The best girdles to use during pregnancy are those made with soft, elastic cotton fabric because they are more comfortable and efficient in their purpose. This type of belt adjusts to the woman’s body, without compressing the belly, being even more practical and comfortable to use than adjustable ones that contain clasps or velcro.
The belts with elastic fabric widen as the belly grows and therefore do not squeeze the baby or harm blood circulation, and can even be used for sleeping.
Main benefits of the belt during pregnancy
Wearing a belt during pregnancy is recommended because it helps to support the belly, without overloading the spine, thus avoiding back pain, especially at the end of pregnancy. Another advantage is reducing swelling and the feeling of heaviness in the legs because it improves venous return from the legs to the heart.
The same benefits can be achieved by using just one elastic band for pregnant women, but as the belly grows, the mother-to-be may feel the need to buy another belt to better accommodate her entire belly.
The straps can vary in size, being a little larger than a pair of panties or reaching up to the stomach area. They can be used daily throughout the pregnancy, but it is not always possible to use them in a second pregnancy because the material of the belt can become too stretched, becoming loose at the beginning of another pregnancy.
When to start using a brace
The pregnant woman can start using her belt as soon as she feels the need. When a woman is within her ideal weight and is gaining adequate weight during pregnancy, it may be necessary to start using it after 20 weeks of pregnancy, due to the growth of her belly. But women who are rapidly gaining weight can start using it sooner.
Best girdle models for pregnant women
In addition to personal taste, it must be taken into account that a woman may need 2 different belts for each pregnancy. Initially, you can just use the elastic band over the cotton panties, and as your belly grows, you can use a belt about 20 cm high.
Models with zippers between the legs make trips to the bathroom easier, which are very frequent during pregnancy. Belts that contain legs, like shorts, may be more comfortable and do not mark thin fabric clothes, but they are also warmer in summer. Girdles with an integrated bra can be useful for wearing everything at once, but they mean having to take off all your clothes when you go to the bathroom.
When buying a belt, you must take into account the size of your belly, the comfort when wearing the belt and your daily need for spinal protection, as some are more efficient than others. The most sensible thing to do is to go to a store in person, such as those specializing in products for pregnant women and babies, and wear different models, avoiding buying online.
