During the process of pregnancy, your body is changing, and while that happens you may face some changes that cause discomfort to most moms to be. When your baby bump grows bigger, expect to feel extra strain on your hips, back and pelvis. This happens because the centre of gravity shifts and the strain to the back at the lower level increases, this can sometimes cause significant pain. If walking, standing, or even sleeping has become a burden, you will be looking to find a way to get relief. One solution is providing your bump with support with the best pregnancy support belt.

It's not just choosing the right belly band, but knowing how to use the support band the right way. They can be effective in providing support to your growing baby bump, offering comfort and relieving pressure on your lower back. This buying guide will take you through everything you need to know about belly bands, such as how to find the best support belts, their types and how to choose the right fit for you.

 

Buying Guide: Finding the Best Pregnancy Support Belt

A pregnancy support belt is not an unnecessary fashion accessory but a comfort and postural belt. The right belt will assist in alleviating lower back pressure, helping hold the weight of your belly, and correcting your posture. However, with such a wide range of choice you might be wondering which one really works best? 

Determine Your Body Pain

Identify which part of your body hurts. Each support belt is designed for specific areas of your body. A belt made for around the sacroiliac (SI) joint is preferred in pelvic pain, whilst broader, full-belly aids are recommended for overall back and abdominal support.

Check the Materials

When you are pregnant, your body temperature tends to rise. Look for support belts that are made of soft and breathable fabrics. This can help you prevent skin irritations that are caused by sweating caused by  thicker materials.

Assess Adjustability

Your growing belly needs support that grows with it. You need a belt that is fully adjustable from your current size to your larger bump when full term.

Easy to Use

Given the discomfort that you are feeling, the support that you need should give you ease. Search for a belt that has accessible features so you don’t have to worry about getting help when taking it on and off.

Top Picks: The Best Maternity Support Belts Reviewed

Among the trusted brands, only a few names are regularly recommended by their customers. If you’re having a hard time choosing which brands to buy from, take a look at these top-rated brands that have supported many moms during their motherhood journey.

1. Momcozy

The Momcozy pregnancy belt is popular among mothers to be, especially among first time moms, due to its breathable fabric. It is able to cover your belly without feeling too much pressure. In addition, it is made using lightweight materials, so you can feel the support without having a weird feeling. Also, their support belts have an ergonomic curve lift feature that provides extra back support. It is meant to fit all stages of pregnancy, and is good enough to wear on a daily basis.

This belt is famous because of its strong compression and posture support, which provides great stability to the lower back. This can be particularly useful in the third trimester when more lift is required to alleviate pelvic pressure.

3. NeoTech Care Maternity Belt

This can be changed to a comfortable and firm design, which entails the use of durable elastic bands and breathable mesh. It is a convenient option among women who would like to have fully adjustable belly belts.

4. AZMED Maternity Belt

This is a firm, lightweight and flexible belt that offers mild to moderate support. It is ideal to wear every day under clothes and is easy to put on. 

5. BABYGO 4-in-1 Pregnancy and Postpartum Belt

This support belt is designed to be able to support in pregnancy and to aid postpartum recovery after birth. It is fitted with 4 adjustable components that provide lift, core support and compression of the waist if necessary.

Each brand has their own strengths so your choice will depends on what you prefer when it comes to comfort, level of activity and the support you will require as your bump grows.

Comparing Different Types of Belly Support Belts

Pregnancy belts are available in different designs, which each have a different purpose. Check their types, functions and drawbacks to help you decide which type of support belt is suitable for your needs.

 

Belt Type	Function	Ideal For	Drawbacks
Maternity Belt	The abdomen is raised from below to alleviate lower back pressure and round ligament pain.	Light-to-medium pain, daily routine, physical exercise.	Low level of support to severe PGP; may need frequent repositioning.
Belly Cradle/Sling	Supports the abdomen 360-degree and lifts the mid-to-upper back and makes it stable.	Multiples, extreme abdominal weight, general back pain.	Due to their high level of coverage they have the greatest visibility when under clothes.
Compression Garment/ Tank	Provides gentle compression	Ideal for early phase of pregnancy if additional support is needed.	Offers minimal support

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Support Belt

The right fit will ensure the belt is most effective and comfortable. A loose fitting belt will not be supportive enough, whereas a tight belt will limit the movement and may rub. 

1. Measure Yourself

Do not rely on your size before pregnancy or clothing size. To ensure a good fit get a tape measure and wrap it around your abdomen.

2. Check the Sizing Chart

Check the measurement you take against the specific sizing chart of the manufacturer of the belt you have chosen. Well-known brands will normally offer various sizes (Small, Medium, Large etc.). When you are unsure of the size, always go by what the manufacturer suggests, which is normally to go bigger in order to be able to support you as you get bigger.

3. Follow the Two-Finger Rule

Once you have the belt and try it on for the first time ensure 2 fingers can easily go between the belt and the body. If you can squeeze in more than two fingers, then it is loose. If you find it hard to put one in, the fit is too tight.

It is normally recommended not to wear your support belt for more than two to three hours at a time. While they can provide a great level of support, you don't want to weaken the muscles supporting your bump further. Specialists suggest that the belt should be removed when sitting for a long period of time and be used only when you are more active, such as walking around, standing for long periods or light physical exercises. Take the belt off straight away if you experience numbness, tingling or increase pressure.

Conclusion

A great pregnancy support belt isn’t only about back pains, but the way your body changes in general, which makes you feel comfortable and confident. The right belt will offer stability, balance and support your posture so that you can remain active and comfortable during your pregnancy.

Each mom has a unique body, and therefore, you would take your time to establish what fits you well. This might even be a lightweight loose band early on before changing to a structured belt when you are in the third trimester. It is also important to allow your muscles to strengthen to support your changing shape so light exercise like pregnancy pilates or aqua aerobics can also be helpful.