Pregnancy is can be a breeze for some women while for other, many aches and pains surface and lessen the enjoyment. Doctors may even prescribe that the expectant mom wear a support garment especially for medical reasons such as a weak back, abdomen support and others. Some women use pregnancy support garments to support their active lifestyles and working needs. These also offer support for the different growing and changing parts of the body such as the breasts and abdomen.
1.) Maternity Belts
During pregnancy, the strain of a growing uterus can tax the back, the pelvis, some bones and muscles. Maternity belts give support to the strained muscles and bones as mothers grow out of proportion. Most simple maternity belts offer support for the growing stomach and for the strain this puts on the back. Maternity belts may have different features since some manufacturers try to outdo each other by adding belly support to some belts that help support the growing belly as well as lessen the strain on the back. Belts are commonly used to give strong and specific support in the back and lower abdomen.
2.) Maternity Underwear Support
On an entirely different level, some back and tummy support can be seen in specially designed panties or girdles. These support underwear help to compress the back and support the burgeoning belly. The support is integrated into the underwear in such a way that it is hardly noticeable when worn under clothes. These types of maternity support underwear are great for those individuals who need moderate support because the material is not as hard or thick as the ones on the maternity belts. These types of maternity support are only good for the first and second trimester when the stomachs not so big and heavy.
3.) Full Torso Maternity Support
These kinds of maternity support garments are used for individuals who need strong support for their pelvis and back. The entire torso serves as the support for the growing abdomen to lessen the pressure on the pelvis and back. Those who suffer from chronic back pain and painful pelvic muscles may need this kind of maternity support. Usually, full torso support garments leave the area of the abdomen open for less compression on the baby’s part and comfort for the mom.
This kind of garment also offers support for the woman’s breasts which may also be experiencing changes during pregnancy. Initially, wearing this support garment may be uncomfortable but you get used to it. Some full torso support garments come with sleeves or without and may also have compression shorts that reach down to mid thigh.
4.) Maternity Compression Support Garments
These garments are used to help compress parts of the body to prevent veins from growing too big. These usually concentrate on the thighs or legs of the pregnant woman and can also be used post delivery. Veins that can not take the weight and pressure of the growing uterus may pop because of this. Many compression garments are focused on addressing the needs of mothers after delivery. Our skin is flexible but not flexible enough to return to its original state without out help.
Support and compression garments are actually very useful for pregnant women who have active lifestyles and health problems pertaining to muscles and bones. Wearing these can reduce back pain and muscular aches which are common during pregnancy. Not all women are recommended to wear these support garments. If you feel that you have excessively painful aches and pains, you might like to consult your doctor regarding using support garments.