I am in the last trimester of my third pregnancy. Our three sons are going to be about 2 years apart, so I’ve spent a great deal of time being pregnant in recent years. At six months into this pregnancy I was feeling considerable pressure and back pain. After speaking with my doctor, and answering some questions she had for me, I was told that the ligaments needed to support my growing bundle were being stressed far too much. I was ordered to stay off my feet as much as possible and told that I would need to get a support belt. This belt would have to be worn from the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed and probably for the remainder of the pregnancy.
I began to do research into the maternity support belts. There are many available. The price range seemed to be about $15-$40 for most of the belts I found. There are also several different types. Some styles are simply one band that fits under your belly to literally hold you up. Other styles include a full bra and belly support system that reminds me of the fake pregnancy get-ups actresses wear. There is also a maternity support belt with suspenders that cross at your chest and the belly covering looks like a giant diaper. Upon a closer look at this kind, I realized that it actually has a “pant crotch” that opens and closes for your bathroom needs!
After some pretty thorough research of complaints and compliments for several different maternity support belts, I settled on the Mother-to-be Maternity Support from Therapy Best Buys priced at $35.95 (plus S&H;). I wasn’t sure about the size to order but their Amazon listing recommended a Small for pre-pregnancy dress size 3-8. I am 5’7″ and a pre-pregnancy size 6/8 so I went with the Small. I also purchased their Soft Insert for Lumbar Support Belts that fits perfectly into the available opening on the support belt.
It comes with three parts. First, there is the soft underbelly support with a thick stretchy band (like an Ace bandage) that wraps around your waist and attaches with Velcro. There is a lot of stretch to the band and it is easy to adjust for your growing size and your comfort. The second part is the back support that wraps around to attach to the underbelly support via Velcro. The back support has a little bit of give to it but the majority of your adjusting will come from the belly support section. You can adjust the back support to be firmer or looser depending on your preference. The final part is a small stretchy band that is meant to go above your belly and connects on either end to the back support. The paperwork says that although it is not necessary, this part is meant to provide an extra feeling of “lift”.
The belt came quickly and I was excited to try it on. There was definitely an immediate sense of relief when I put it on and I began to question why I didn’t get one sooner (and with my other pregnancies). The size Small fits great and continues to fit well a month after I first received it. When I am up moving around and doing things I prefer to have a firm adjustment on the back for added support. I don’t really wear the final band because it seems that my little guy fights the belt enough.
Now for the things about the belt that aren’t the greatest. When I am sitting down I really don’t like to have the back support very tight (or even on most of the time) because it feels like it is too restrictive. I know the support belt is not hurting him but as my baby is getting bigger it seems that I need to give us both a break every so often from the confines of my corset. The belly pad will sometimes fold up on itself when I am sitting. It can be annoying to adjust back to being flat against my belly but it is not unbearable. Another minor nuisance, is how much “fuzz” the back support seems to be accruing. Throughout the day you will have to readjust yourself because the back support section likes to shove your maternity jeans down in the back. This is probably the most annoying part of it because I constantly feel like my jeans are sagging in the bum and that is not a feeling you want when you’re already gaining weight on a regular basis.
Most of the images I found of the belts showed it being worn over an undershirt. I figured this would be the most comfortable way to wear it. I have a few of those long maternity shelf bra camisole/tanks that I wear under the belt. Having to constantly wear the support belt can get interesting when trying to find something to wear. Since it is cooler weather now, I am able to wear layers more comfortably than I would be able to in warmer days, so that is a relief. Sometimes the belt can cause lumps to appear under my shirt but it is not something that has me overly concerned.
Overall, this support belt is amazing. I am really happy to have that extra lift under my growing belly. It has made a world of difference in how the extra baby weight is distributed and helps me to feel much needed relief. A few minor issues with the belt are small prices to pay when I know that I am taking care of my baby and protecting us both during this special time. It has allowed me to go from dreading the discomfort of this pregnancy to really being able to enjoy this last part of the pregnancy. I would definitely recommend this belt to any pregnant woman at any point in her pregnancy.
