Thinking About a Pregnancy Belly Band or a Belly Belt? Think Again!

See Why Physiotherapists prefer SRC Pregnancy Leggings and Shorts over Belly Bands and Pregnancy Belts

Although research has found 83% of women with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Lower Back Pain (LBP) LBP experience reduced posterior pelvic pain when wearing a pelvic support belt, with only 12% experiencing no relief, and 5% reporting they felt worse (Depledge et al., 2005) other factors need to be considered when prescribing pelvic support belts, given the target population is pregnant women. These factors include:

• levels of compliance in wearing the belt,
• positioning of the belt,
• accuracy in sizing,
• required compression
• location to stimulate stabilizing muscles,
• and effects on core body temperature (a special consideration, as this needs to be carefully regulated during pregnancy) (Damen et al.,2002; Ho et al., 2009b).

Earlier studies indicated that pelvic support belts were associated with poor compliance due to ‘garment-related problems including skin irritation from the seams and fasteners.

A Quasi‐Experimental Study To Evaluate The Use Of Compression Garments To Manage Prenatal Pelvic And Low Back Pain by Szkwara J, Hing W, Pope R, Rathbone E, Bond University, Robina, Australia, November 2017 concluded that:

SRC Pregnancy Shorts are effective, thermally safe and a non-pharmacological option for prevention and management of pain during pregnancy.

"Belts can dig into women whereas the [SRC] shorts are giving you support in all different positions which I really love" -Anna Scammel.

Anna Scammel is a Masters-trained Women's Health & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist from The Whole Mother who helps optimise your physical health during pregnancy and recovery. See (90 seconds) why she favours SRC Pregnancy Leggings and Shorts over Maternity Belts and Belly Bands.