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The 11 best belly bands and pregnancy support belts for pregnancy and post-partum
These buys can help with relieving aches and pains
Pregnant and starting to feel the strain? When you’re expecting it’s normal to experience a few aches and pains as your body changes. But if your growing bump is particularly uncomfortable or preventing you from keeping active — and even your favourite pregnancy pillow doesn't take the edge off — it might be time to consider a pregnancy support belt.
Evidence suggests that wearing a special type of pregnancy belt (or a belly band) can provide relief from aches and pains during your pregnancy and can help you stay active throughout the trimesters.
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about pregnancy support belts, plus the best ones to buy throughout every stage of your pregnancy.
Best belly bands to shop now
Here are the best belly bands at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
What is a pregnancy belly band?
There are actually two different types: belly bands and pregnancy belts (see below for the key differences). Both belly bands and belts are designed to support the lower back and abdomen during pregnancy as your baby grows, and they can be particularly beneficial for active women who are keen to keep moving during the second and third trimesters.
‘Pregnancy belly bands and belts stabilise your pelvis and can help to improve your balance,’ says Sarah Campus, a personal trainer and nutrition coach specialising in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. ‘They can also reduce pregnancy aches and pains.’
So how do they work? ‘Belly bands more evenly distribute your baby's weight over your abdomen and lower back, which in turn alleviates pressure on lower body muscles, ligaments, joints, and back, lessening pain and discomfort as your bump grows and centre of gravity shifts forward,’ explains Campus.
What's the difference between belly bands and pregnancy belts?
A belly band is essentially a loop of material you roll down over your entire bump for gentle support during pregnancy. Whereas a pregnancy belt is a wide reinforced fabric belt that fits under your bump to elevate it slightly, taking the pressure off your stomach, back and hips.
According to the NHS, a maternity belt (the narrower type that sit under your bump) will typically stabilise your pelvic joints while walking or standing, whereas a belly band, or maternity support (the wider loop of material that covers your bump), is designed to help lift the bump and support the muscles, but should only be worn for two hours at a time.
When should you start using a belly band?
There’s no right time to invest in a belly band or a pregnancy belt. Every woman is different, so it really depends on your bump and how much support you would prefer.
If you intend to exercise during your pregnancy, you’re having trouble sleeping, or you’re expecting multiples, you may want to invest in extra support during your first trimester to see you through the whole pregnancy and beyond. If you’re not sure, ask your GP or midwife for advice.
The benefits of pregnancy belly bands
According to Campus, pregnancy belly bands and belts come with the following health benefits:
- Help with the pain/discomfort of a growing belly.
- Gentle compression during activities including walking.
- External cues for posture, to ensure that you are standing tall and hips are straight and not thrusting forward.
- Takes some of the weight off the belly to even out your centre of gravity.
- Reduce the risk of falls by stabilising your pelvis and improving your balance.
- Allows you to engage comfortably in daily activities.
- Pregnancy bands can also be worn after pregnancy for support on your lower back.
If you experience any unusual pain during pregnancy, consult your midwife or GP.
Key things to consider before buying a belly band
Pregnancy belly bands and belts are not suitable for prolonged use so should only be worn during exercise, explains Campus. ‘Women should avoid wearing more constrictive garments such as belly belts or bands for too long at any one time, because they may decrease blood flow to the abdomen and growing baby and could possibly cause heartburn,’ she says.
Campus has outlined the following key features to look out for when buying a pregnancy belly band or belt.
- Pregnancy bands can offer much-needed relief, but they should be used in moderation.
- Before buying or wearing a band or belt consider discussing it with your midwife or a healthcare professional.
- Only wear one during the times you are more uncomfortable.
- Ensure it is comfortable and breathable.
- Opt for a belt or band that can be adjusted and is not too tight or too loose, so that it provides the right support.
11 best belly bands to buy in 2024
We've narrowed down the best pregnancy belly bands and belts on the market to help healthy mums choose the right support.
![Headshot of Rhalou Allerhand Headshot of Rhalou Allerhand](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/895d76ee-c55a-4805-ae6b-025e3d225006_1533136385.png?fill=1:1&resize=120:*)
Rhalou is a senior digital editor specialising in health and wellness with over fifteen years’ online and print publishing experience.
Rhalou has worked for various health platforms including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Netdoctor, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, The Running Bug and Women’s Fitness.
Covering everything from sexual health to fitness, parenting, marathon running and self-care, Rhalou loves creating fun and accessible lifestyle content and feels strongly about demystifying complex medical jargon and empowering people to better understand their health.
Previously, Rhalou was a freelance social media specialist for several major sporting events and race listings including The London Marathon, Breca Swimrun, Findarace, The Westminster Mile and Prudential Ride 100. She has also been a reporter on a local newspaper in remote Scotland, penning breaking news stories about killer otters, cats stuck up trees and the Scottish hill racing scene.
Over the years, Rhalou has been lucky enough to run 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons. She is still a passionate runner, but these days she can mostly be found at her local parkrun or chasing after her young son.
Jessica is a freelance shopping writer specialising in fashion, beauty, and interiors. Jessica was previously a shopping writer at BuzzFeed and has also had work published on Huffington Post, More!, and Reveal. Her most recent role was as a senior e-commerce writer for Women's Health UK covering everything baby and parenting. Jessica is also a fashion content creator under the name Lifebyjess_x.Jessica has an eye for trending products and scouring the internet for great deals, covering everything from practical home buys to the latest fashion finds. She loves checking out TikTok and Instagram for the latest must-haves, as well as cutting through the noise to share the best new launches and sale finds.When not working, Jessica is passionate about finding the best places for a Sunday roast and cuddling her rather spoilt miniature dachshund, Waffle!
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