Pregnancy can be a joyful and exciting time for expectant mothers, but it can also be accompanied by discomfort and pain, particularly as your belly grows. As the weight of the expanding tummy increases, performing daily tasks can become increasingly challenging. Fortunately, the use of belly bands during pregnancy can alleviate some of this discomfort and reduce the weight experienced by the lower back and abdomen.
Also known as maternity belly bands, maternity support belts, or maternity support girdles, belly bands are designed to provide support to the lower back and abdomen throughout pregnancy (1). They can also help garments fit better, thanks to the support, coverage, and smoother contours provided by the ideal belly band (2).
Whether you’re looking for a basic belly band or one with added features like compression and lumbar support, there is a range of options available to suit your needs. To assist you in finding the best belly band for your pregnancy, we have curated a list of top-rated belly bands to help you reduce discomfort and support your growing belly throughout this exciting journey.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Belly Band: Belly Bandit Upsie Pregnancy Belly Support Band
- Best Budget-Friendly Belly Band: KeaBabies Maternity Belly Band
- Best Lightweight Belly Band: BLANQI Maternity Built-In Support Belly Band
- Best Belly Band For Jeans: Ingrid & Isabel BellaBand
- Best Plus Size Belly Band: BABYGO® Belly Support Band
- Best Belly Band For Exercise: GABRIALLA Maternity Support Belt
- Best Belly Band For Back Pain: NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt
- Best Belly Band For Pelvic Pain: CABEA Babybellyband Original 3-in-1 Pregnancy Belly Band
- Best Adjustable Belly Band: Bracoo Maternity Belt
- Best Postpartum Belly Band: Belly Bandit – Original Postpartum Belly Wrap
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Belly Bands For Pregnancy Picks
Belly Bandit Upsie Pregnancy Belly Support Band – Best Overall Belly Band
- Soft, no pain points
- Breathable, not hot
- Reversible
- Adjustable, no noticeable Velcro part, the entire band is part of the Velcro fastener
- More expensive than other brands
The Upsie Belly Pregnancy Support Band can alleviate the pressure on your body caused by your expanding belly. It includes a hot/cold gel pack that can be placed in the back pocket of the back support belt to help ease back discomfort during the day.
Additionally, this pregnancy support band can reduce bladder discomfort and pelvic pain by limiting pelvic joint motion. It is also effective in strengthening postural stability, which can deteriorate during pregnancy due to the shifting of your center of gravity, making it ideal for use during physical activities.
The 12-inch grow-with-you design can accommodate changes in your size and shape and features an anti-dig clasp. Plus, this maternity band is constructed with SecureStretch technology, which conforms to your body and is made of incredibly soft viscose from bamboo fabric.
KeaBabies Maternity Belly Band – Best Budget-Friendly Belly Band
- This belt is comfortable to wear
- It’s easy to put on with a simple Velcro closure on the side/back
- It does noticeably provide some back relief
- It is not too bulky
- You have to line the velcro up perfectly, otherwise, it will scratch your skin
The KeaBabies belly band comes with everything except a high price tag. It not only provides support to your stomach, back, and pelvic floor but also promotes ergonomic posture by redistributing the weight of your belly.
The breathable fabric ensures comfort even in warm weather. Alternatively, this is an inexpensive pregnant belt available for less than $20, making it a great all-around purchase.
BLANQI Maternity Built-In Support Belly Band – Best Lightweight Belly Band
- Fits accordingly
- It is very supportive
- Easy to wear every day
- They are tight from the legs up
- It’s a bit tight like a compression stocking however it gives all the right support in the areas
If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of a bulky belt under your clothes, this Blanqi band could be an excellent option for you. It’s especially great for those living in warmer areas or who tend to sweat a lot, as the breathable material keeps you cool and comfortable.
Despite its minimal coverage of the bump area, this band provides ample support to your expanding body. In addition, the X-shaped back design not only helps to alleviate back pain but also promotes proper posture. Whether you’re running errands or working out, this band is a versatile option that will help you feel supported and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Ingrid & Isabel BellaBand – Best Belly Band For Jeans
- Great if you like wearing maternity jeans
- Creates a smooth appearance
- Can be used as a shapewear
- Can wear a few different ways depending on the stage of pregnancy
- The synthetic fabrics retain heat
This versatile belly band is a perfect choice if you want something you can wear even after giving birth. The wrap-style design and ultra-stretchy material make it easy to adjust depending on your needs, whether you want to scrunch it down or stretch it taut over your tummy.
While it may not provide as much support and compression as other belly bands on the market, it’s still an excellent option for moms who want a little extra lift without adding bulk to their outfits. Plus, its simple yet stylish design means you can wear it with just your maternity jeans.
BABYGO® Belly Support Band – Best Plus Size Belly Band
- It has three different straps to grow with you from the first to the third trimester
- Comfortable
- Very supportive
- A lot of sizing options
- It rubs a little after a while when sat
This pregnancy belt is available in a wide range of sizes, from 6 to 20, ensuring that there is an option for everyone. It comes in three different colors and boasts a unique design that effectively relieves back pain while also providing support to the tummy.
Additionally, the mesh inserts in the belt provide added comfort and ventilation, and the belt is completely adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. What sets this belt apart, however, is its versatility – it can function as a belly band, support band, and maternity belt, and is designed to alleviate a variety of discomforts, from sciatic pain to swelling to back and pelvic pain.
This belt can even be worn under or over clothing, making it a convenient option for any outfit. Lastly, the inclusion of a 40-page book with yoga poses and exercises tailored to each trimester makes this belt an even more comprehensive solution for prenatal and postpartum care.
GABRIALLA Maternity Support Belt – Best Belly Band For Exercise
- Slim enough to go under clothes
- Provides a great amount of support to the pelvis/pubic bone and holds up a large growing belly
- The compression provides comfort for pain
- Forces you to be more ergonomic and mindful of your body to prevent poor posture
- Difficult to keep on for prolonged periods
If you’re committed to maintaining a fitness routine throughout your second or third trimester, this specialized belly band is a must-have. Its curved design sits comfortably over your hips and lower back, lifting your belly and making it easier to move around.
Plus, it features a convenient pocket for a hot or cold pack to help alleviate any post-workout discomfort. Available in black, white, or pink trim, this pregnancy belt is virtually invisible under clothing. Its soft, airy mesh-style elastic allows for unrestricted movement while still providing excellent compression and comfort.
NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt – Best Belly Band For Back Pain
- Made with good material
- Feels sturdy
- The wide front piece supports your belly and helps take most of the load off of your lower back
- Easy to wear when you’ve worn it once
- You can go to the washroom without removing or unlatching anything
The NeoTech pregnancy belt features a streamlined design that effortlessly slips over your clothing and offers all the support you need during pregnancy. Its simple adjustment mechanism allows you to readjust the entire belt as your belly expands.
Specifically designed for expectant mothers experiencing lower back pain, this belt evenly redistributes pressure across your back while also relieving the stress of your growing belly by wrapping around the waist and belly.
The standout feature of this belt is the two-sided velcro that can be adjusted to fit your expanding belly and then trimmed for a customized fit. With a simple pattern and neutral colors, this belt can be worn over anything without drawing too much attention.
CABEA Babybellyband Original 3-in-1 Pregnancy Belly Band – Best Belly Band For Pelvic Pain
- Relieves pain
- Reduces hernia
- Soft and adjustable
- Provides excellent support
- Velcro might scratch your thighs
At first, you might be skeptical about the compression that this belt provides to your groin area, but you’ll soon discover how much it can alleviate your back pain, hernias, and pelvic floor pain. With strong support that lifts the abdomen off the pelvis, you’ll feel the relief immediately.
Not only is this belt breathable and easy to use, but it also adjusts easily to fit your needs. Plus, it’s machine washable, so you can clean it with the rest of your laundry and save some time.
Bracoo Maternity Belt – Best Adjustable Belly Band
- Great price
- Works well
- Minimal pain by the end of a long day
- It stays where you put it
- It doesn’t get rid of all your pain which isn’t to be expected anyway
This belt includes a unique pocket to accommodate a hot or cold pack to further alleviate any discomfort. The adjustable design allows it to fit waist sizes from 29 to 49 inches, making it accessible to a wide range of women.
Plus, the versatile design makes it suitable for a variety of activities, including yoga, running, and weightlifting. The breathable fabric and moisture-wicking technology also help to keep you cool and dry during your workouts.
Belly Bandit – Original Postpartum Belly Wrap – Best Postpartum Belly Band
- Tight enough for a postpartum belly and doesn’t bend
- Very comfortable
- Has a lot of stretch to it
- 360-degree support
- Creases a bit
Using a support belt or wrap after delivery can be beneficial in many ways. It can help you maintain good posture while breastfeeding, and recovering from a C-section, and support your weak core muscles, low back, and hips.
The Original Postpartum Belly Wrap is designed to offer 360-degree compression and support for postpartum healing. It provides excellent flexibility and compression, allowing you to move freely while feeling secure as your body recovers.
You can start wearing it as soon as you feel comfortable after giving birth, and it comes in a range of sizes from extremely small to extra large. However, with prolonged use, the extra-wide shape can cause the belt to fold at the waist.
How To Choose The Best Belly Band For Pregnancy?
- Comfort: Comfort is key when it comes to belly bands. Look for a belly band that is made of soft, breathable material and is not too tight or restrictive. It should feel comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Size: Make sure to choose a belly band that fits your size. Most belly bands come in different sizes, so measure your waist to ensure a proper fit. A too-tight or too-loose belly band can cause discomfort or even harm.
- Support: The main function of a belly band is to support the lower back and abdomen during pregnancy. Look for a belly band that provides enough support to reduce the weight of your growing belly and ease any discomfort or pain.
- Adjustability: As your belly grows, you’ll need a belly band that can adjust to your changing shape. Look for a belly band that has adjustable straps, hooks, or Velcro closures, so you can loosen or tighten it as needed.
- Closure: Different types of pregnancy support bands are available, some with clasps and some without. Generally, those without clasps provide more compression and less support, making them better suited for postpartum use. If you are looking for a band that will lift your belly and alleviates strain on your back, joints, and muscles, opt for one with clasps or Velcro.
How Do You Use A Belly Band?
- Put on your belly band over your underwear, making sure the wider part of the band is under your belly.
- Adjust the band to your desired level of compression, making sure it is snug but not too tight.
- If the band has straps or Velcro, adjust them to fit comfortably around your body.
- Pull your pants or skirt up over the band.
- Adjust the band as needed throughout the day to maintain comfort and support.
When Should You Start Wearing A Belly Band When Pregnant?
The timing for when to start wearing a belly band during pregnancy can vary based on personal preferences and needs. Some women may start wearing a belly band as early as the first trimester to provide extra support as their belly begins to grow and their center of gravity shifts. Others may wait until the second or third trimester when they experience more discomfort or lower back pain.
Do Pregnancy Belly Support Bands Work?
Yes, pregnancy belly support bands can be effective in relieving some of the discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy. These support bands are designed to provide gentle compression and support to the lower back and abdominal area, which can help to alleviate pressure on the hips, pelvic area, and lower back (3).
Additionally, pregnancy support bands can help to improve posture and reduce the risk of developing diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy (4). They can also provide support to the growing belly, which can help to reduce discomfort when walking or standing for extended periods.
What Size Maternity Belly Band Should I Get?
Most maternity belly bands are available in different sizes and offer some level of adjustability. It’s best to measure your belly circumference at the widest point and refer to the size chart provided by the manufacturer to determine the best size for you. If you’re in between sizes, it’s usually recommended to go with the larger size for comfort and to accommodate your growing belly throughout your pregnancy.
Can Tight Belly Bands Hurt Baby?
Wearing a properly fitting belly band or support belt during pregnancy should not harm the baby. However, it is important to avoid wearing a belly band that is too tight as it can cause discomfort, restrict blood flow, and potentially harm both the mother and the baby.
What’s The Difference Between A Maternity Belt And A Maternity Band?
Maternity belts are designed to support the lower back and the abdomen. They are typically wider and more substantial than maternity bands and may be adjustable to accommodate a growing belly. They are usually made of elastic material and are worn around the waist and hips.
Maternity bands, on the other hand, are narrower and typically worn higher up on the belly to provide support for the uterus. They are designed to lift the weight of the belly and reduce pressure on the bladder and other internal organs. Maternity bands may also be used as a layering piece to extend the life of pre-pregnancy clothing.
Can I Wear A Pregnancy Belly Band While Sitting?
Yes, you can wear a pregnancy belly band while sitting. In fact, wearing a belly band while sitting can be especially helpful for providing support and relieving discomfort. When sitting, the weight of the belly can put extra pressure on the lower back and pelvis, causing discomfort or pain. A belly band can help to lift and support the belly, reducing this pressure and promoting better posture.
Can I Wear A Pregnancy Belly Band To Sleep?
As your pregnancy progresses, you may find that getting a good night’s sleep becomes more difficult due to discomfort and the extra weight of your growing belly. While a belly band can offer support during the day, it may not be necessary or recommended to wear one while sleeping unless advised by your healthcare provider.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or difficulty sleeping at night, there are other options to consider. Pregnancy pillows can provide the necessary support to relieve pressure on your back, hips, and joints while helping you find a comfortable sleeping position.
