Maternity belts can provide support for the abdomen during pregnancy, reducing back pain and pressure on the bladder. Different types of belts are available, and it is recommended to consult with a doctor before purchasing one. Some insurance plans may cover the cost, and prices vary. Some women wear them daily, while others only wear them during exercise or when standing for long periods.
Carrying a baby inside a body can be hard work, and any woman who has experienced pregnancy can attest to this fact. As the baby’s weight grows, it can cause more pressure on the bladder, create varicose veins, and lead to chronic low back pain. For these reasons, some women turn to clothing or devices that can create additional support for the abdomen. One of these is the maternity belt.
The simplest type of maternity belt is made of elastic material and can usually be adjusted to fit different sized bellies, although some may need to be purchased in average dress sizes or weight/height sizes. . Basic belts are worn around the back and under the stomach. Compression can help reduce lower bench pain and can increase blood flow to the pelvis. The added support can also ease the bladder and relieve pressure on it.
Other types of maternity belts can provide more support and cover more of your lower back. Some have a strap that goes under the belly and another that fits above. There are additional types of support garments that fit like camisoles across the body, and some belts have straps that go over the shoulders for added support. These can slightly redistribute the way the body carries the extra weight of a growing baby.
When the discomfort of pregnancy is great, it is recommended that people talk to their obstetricians before purchasing a maternity belt. Premature contractions, for example, can be felt in the back, and women should definitely make sure to determine the cause of the discomfort before attempting to resolve it. Another reason to talk to your OB about a maternity belt is because some insurance plans will cover the cost of one or another support garment. They are generally called durable medical equipment and may be paid for in whole or in part by health insurance.
Even if this is not the case and insurance does not cover the cost, simple maternity belts are not very expensive. Many are under $100 US dollars (USD), and the most basic can be about a quarter of that price. Prices may vary based on individual vendors and manufacturers.
Some women will wear a maternity belt during the day, and others will only wear one on days when they have to stand or walk a lot. Exercise can sometimes feel more supported if a belt is worn, and it may be the only time a woman feels like she needs it. Women carrying multiple babies are often recommended to purchase a maternity belt due to the added stress on the body from carrying more than one child. Others progress through a pregnancy without requiring a belt or feeling uncomfortable enough to need one.
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