy support belt for your current weight and lifestyle. If you have any concerns, make sure to seek professional medical advice.
Do belly bands prevent stretch marks?
Unfortunately, belly bands don’t prevent stretch marks. Stretch marks are a perfectly natural part of pregnancy and are caused when the skin is stretched. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, your skin type, weight and lifestyle, and genetics may all play a part in whether or not you develop stretch marks.
According to the NHS, hyaluronic acid and retinoid creams may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, retinoid creams aren’t safe to use when you’re pregnant. Check out our guide to the best stretch mark creams here.
Can you sleep in a belly band after a c-section?
It’s not advisable to sleep in a belly band - unless it's one specially designed for sleeping in like the Babymoov Dream Belt - whether you gave birth naturally or had a caesarean section. Wearing a high support belly band while you’re sleeping may make you more uncomfortable, interfere with your blood circulation (if it’s too tight) and impair your breathing. Taking regular breaks from wearing a belly band, including at night, gives your muscles a chance to work by themselves.
What is the best pregnancy support belt?
A true all-rounder, the best overall pregnancy support belt on our list is the BabyGo 4-in-1 Pregnancy Belt. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to pregnancy support and promises to prevent and manage pregnancy aches and pains including round ligament pain, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), sciatica and SPD.
We also love that the belt comes with three-way support, the fabric is lightweight and breathable enough to move without feeling restricted, and you can wear the belt under or over clothing.
How we chose our recommendations
Expert guidance
We sought out expert advice, information and recommendations on the best pregnancy support belts and bands to ensure that all our products are safe to use. To ensure we had the most relevant and up-to-date advice, we researched trusted medical experts, including the NHS, Healthline and Medical News Today.
We also spoke to expert senior midwife Marie Louise to get her advice on choosing a pregnancy support belt and what the medical benefits of using one are.
Consumer reviews
Having drawn up a long list of pregnancy support belts and bands, we then cross-referenced the products with online customer reviews on Amazon to find out what real parents thought about the support and comfort that the belts gave them. We compared the positive and negative feedback on all our pregnancy belts and band picks and used this information to decide which were best.
Celebrated best products
And finally, we looked at which pregnancy belts and bands won the most accolades and recommendations across the board to bring you a selection of the best ones that we thought were worthy of taking the titles in the array of categories listed.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful review articles like this one.
About the author
Mum-of-three Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy care and child play content.
Before joining the content team at Mumsnet, Jenny worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio, TV and b2b trades magazines for over a decade. She is also a bestselling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger.
As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in buyers' guides such as these, as well as product reviews and expert advice on all things pregnancy and parenting related.