10 of the best pregnancy support belts 2024
WHAT IS A MATERNITY SUPPORT BELT?
A maternity support belt or pregnancy support belt is a wide adjustable band of material that wraps around your back and under your bump. They effectively hold the bump and take some of the pressure away from your back and pelvis by distributing the weight of the growing belly more evenly.
They are different from belly bands, which are a stretchy piece of fabric to cover the bump that gives little to no support.
Do you need a maternity support belt?
General back pain is very common in pregnancy and a belt may go some way to easing this discomfort. They may also help with particular types of pregnancy pain like sacroiliac joint pain, round ligament pain, and pelvic girdle pain.
Pelvic girdle pain affects up to 1 in 5 women and occurs when the pelvic joints become stiff and move unevenly, causing pain in the lower back, pubic bone, perineum, and thighs.
The NHS advise that if it’s hard for you to move around, for example, getting out of a car, turning over in bed, and using stairs you should speak to your GP or midwife.
What are the benefits of using a support belt in pregnancy?
As well as reducing pain, they can help you maintain good posture and balance. They also provide a degree of support that allows you to continue with light exercise during your pregnancy. And they can be worn after birth to support the areas of your body stretched and strained in the pregnancy.
When can you start wearing a maternity support belt?
Whenever you feel the need to. Support belts are completely safe throughout pregnancy but you shouldn’t wear them for more than two or three hours at a time and never at night. This is because they can affect blood circulation and blood pressure and cause heartburn or indigestion. Wearing a belt too often also won’t allow your core to strengthen by itself to support the growing bump.
If you’ve ever had any issues with your blood circulation and blood pressure you should check with your doctor or midwife before wearing a support belt.
Are they worn under or over the clothes?
It’s completely up to you. Whatever feels most comfortable.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS TO RELIEVE AND AVOID BACK PAIN IN PREGNANCY?
There are also several things you can do to help ease and avoid back pain when pregnant.
Wear flat shoes
Don’t do any heavy lifting
When lifting anything bend your knees and keep your back straight
When carrying anything, balance the weight between both sides
Sit with a straight and supported back
Massages or warm baths
Take paracetamol unless you’ve been advised not to
Stay active with low impact exercises like pilates, yoga, and swimming
Use a pregnancy pillow when sleeping, lying, or sitting
When you turn, move your feet instead of twisting your spine
Try acupuncture
WHAT ARE THE BEST MATERNITY SUPPORT BELTS TO BUY?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on January 5 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. BABYGO 4 in 1 Pregnancy Support Belt
A best-seller.
Fully adjustable velcro belt, which can be worn from 12 weeks onwards as you can increase the level of support. It can also be used after the birth to ease discomfort and aid recovery.
It can relieve back, hip, and pelvic pain and relieves pressure.
It is 75% polyester and 25% spandex and has mesh inserts to make it very breathable.
Available in five sizes and three colours.
Comes with a 40-page pregnancy book with information, advice, and exercises.
What the reviewers say:
Its pain relieving powers are often mentioned with some even describing the instant relief it provides.
2. Belly Bandit Upsie Belly Pregnancy Support Band
Soft, stretchy belt which moulds to your body and incorporates a soothing hot or cold pack
It can ease sciatic, back, and leg pain and relieve pressure on your bladder
Comes in five sizes and two colours
3. Neotech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt
A popular American brand.
Fully adjustable belt which is designed for those with lower back pain and relieves hip, pelvic and sacroiliac joint pain.
Made from 65% polyester, 18% elastane and 17% polyamide.
Hand wash only.
Breathable and comfortable.
Fastens with Velcro for flexibility.
Comes in five sizes and three colours: black, white and beige.
What the reviewers say:
It offers excellent support but the inner material is itchy and not particularly soft. Some suggest wearing a vest underneath if you want to wear it under clothes.
4. TOROS Group Maternity Support Band
Suitable for the second and third trimester as well as after the birth
Reduces back pain and helps to maintain correct posture
Easily adjustable.
5. Gabrialla Maternity Belt
A medium support belt which can be used by pregnant runners.
Made from a soft elastic material, it also has a back pocket for a hot or cold pack.
Made in the USA.
6. LOLA&LYKKE® CORE RELIEF PREGNANCY SUPPORT BELT
Developed with Finnish maternity physiotherapists.
Can be adjusted around the abdomen and also has adjustable straps to lift the belly and support the back.
Has a back pocket to insert a hot or cold therapy pack that can be put in the freezer or microwave.
Made from breathable materials and with a super soft bamboo viscose lining.
A sustainable brand that uses recyclable, plastic-free packaging, carbon-offsets the manufacturing and shipping and supports maternal health initiatives.
7. Supportiback maternity belt
Great value maternity belt.
Designed to sit lower at the back and higher at the hips to encourage natural posture and reduce strain.
The three zone panel structure redistributes weight.
Patented kinesio-weave mimics the skin’s elasticity to reduce tension and feel less restrictive.
Tapered edges and reinforced seams to prevent slipping.
Made from recycled polyfibre and sustainably sourced bamboo and cotton.
8. JoJo Maman Bébé NATURAL AIR FLOW MEDICAL GRADE SUPPORT BELT
A medical grade maternity support belt.
Provides support for the lower back and the belly.
Can also be used after pregnancy.
There is good air flow to make it more comfortable to wear.
Attaches with Velcro to make it very adjustable.
Made from cotton, polyamide and polyurethan ethylene.
Machine washable at 30°C.
Comes in S, M and L.
What the reviewers say:
It’s been described as being great for backache and easy to put on. Some have said they have needed to go a size bigger than normal for the perfect fit.
9. Babymoov Dream Belt
This is designed to help a pregnant woman sleep comfortably at night as is an alternative to a pregnancy pillow.
It is a band with two memory foam cushions either side of your bump to comfortably fill the gap between you and your mattress.
Fastens with Velcro at the gap so it can adjusted to the perfect fit.
The outer fabric is 95% cotton and 5% elastane, the centre front fabric is 65% polyester, 27% viscose and 8% elastane, the inner fabric around the foam is polyamide and the foam is made from polyurethane.
It is stretchy to accommodate a growing bump.
The belt (not the foam inserts) is machine washable at 30°C.
Available in two sizes.
What the reviewers say:
Some have complained that it is not a great fit and can sometimes move a bit in the night. But others have credited it with giving them a pain-free full night of sleep.
10. Carriwell Seamless Maternity Support Band
This support is a band that goes over the belly to gently support your back and tummy.
It is seamless so invisible under clothing and won’t roll down
Soft, breathable and stretchy, it will grow with your bump
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