Pregnancy is a difficult time in a woman’s life. Your body is going through changes, and with those changes, you’re growing. When your stomach expands during pregnancy to make space for your little one, it can end up causing weight distribution issues that place strain on your hips, pelvis, and lumbar areas. Luckily, that pain can be mitigated with the right maternity belt or pregnancy belly band.
Once the baby is born, your muscles will start to loosen up. More often than not, this is the reason why that postpartum baby weight hangs around and causes the skin to sag. The solution for this is the right postpartum belly band to help keep those muscles tight as your body returns to normal. That’s why we’ll be showing you the 10 best maternity belts and belly bands you can find. We know how hard it can be to choose the right product, so we’re here to guide you.
- Main Factors to Consider When Making Your Choice
- Stages
- Top 10 Maternity Belts and Belly Bands 2023
- 1. The Best Overall: NeoTech Care Maternity Belt
- 2. The Best Postpartum Belly Band: ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt
- 3. The Easiest Maternity Belt to Work With: AZMED Maternity Belt
- 4. The Best Budget Choice: Jill & Joey Maternity Belt
- 5. The Best Postpartum Belly Band and Maternity Belt Combination: Bracoo Maternity Belt
- 6. The Best Maternity Belt for Active Mothers: Babo Care Maternity Belt
- 7. Keababies 3-in-1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap
- 8. Skywee Professional Products Maternity Belt
- 9. The Best Plus-Size Belly Band: NU Momz Belly Band
- 10. Rheane Seamless Belly Band
- A Guide to Maternity Belts and Belly Bands
- Final Thoughts
Main Factors to Consider When Making Your Choice
Size
The size of a maternity belt or belly band makes all of the difference. There are a lot of different size options out there, including product options designed as a one-size-fits-all product. So, before you buy, always check the sizes.
All of the size options are broken down in inches, and most products have their charts to help you choose the right size. Remember, if they’re too tight or too loose, it defeats the whole purpose. For reference, here is a quick look at what the sizes are:
- S: 33-41″
- M: 38-45″
- L: 42-49″
- XL: 46-54″
- XXL: 52-60.5″
This video will give you an idea about how to size your belly band.
When shopping for maternity belts or belly bands, you’ll come across a few different variations. There are belly bands that sit on your belly, maternity belts that sit at your waist (just beneath your gut), and postpartum belly bands.
Belly Bands
Belly bands are common pregnancy pain relievers, and they work by applying pressure directly to your abdominal area to relieve pain. Belly bands are generally budget-friendly, but they lack the strength to alleviate pain in places like the hips and pelvis.
Maternity Belts
Maternity belts are similar to belly bands, but they sit at waist level to support your belly from below. For pain relief, maternity belts are the superior product, and for this reason, they’re generally more expensive than belly bands.
Postpartum Belly Bands
Postpartum belly bands are different than belly bands and maternity bands because they’re used after childbirth. Postpartum belly bands make sure that your abdominal muscles remain tight to reduce possible skin sag.
Stages
When shopping for a maternity belt or belly band, you need to be aware of the stage that they’re designed for. These stages of pregnancy include all three trimesters and the brief postpartum period, where muscles begin to loosen up. Some products can be used across each stage, but you’ll come across products that are relatively limited too.
If you want more information on maternity and belly bands, you can find out more information after our reviews. For now, let’s show you the best maternity and belly bands out on the market today.
Top 10 Maternity Belts and Belly Bands 2023
1. The Best Overall: NeoTech Care Maternity Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$$
- Size: Small through to double extra-large
- Type: Maternity belt, pregnancy belly band, postpartum belly band.
- Stages: All three trimesters and postpartum
Description
The Neotech Care Maternity Belt comes in many different colors and sizes to fit the needs of every mother. Whether you’ll be needing a maternity belt for the first or third trimester, the NeoTech Care Maternity Belt can give you comfort at every stage. It’s made with a premium multi-layered laminate that’s reinforced with elastic fabric to promote breathability, and the belly hooks allow you to adjust the belt to accommodate you in each trimester. As your belly grows, the maternity belt will grow with you.
The NeoTech Care Maternity Belt also works as both a belly band and a maternity belt. With a dual-purpose design, it can provide the benefits that come with both pregnancy bands and maternity belts. As for the colors and sizes: for the most part, they don’t cause the price to fluctuate. The NeoTech Care Maternity Belt is also great for postpartum support thanks to the separate belt and belly band design.
What Sets It Apart
The NeoTech Care Maternity Belt is in a league of its own when it comes to customization and comfort. The fabric is padded to provide additional comfort, and the hooks allow you to customize the support of the band and belt. Plus, if the belly band is rubbing too much on your belly, it’s completely detachable. This maternity belt is the best overall choice because of the color options, size adjustments, and size options in general. This belt does more for less, even after childbirth.
Things to Consider
While the NeoTech Care Maternity Belt does it all, no product is perfect. One thing to keep an eye on is the size chart and give yourself some leeway. Unfortunately, if your size ends up changing beyond your expectations, you might have to get another size, or the belt will be obsolete and uncomfortable.
Who It’s For
The NeoTech Care Maternity Belt is for mothers that want to get everything they can out of a product for a great price. It also caters to the different color tastes and needs of mothers with unique body types. If you’re looking for a product that you can tailor to your specific needs through any stage of pregnancy, the NeoTech Care Maternity Belt is a great choice.
Pros
- Various sizes, colors, and adjustment options
- Acts as both a maternity belt and belly band
- Can double as a postpartum belly band with similar efficiency to the top postpartum belly bands
Cons
- If you outgrow the belt, you might need to purchase a new band to accommodate your size
2. The Best Postpartum Belly Band: ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Size: Plus-size and petite
- Type: Belly band
- Stages: Postpartum
Description
There is a lot of focus on wearing maternity belts and belly bands before childbirth, but people tend to forget how beneficial a postpartum belt can be. The ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt is an example of how vital a postpartum belt can be, and it provides a tight grip on potentially loose abdominal muscles. The ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt has 3-in-1 in the title for a reason, and that reason is that it can support your abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles, and waist muscles.
The ChongErfei 3 in 1 Postpartum Support Belt is made with high-quality elastic material and has two size options that are guaranteed to fit any body type. There is a plus-size option, for larger women, and a one-size option for smaller women. The padded elastic material makes sure that those two size options are enough for all body types.
What Sets It Apart
The ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt is unique in that it targets three areas of support. There are a lot of postpartum belts that target the belly, but as any mother knows, the gut is not the only area impacted by pregnancy. Making sure that all of your muscles remain tight is vital across your entire body, not just one place, which is why the ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt is the best postpartum belly band.
Things to Consider
The ChongErfrei 3 in 1 Postpartum Support Belt is a great choice for women who have recently had a child, but other than that the belt is not effective. The ChongErfrei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt can’t be worn prior to childbirth, making it limited and costly for the amount of time you’ll be able to use it.
Who It’s For
The ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Belt is for mothers that have recently had a child. Typically, there is an 8-day window to apply pressure to regions of the body that become loose after pregnancy, meaning that you do have to act quickly to see results. Overall, the ChongErfei 3 in 1 Postpartum Support Belt is for mothers that want to get back to their pre-pregnancy body weight quicker and more effectively.
Pros
- Targets the abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles, and waist area of postpartum mothers
- Two size options designed to fit all body types
- Helps women get back to their original body shape before pregnancy
- Great value
Cons
- Provides no support before childbirth
- If you have a body type that's on the extreme side of small or large, you'll run into size problems with this product
3. The Easiest Maternity Belt to Work With: AZMED Maternity Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Size: 48-inch diameter
- Type: Maternity belt
- Stages: All three trimesters
Description
The AZMED Maternity Belt is designed to help mothers correct their posture and improve discomfort or back pain. It accomplishes this feat by using an elastic material designed to hold your stomach firmly in place. For standing, sitting, or walking, the AZMED Maternity Belt can make any experience more comfortable.
What Sets It Apart
The AZMED Maternity Belt is unique because it’s simple. Simple usually doesn’t make a product stand out, but in the maternity belt market, sometimes having an easy product that does its job well is crucial. The AZMED Maternity Belt provides all of the benefits that the top brands like NeoTech provide, but it does so in a way that’s easy for mothers. There is only one size option, color choice, and method of putting it on. The simplicity of the AZMED Maternity Belt is what makes it the most effortless maternity belt to work with.
Things to Consider
One of the main issues with the AZMED Maternity Belt is that it comes in only one color and size. For mothers that may have plus size body types, or a body type that’s on the petite side, this belt isn’t a good fit. While this may be the case, most sizes are accommodated by this belt.
Who It’s For
The AZMED Maternity Belt is for any mother that’s struggling with back pain, posture problems, lumbar discomfort, and other discomforts that come with pregnancy. The AZMED Maternity Belt is also for mothers that prefer a simple approach to a maternity belt instead of working with features that make the belt complex and challenging to adjust and make of the most out of.
Pros
- Limited choices make the product easy to shop for
- Back, waist, leg, and lumbar support is on par with more complex maternity belts
- Easy to use, take off, and put on
Cons
- Only one size option and limited color choices
4. The Best Budget Choice: Jill & Joey Maternity Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Size: One-size-fits-all and plus size
- Type: Maternity Belt
- Stages: All three trimesters and postpartum
Description
The Jill & Joey Maternity Belt comes in one size fitted for up to 45 inches of pregnancy circumference. While it may seem like 45 inches is not a large number, plenty of consumers report that the Jill & Joey Maternity Belt fits both petite and plus size mothers with no issues. The material that the Jill & Joey Maternity Belt is made with is a high-quality cotton that has elastic blended in. For functionality, the elastic laced cotton works well with the Velcro attachments to make the Jill & Joey Maternity Belt an easy-to-use maternity belt.
The Jill & Joey Maternity Belt can be adjusted in a few ways, but the one size and Velcro straps make it optimal to use this belt on the standard length that it comes with. There are no additional color or size options, making the Jill & Joey Maternity Belt a straightforward product.
What Sets It Apart
The Jill & Joey Maternity Belt uses a unique form of Velcro and elastic cotton that’s easy to adjust. The cotton makes the maternity belt comfortable and breathable, while the Velcro makes it one of the easiest to use on the market. While these features help it stand out, the price is really what makes this a great choice. The Jill & Joey Maternity Belt costs less than popular brands like Bracoo, AZMED, and NeoTech, but it provides the same level of comfort and pain relief.
Things to Consider
While the Jill & Joey Maternity Belt is a great maternity belt, it comes up short with some of its features. There are not a lot of adjustments that you can make with the Velcro, and 45 inches is not as inclusive as some brands that go well over 48inches like AZMED. For some mothers, these issues can make this belt uncomfortable.
Who It’s For
The Jill & Joey Maternity Belt is for mothers that are shopping for a maternity belt on a tight budget. The price is one of the best deals on the market, and the product is easy to work with. The benefits are not on the same level as some other brands, but what’s important is that it’s great for the expectant mother that’s only seeking a few hours a day using a maternity belt for when the pain gets really bad.
Pros
- Velcro straps are easy to work with
- One of the least expensive options
- Fits most body types and sizes
- Made with high-quality elastic cotton
Cons
- The size and adjustments that can be made are limited, which some mothers may not like
5. The Best Postpartum Belly Band and Maternity Belt Combination: Bracoo Maternity Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Size: One-size-fits-all
- Type: Maternity belt and postpartum belly band
- Stages: All three trimesters and postpartum
Description
The Bracoo Maternity Belt is a well-rounded maternity belt that can be used during pregnancy and after childbirth. The design of the Bracoo Maternity Belt is a great one, as the double-fastening strap system makes it easy to work with. Instead of leaving the Bracoo Maternity Belt in one position all day long, mothers can get extended use out of the belt by making small adjustments throughout the day.
The Bracoo Maternity Belt lacks customization options, but the product benefits from this. The one-size that it comes in is good enough to fit a wide range of body types, and if your body runs bigger or smaller, the straps can always be adjusted to accommodate for this. As for colors, the pink color is both appealing and pleasant to look at.
What Sets It Apart
The Bracoo Maternity Belt is special because it can be used as a postpartum belly band and pregnancy maternity belt. Other products like the AZMED Maternity Belt and ChongErfei 3 in 1 Postpartum Support Belt do an excellent job for the stages of pregnancy that they’re designed for. Still, they can’t do both like the Bracoo Maternity Belt can.
Things to Consider
The Bracoo Maternity Belt benefits from having limited options, but the limited options creates a problem for people with body types that don’t fit their size guidelines. Keep in mind that this occurs in rare cases thanks to the adjustable straps, but it’s still something you need to consider about the Bracoo Maternity Belt.
Who It’s For
The Bracoo Maternity Belt is for mothers that want a traditional maternity belt to ease back pain and discomfort. Still, this belt is also for mothers that want these benefits to carry over after the child is born as well. For mothers that like the idea of having a maternity belt and postpartum belt, the Bracoo Maternity Belt is a great alternative to our top pick.
Pros
- Can be used in every stage of pregnancy including postpartum
- Limited size and color options make it easy to work with
- Double-fastening strap helps the belt conform to most body types
Cons
- Only one size and color option
6. The Best Maternity Belt for Active Mothers: Babo Care Maternity Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Size: 48 inches
- Type: Maternity belt
- Stages: All three trimesters
Description
The Babo Care Maternity Belt can be used during each trimester of pregnancy, and it can accommodate up to 48 inches of belly circumference. The material used in the belt is both elastic and breathable, which allows mothers to wear it for prolonged periods.
The Babo Care Maternity Belt comes in one color, which is tan, and there is only one size option. The size can be adjusted by using the steps on each side. While there may not be Velcro or hooks involved, the straps are strong enough to remain tight.
What Sets It Apart
The Babo Care Maternity Belt is unique in that it can be worn for more extended periods than other maternity belts. Some maternity belts like the NeoTech Maternity Belt and AZMED Maternity Belt shouldn’t be worn for too long, whereas the Babo Care Maternity Belt can be worn for hours at a time. Thanks to the breathable material, this belt is excellent for getting daily chores done in comfort.
Things to Consider
The Babo Care Maternity Belt is a little bit expensive for what you get. Other brands like Bracoo and Jill & Joey offer a similar product for a lower price. The price is not through the roof, but for what you get, it does seem high.
Who It’s For
The Babo Care Maternity Belt is for mothers that would like to wear a maternity belt for several hours per day. The band is made with breathable material that provides comfort whether you’re laying down, walking, or doing other household chores. So, for the active mother, the Babo Care Maternity Belt is the best choice.
Pros
- Excellent choice for mothers that are actively doing chores or exercise
- Comes with one-size option that fits most body types
- Can be worn for longer periods than other maternity belts and pregnancy belly bands
Cons
- The price is high for what you get compared to other products
7. Keababies 3-in-1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Size: One size and plus size
- Type: Postpartum belly band
- Stages: Postpartum
Description
The KeaBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap is a well-rounded postpartum belly band. The material is elastic and tight, making it a great way to tighten your abdominal muscles without the band feeling too stiff. It also does more than just abdominal tightening. For example, it can be adjusted to tighten your waistline, abdomen, and pelvic area. For mothers that have recently had a child, The KeaBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap handles each problem area.
It comes in a few different color and size options. The primary color is classic ivory, but there are other options to choose from, like black or beige. This belt has a one-size option for petite women and the plus-size option for plus-size women. With a wide range of sizes and colors, The KeaBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap is a versatile postpartum belly band.
What Sets It Apart
The KeaBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap is different than other postpartum belly bands on the market. While brands like ChongErfei offer similar size options, this has more color options. When you’re looking to get your body into great shape after childbirth, to some people, looking good while you do it counts.
Things to Consider
While the KeaBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap is excellent for mothers that have just had a child, there are no uses for this product during pregnancy. Therefore, before considering buying it, make sure you know that it’s made for those few weeks after your pregnancy has ended.
Who It’s For
This is for mothers that want to get into shape after their child is born. It can target every problem area to make sure that mothers don’t suffer weight gain or additional body fat due to loose muscles.
Pros
- Can target every problem area, including the waist, pelvis, and abdomen
- Two sizes designed to fit most body types
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons
- Can only be used after a child is born
- Color choices have an impact on the price
8. Skywee Professional Products Maternity Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Size: One-size-fits-all
- Type: Maternity belt
- Stages: All three trimesters and postpartum
Description
The Skywee Professional Products Maternity Belt is inexpensive, safe, and easy to use. For back support at a bargain, this is one of the more affordable products. It doesn’t compromise quality for the price either, which is evident in the material that the belt and straps are made out of.
It is made with elastic cotton that can be adjusted to fit most body styles, and the Velcro straps are easy to work with. There is a limited amount of color and size options.
What Sets It Apart
The main difference between this belt and the competition is that it is much more affordable. It’s is about the same price as the average meal.
Things to Consider
While the Skywee Professional Products Maternity Belt may be affordable, there are a few issues that come with that price tag. The most notable flaw of this belt is that it’s not all that adjustable. Sure, you can tighten the Velcro, but once you get to the 3rd trimester, the effectiveness of the Skywee begins to drop off. Of course, this depends on your body size, but it’s worth thinking about.
Who It’s For
The Skywee Professional Products Maternity Belt is for mothers that don’t want to spend a lot of money on a fancy maternity belt. It’s a well-rounded maternity belt that keeps up with other brands, but it’s much less intense. It’s easy to put on and perfect for mothers looking for only a few moments of usage each day.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to put on and take off thanks to velcro straps
- Made with elastic material designed to fit most body sizes
Cons
- Does not make adjustments well and begins to lose effectiveness later in pregnancies
9. The Best Plus-Size Belly Band: NU Momz Belly Band
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Size: 50 inches
- Type: Belly Band
- Stages: All three trimesters
Description
The NU Momz Belly Band is a quality belly band that does what you need it to for a solid price. It’s made with cotton and elastic materials to make sure there is enough stretch capability, and the 50-inch circumference is unlike anything else you can find. Overall, with a large waist size and comfortable material, the NU Momz Belly Band is a well-rounded belly band suitable for women in the late trimesters of their pregnancy.
What Sets It Apart
The best feature that the NU Momz Belly Band has is the 50-inch waist circumference. There are other belly bands and maternity belts that reach 40-48 inches, but the NU Momz Belly Band stands alone at 50 inches. So, if you need a plus-size product, this is one of the best belly bands that you can find for the price.
Things to Consider
While the NU Momz Belly Band caters to plus size women, petite women naturally don’t get any value out of it. The downside to the larger waist circumference is that for petite women, the belly band won’t be effective. That said, all women can benefit from the NU Momz Belly Band during the third trimester.
Who It’s For
It is designed for plus size women and women in their third trimester of pregnancy. While it may not have some of the flashy features that brands like NeoTech have, the NU Momz Belly Band is the perfect fit for mothers that have plus-size waists.
Pros
- Excellent option for plus size women struggling with smaller belly bands
- Fits most women during the third trimester
- Comfortable cotton and breathable elastic material
Cons
- Limited color and size options
- Petite women will struggle to find value in the first or second trimester
10. Rheane Seamless Belly Band
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Size: 1-4 (up to 50 inches)
- Type: Belly band
- Stages: All three trimesters
Description
The Rheane Seamless Belly Band is comfortable, breathable, and easy to wear. There are no straps, hooks, or Velcro. It comes in a few different sizes to accommodate for all women, with sizes ranging from 1-4. For reference, Rheane has a chart that mothers can look at to make sure they get their size right. The price is the same no matter which size you go for.
The material that the Rheane Seamless Belly Band uses is a blend of cotton and elastic materials. The combination makes the band stretch while not remaining too tight. Also, it comes with an additional attachment that can help hold your clothing in place while you’re wearing it. The design is much different than traditional wrap-around belly bands, but it can provide the same benefits.
What Sets It Apart
What sets the Rheane Seamless Belly Band apart is the design. It’s rare to see a belly band that can be used during and after pregnancy, and it’s even rarer to see a belly band that has no straps or hooks. The design is comfortable yet different. For example, while the design may be different, you’ll notice that the hip support is on par with brands like NeoTech and AZMED, even though the lumbar support is lacking.
Things to Consider
The Rheane Seamless Belly Band has a unique design that may not be appealing for some mothers. Based on the positioning and the lack of straps, on plus size women this belly band can become uncomfortable if the size is wrong.
Who It’s For
This product is for mothers that prefer a different approach to belly bands. While it does the same job, the positioning is different and takes some adjusting to get used to. The Rheane Seamless Belly Band is also for mothers that want a postpartum belly band as well. The Rheane Seamless Belly Band can be used through all pregnancy stages, including postpartum.
Pros
- Can be used through all pregnancy stages including post postpartum and early trimesters
- Affordable low price
- Unique strapless design is easy to put on and take off
Cons
- The design can be difficult for some women to adjust to
- Due to the design, the lumbar support is limited compared to the hip support
A Guide to Maternity Belts and Belly Bands
Why You Need a Maternity Belt or Belly Band
Maternity belts and pregnancy belly bands are useful during pregnancy, thanks to the support they provide. While active mothers will benefit the most, everyone can benefit from a maternity belt or belly band. There are three reasons all mothers should consider trying a belly band, and these reasons are compression, pain relief, and posture.
Pain Relief
Pain relief is why most mothers consider a maternity belt or pregnancy band. While pregnant, the weight becomes hard for your body to distribute. To compensate for this, a maternity belt or belly band can take the pressure off of your back, pelvis, and hips. These bands will not work overnight, but 2-3 hour sessions daily can make an improvement over time.
Posture
When pregnant, although you might not notice it, your posture will start to become impacted. If you fail to maintain the right posture, pain will soon follow. Belly bands and maternity belts are a great way to make sure that your spine remains straight, which can help keep you from being in pain to begin with.
After Pregnancy
Once your pregnancy has ended, you’ll be left with a body struggling to get back to normal. As your muscles begin to return back to their normal state, your skin will have a tough time holding itself together. To provide additional support, a postpartum belly band can help your body get back to its pre-pregnancy state.
You can find out more about the science behind why belly bands and maternity belts are useful in this article.
Maternity Belts, Pregnancy Belly Bands, and Postpartum Belly Bands: The Differences and How to Choose
Maternity belts, postpartum belly bands, and pregnancy bands may seem similar, but they’re very different products. While they serve the same purpose, you’ll find that maternity belts are the way to go if you suffer from severe discomfort or pain.
Belly bands work too, but they’re more basic than maternity belts. So, if you’re curious about which one you should choose, here are the benefits of each.
Maternity Belts
Maternity belts provide a wide array of pain relief. While they may not be lightweight and can feel cumbersome at times, they’re great for posture and comfort adjustments. Maternity belts can help relieve back pain, hip discomfort, pelvic pain, pain caused during exercise, pain caused by being on your feet all day, and both sciatic and lumbar pain.
If you’re suffering from pain, you’ll want to consider maternity belts like the NeoTech Care Maternity Belt, the Bracoo Maternity Belt, AZMED Maternity Belt, and Babo Care Maternity Belt.
In general, maternity belts are designed for targeted pain relief. They shouldn’t be worn for more than 2-3 hours, and they can weigh you down unless you get one that’s specific for exercise like the Babo Care Maternity Belt.
Belly Bands
Belly bands are lightweight compared to maternity belts, and they provide mild pain relief. The main purpose of belly bands is to provide comfort while allowing you to use more of your wardrobe for longer. For example, if you notice that some of your clothes only fit with the buttons open or undone, a belly band is a great way to prolong the lifespan of these clothes. Some great belly band choices to wear under your clothes are the Nu Momz Belly Band and the Rheane Seamless Belly Band.
Belly bands may not provide the same level of pain relief as maternity bands, but they can relieve mild discomfort and help correct posture. Belly bands can be worn longer than maternity belts and are geared towards mothers that want to preserve their wardrobe while pregnant.
Postpartum Belly Bands
Postpartum belly bands are different than pregnancy belly bands and maternity bands in that they’re made for the weeks following the birth of your child. You’ll want to go with a 3-in-1 option that can target each problem area that may have loose muscles. Commonly, these re the abdomen, pelvis, and waist.
While postpartum belly bands have no usage during pregnancy, if you want the body you had before pregnancy, a postpartum belly band is a great way to get that body back naturally. Both the KeaBabies and ChongErfei make excellent postpartum belly bands that can target these problem areas.
Also, some maternity belts and belly bands can double as postpartum belly bands. While this may be the case, products that double as a postpartum belly band are not as effective as specific postpartum belly bands that can hit each area. Exceptions to this include the NeoTech Care Maternity Belt and Bracoo Maternity Belt. Postpartum belly bands can also be tricky to put on and remove, so if you have trouble, this video shows you exactly how to wear 3-in-1 postpartum belly bands.
Choosing the Right Maternity Belt, Pregnancy Belly Band, or Postpartum Belly Band Based on Your Current Trimester
If you want to choose the right product for your current situation, it helps to know which products work the best for each stage of pregnancy. We’ve gone over this briefly in each review, but if you’re still on the fence, we’ll narrow it down for you here.
The First Trimester
During the first trimester of pregnancy, there isn’t too much to worry about when it comes to the baby bump. Most women in the first trimester won’t have to face too much discomfort, but towards the end of the first trimester, some clothes may be tough to slip into. When this happens, you’ll want to make sure that you have a pregnancy belly band you can rely on. Some great first-trimester belly bands include the Rheane Seamless Belly Band and Nu Momz Belly Band. Both of these products can be concealed under your clothes while shrinking your waist down to slip into those jeans.
The Second Trimester
The second trimester is where things become tricky. The size of your belly will start to grow but at a unique pace. For the second trimester, we always recommend using your judgment. Belly bands and maternity belts can be influential at this stage; the choice comes down to whether or not you need help fitting into clothes or pain relief. If you need both, the NeoTech Care Maternity Belt is an excellent choice for the second trimester as it can be the best of both worlds.
The Third Trimester
The third trimester is where you’ll see the most separation. While belly bands are useful during early trimesters, their effectiveness becomes limited as your belly grows larger. The third trimester can also bring a lot of pain and discomfort with it, which means that a maternity belt is the right choice if you’re in the third trimester.
Postpartum
Postpartum belly bands need to keep your muscles tight, and the best two brands for this are KeaBabies and ChongErfei. Each product is a 3-in-1 belly band that can target any area you need. If you want a product that can offer you pregnancy support and postpartum support, the Bracoo Maternity Belt is the best choice.
FAQ
When should I start wearing a belly band?
A belly band can be worn during any stage of pregnancy, especially once your belly begins to grow. As your belly grows, your back will start to hurt. Plus, there are even some uses for belly bands after pregnancy as well.
Are belly bands and maternity belts good for pregnancy?
Maternity belts and belly bands don’t have adverse effects on pregnancy, but they also don’t help your baby. Maternity belts and belly bands are designed to keep you comfortable while carrying your child.
How tight should a maternity belt be?
Your maternity belt should be tight enough for you to feel a small amount of pressure. If you don’t feel anything, that means that the band is not providing you with any lumbar support. Also, keep in mind that too much pressure can be bad for your child.
Can wearing a belly band hurt my baby?
Most belly bands and maternity belts are safe for both you and your child, but if you overtighten the belt, it can lead to pressure and a lack of circulation. So, always make sure that the belly band or maternity belt feels comfortable and not like it weighs down on you.
Can I sleep in my maternity belt?
It depends on the belt, but in most cases, you should remove your maternity belt while you’re sleeping. If you happen to make the wrong move, the pressure can be harmful to your child.
How long can I wear a maternity band or belt for?
Doctors don’t recommend wearing a maternity belt all day. Instead, consider breaking up your sessions into a couple of 2-3 hour sittings. If you handle it this way, you’ll get the relief you need without pressuring the baby. Belly bands can be worn longer than maternity belts.
Do postpartum belly bands work?
A lot of people may be quick to dismiss the effectiveness of postpartum belly bands because they seem too easy. Postpartum belly bands may be a simple concept, but it’s a concept that works. After pregnancy, your muscles will loosen up, which causes the skin to sag in areas like the pelvis, abdomen, and waist. An excellent postpartum belly band can act as support and keeps those muscles tight.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for the right maternity belt or belly band is not as simple as it seems. There are a lot of options, and each product has its benefits. So, when shopping for the best maternity belts and belly bands, always make sure that you shop based on your needs and your needs alone. Maternity belts, postpartum belly bands, and pregnancy belly bands all have different uses, so it’s vital that you know which one you need for the stage of pregnancy you’re in. Luckily, regardless of what you need, any of the maternity belts and belly bands that we’ve shown you can help.