How to wear a universal maternity bandage. Maternity Bandage

Types of bandages for pregnant women. Instructions for wearing a bandage.

For women who are pregnant with their first child, the question often arises: why, when, and most importantly how to wear a belt for pregnant women? We will answer all these questions in our article.

What does a maternity band look like?

The classic bandage for pregnant women is a special belt with an extension on the back and a narrower part that is worn under the stomach. Also known are species such as bandage briefs and a corset.

The main purpose of this device is to help a woman easier to endure the gestation period. The bandage supports the stomach, promotes proper load distribution, protects against stretch marks, relieves pain from the lower back and spine, and also helps the child to some extent.

IMPORTANT: There is a device for the postpartum period, designed to stimulate the speedy return of the former figure.

What is a pregnant bandage for?

The bandage greatly facilitates the course of pregnancy. Check out the main positive aspects of using this device:

The bandage prevents stretching of the skin, loss of its elasticity and the appearance of ugly red stripes, which soon become white and forever remain on the skin. Stretch marks can be removed only in the beauty parlor, and this requires financial costs. All other ways to overcome them are reduced only to lightening and slight smoothing of the bands. Therefore, if you want to look good after childbirth, be sure to consult your doctor about wearing a bandage
The bandage reduces fetal pressure on the pelvic organs and the spine, as a result of which you will not be bothered by pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, or back
Significantly reduces the likelihood of miscarriage
The bandage helps to cope with pain in the legs, swelling of the lower extremities and their fatigue. Wearing a bandage is especially important for women who spend several hours standing on their feet.
The belt regulates the course of pregnancy and the bearing of the fetus. Its use is mandatory if you expect twins
It is no secret that head presentation - a posture in which the baby is positioned head down before delivery - is optimal for an easy and successful delivery. With pelvic presentation, a cesarean section is prescribed, this position of the child is fraught with complications. The bandage regulates the correct position of the fetus in the womb, so experts recommend wearing it to all pregnant women, without exception
In untrained women, the abdominal muscles are often not in good shape. Relaxation of the abdominal muscles is also observed during repeated pregnancy. In this case, wearing a bandage is mandatory, it perfectly supports the stomach, when the body’s own resources cannot cope with it
By about 38 weeks of gestation, the fetus begins to sink, preparing to be born. Along with it, the stomach falls. Omission may occur earlier, which is not the norm, and wear a bandage to prevent this.
The bandage is indicated for varicose veins, with osteochondrosis

IMPORTANT: Some doctors oppose wearing a bandage. If you do not have any of the indications for its use listed below, it is better to refrain from using it.

Indications for use of the belt for pregnant women:

carrying twins
low position of the fetus in the womb, as a result of which the abdomen falls
pinched nerve in the lumbar region, which provokes neurological pain
operations in the abdomen, which were performed no later than 1.5 years ago
a scar on the uterus that appears after surgery on the gynecological part, including the previous cesarean pregnancy
underdeveloped cervix
probability of miscarriage
unbearable pain in the legs, lower back, back, spine

IMPORTANT: Before deciding whether to wear a belt or not, consult your gynecologist. According to all your examinations, he is the only one who can recommend the device.

How to choose a bandage for pregnant women by size?

There is a table of sizes of bandages, which you can focus on when choosing. But the only way to choose a belt really in size is to try it on.

You can buy a belt in a pharmacy or special stores for expectant mothers. Experts advise you to choose a device in a pharmacy located at the hospital, or in departments for pregnant women. There are consultants who will help determine both the type and material of the device, and its size.

Feel free to try on different belts. After all, the wrong size of the bandage can affect the health of the child. The tissue should not press on the stomach, but only gently envelop it and support it. In the case of tight bandage, you risk serious harm to the developing baby.

Maternity Bandage Size, Table

In the tables below you can find out the size of the belt, which is suitable specifically for you, by height and weight or by the circumference of the hips. Additionally, information is given on the size of the postpartum bandages.

How to choose a bandage for pregnant women?

IMPORTANT: In order to choose the right bandage, you need to determine the look - panties, corset, belt or combined, as well as size.

It is also important to choose the material from which the belt is made. Cheap models that women often stop on so as not to overpay are made of synthetic fabrics that prevent the skin from breathing. This is extremely harmful for both the future mother and the baby. Choose a belt only from natural materials.

As for the model itself, it is best to try on each and choose the one in which you are most comfortable. The belt should not press on either the stomach or any other area. If you experience even the slightest discomfort, immediately discard this option.

Types of Maternity Bandages

Bandages are divided into prenatal, postpartum, as well as universal - those that are perfect for both periods.

There is also a division of bandages by model.

Belt It is an elastic fabric tape that expands on the back and tapers under the stomach. Belts have different options for buckles. They are worn exclusively on underwear for hygiene purposes.

Panties made in the form of ordinary underpants, only in front they have a special insert that supports the stomach. There are certain inconveniences in using this type of device. Since the bandage-underwear is worn without underwear, it has to be washed every day, so it is advisable to purchase several of these models at once. If a woman experiences frequent urge to urinate, difficulties arise when wearing such a bandage, since it has to be constantly removed

Suitable for both the pregnancy stage and the postpartum period. It is made of rubberized fabric, ordinary Velcro fasteners act as fasteners. This belt is worn with a narrow part forward during pregnancy and a wide part on the stomach after childbirth

Corset You can still find it on sale, but this is an outdated model, which today is recognized by gynecologists as ineffective. Doctors do not recommend purchasing this option

When should you start wearing a maternity bandage?

You should think about using the belt already when the stomach is just beginning to appear. Usually this is the 4th month of gestation, which equals 20-24 weeks of obstetric pregnancy.

IMPORTANT: Often the bandage is shown at an earlier or later stage. Talk with your gynecologist about your individual situation.

How to wear a bandage for pregnant women? Video

For each device for pregnant women in the kit there is an instruction for dressing and wearing a model. Read it carefully. You can try putting on the belt even in the store when you select it. Qualified consultants will help you here.

Your doctor can also explain all the intricacies of wearing a bandage, do not hesitate to ask him questions. And remember: the health of your child depends on the correct wearing of the belt.

Video: How to Wear a Maternity Bandage

How much do you need to wear a maternity bandage?

The bandage should not be worn for a whole day, it must be removed. This is due to the fact that the device, supporting the stomach, to one degree or another, still limits the possibility of moving the child in the womb. So that the baby does not feel constrained, every 2-3 hours the bandage must be removed for at least 30 minutes.

Belts are not recommended in the third trimester. If the child by this time did not occupy the desired position head down, then the belt will greatly interfere with it. But if the baby is already in the head presentation, then the bandage will only fix this position and prevent the child from turning over incorrectly.

At the very last stages of gestation, the bandage is contraindicated. This is due to the lowering of the abdomen in anticipation of childbirth, which will prevent the belt.

Video: We choose the right Bandage for pregnant women, childbirth. Tips, tricks, reviews

For every woman, the most exciting moment in life is the expectation of a baby.

The figure is changing, the growing tummy makes the expectant mother even more attractive.

Often, many women in the later stages experience back pain and other problems.

There are many devices that greatly facilitate the life of a pregnant woman. One of these devices is a bandage.

A bandage is a medical belt that supports the muscles of the back and front walls of the abdominal press, and also reduces the load on the spine.

Many women who are in position feel discomfort and lower back pain. Usually this starts already at 23 weeks of gestation. The child is actively growing and the tummy is growing in size. In this case, the bandage is an indispensable assistant.

Combined or universal bandages have a double-sided belt, one side of which is equipped with elastic bones. Such a bandage allows you to save money and instead of two (antenatal and postpartum) to purchase one universal.

How to choose a bandage size?

Maternity bandages are made from natural materials

A doctor or nurse will help you choose the size of the bandage. With the right choice of device and the right size, the belt will not do any harm to the child. To determine the required size of the bandage, it is necessary to measure the volume of the abdomen and the circumference of the hips under the stomach in a standing position. The last digit is the size of the bandage.

If the circumference of the hips is from 85 to 95 cm, then the size will be the first (or 90). With a circumference of 95-100, the size of the bandage must be purchased 2nd (or 100). If the volume is more than 105 cm, then the 3rd size of the bandage should be chosen. Typically, the number of sizes does not exceed three, but some manufacturers produce 6 sizes. In addition to the “digital” size range, the size of the bandage can correspond to the size of the clothes and have the corresponding Latin designations:

S - 42-44
M - 46-48
L - 50-52
XL - 52 -54

When choosing a bandage, you should pay attention to the material from which it is made. The cotton belt is hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and breathable. An elastic tape that is elastic does not consist solely of cotton. Therefore, artificial materials are used together with natural materials: microfiber, elastane, polyamide, etc. This composition facilitates the care of the bandage, allows you to stretch well and take its original state.

You should not buy a bandage without trying on. Sometimes you can not guess with the size or incorrectly measure the circumference under the stomach.

You can not buy a bandage for growth. It is important to adhere to the exact size indicated. The support belt should always be kept clean and washed regularly.

How to use a bandage?

Antenatal bandages can be used until the last days of pregnancy.

The gynecologist who is conducting the pregnancy should show how to wear and wear a support belt. It is undesirable to be guided by illustrations on packages, since in many cases they are incomprehensible and inaccurate.

Wear a bandage only in a prone position. This pose relaxes the muscles of the abdominal cavity and fixes the stomach. The lower part of the belt should

to capture the pubic part. With the correct location of the bandage, there should be no discomfort and compression in the lower abdomen. The belt should fit to the lower back, pass under the stomach and press the pubic area.

If there is no opportunity to lie down, then you need to sit down, lean slightly back, raise your stomach with your hand and put on a bandage. Remove and wear the bandage is also recommended lying down.

If the bandage is dressed correctly, then it will be comfortable to perform various body movements in it. After some time, when you get the hang of it, the bandage can be worn while standing.

And this means that from time to time it is necessary to adjust the fixation of the bandage.

It is important not only to dress correctly, but also to wear a bandage. With long walking, an active lifestyle, the bandage should be worn for no more than 3 hours. After this time, you should take a half-hour break. If there is discomfort, then the bandage should be loosened or removed.

If the doctor prescribed to wear the bandage for medical reasons, then it should be worn until birth. If the bandage is used to improve overall well-being, then the belt does not require constant wearing.

About the bandages for pregnant women will tell the specialist in the video:

Pregnancy is a joyful but difficult time for a woman. In the later stages, many expectant mothers begin to hurt their back and leg muscles, they often feel tired due to the increasing weight of the fetus, it becomes more difficult to carry out normal daily activities and walk long distances. A special bandage will help significantly alleviate the condition of the woman during pregnancy, support the expanding belly of the future mother and relieve the lower back.

Why should you wear a bandage during pregnancy?

The prenatal bandage is an orthopedic tape-belt, quite wide, tightly wrapping around the stomach and fixing the abdominal wall in one position. The prenatal bandage, produced in the form of special panties or belts, helps to optimally distribute the baby’s weight, fixes the mother’s internal organs and reduces the harmful effects of the heavy fetus on the woman’s spine. A gynecologist can authorize a woman to use a bandage, starting from the twentieth week of pregnancy and up to the ninth month.

The bandage is able to support the abdomen with severe weakness of the abdominal muscles and prevent their excessive stretching. It is believed that its use prevents the appearance of such a type of skin atrophy as striae (stretch marks). Some doctors refute this error and argue that the tendency to stretch marks depends on the hormonal characteristics of the body and is determined by the genetic predisposition of the woman.

Benefits of Wearing a Bandage During Pregnancy

Mothers who used orthopedic bandage during the period of bearing a child leave enthusiastic reviews about this orthopedic product and recommend using it. They note that they were relieved as soon as they began to wear a belt for pregnant women daily. Their intensity of pain in the back and lower back decreased, and it became easier to carry the weight of the abdomen, increasing every day.

Positive effects of antenatal care:

limits the load on the spine;
reduces the feeling of fatigue;
reduces pain in the calf muscles;
helps to reduce discomfort from an increase in the abdomen;
fixes weakened abdominal muscles;
helps the baby to sit correctly in the uterus.

Medical indications

Indications for the use of orthopedic prenatal bandage are determined by the gynecologist. Despite all the advantages of these products, there is no need to wear a bandage for all pregnant women, without exception. Nevertheless, the use of an orthopedic product can bring undeniable benefits to most expectant mothers. This is especially true for existing back pain, as well as when twins or large children are expected. Despite safety, the last word should remain with the doctor, who is watching the woman.

Indications for wearing a bandage include:

active lifestyle of the future mother, mobility;
the need for a long time to stand, standing work;
a tendency to varicose veins of the legs or pelvic organs;
osteochondrosis, hernia, pain in the lumbar spine;
repeated pregnancy, expectation of two or more children;
large fetus or its abnormal position in the uterus;
the threat of preterm birth in the last months of pregnancy.

Contraindications and Precautions

There are practically no contraindications for using the bandage, but in exceptional cases, the use of the product can cause harm to the mother and the unborn child. A gynecologist observing pregnancy may warn against putting on a bandage with atypical placenta previa, improper placement of the fetus in the uterine cavity, and also in some other cases, which the doctor considers the basis for the ban.

Proponents of natural gestation and childbirth oppose the product, arguing that the use of assistive devices, such as a bandage and special stomach-supporting panties, are unnatural, and a healthy woman's body can do without orthopedic accessories. Most doctors do not share this view. Modern medicine believes that in the absence of obvious contraindications, a pregnant woman has every right to alleviate her condition.

What are the bandages for pregnant women?

A gynecologist who observes a future mother and is aware of the features of the course of pregnancy can give her recommendations on choosing an orthopedic product model, assist in determining size and teach the technique of putting on a bandage.

There are three main types of antenatal bandages sold in pharmacies and stores for expectant mothers: a universal belt, bandage underpants and a laced corset. Products are made of cotton with the addition of synthetic elastane fibers, each model has both pluses and some minuses.

The most popular type of prenatal bandage is a belt, which is a wide fabric tape with a Velcro fastener and worn under clothes over linen. Velcro allows you to adjust the degree of tension of the product depending on the volume of the abdomen. On the sides of the tape reinforce with special inserts to provide greater comfort to the pregnant woman. How the product looks can be seen in the photo.

Bandage belts include a special model that can be worn both during pregnancy and after childbirth. Universal bandage has two parts. Before the baby appears, he gently supports the expanding abdomen with the thin side, and the back with the broad side. After childbirth, everything changes: the widest part is placed on the stomach, clutching the stretched muscles, so the uterus contracts in a shorter time. It is important to know that a universal bandage cannot be used after cesarean section. In this case, it is necessary to wear only a special postoperative bandage.

An obsolete variety of belts is a bandage belt, fixed with lacing. Lacing, tightened on the back, allows you to better adjust the girth, but often a woman needs an assistant to properly tighten the orthopedic corset, this is not always convenient. Corsets are made of inelastic materials such as cotton or linen satin. In natural tissues, a pregnant woman does not sweat in hot weather and is not at risk of allergies.

The next model is a maternity bandage. They look like panties with an insert in front of an elastic material that tightens and supports the stomach. Many pregnant women note their convenience and aesthetics, they are invisible under clothes. Panties need to be worn on a naked body, and this refers to their shortcomings, since they require replacement daily. Not suitable for expectant mothers expecting twins or quickly gaining weight, since the pants are not designed for large stretching of the fabric.

How to choose a model and product size?

The choice of bandage depends more on the subjective feelings of a woman than on the advice of a doctor. Sometimes you have to change several different models before you make the final choice. It is important to purchase the product at specialized retail outlets or pharmacies and pay attention to the manufacturer and the availability of a quality certificate, do not buy orthopedic accessories that do not meet medical standards.

It is important to correctly determine the size of the bandage, for which, before buying, you need to measure body parameters, such as the volume of the hips and tummy (more in the article:). Typically, the size of an orthopedic product matches the size of clothing worn during the “pre-pregnant” period, but manufacturers and sellers recommend trying on a belt before making a purchase. Bandage panties are advised to purchase a size larger than the underwear that a woman wore before pregnancy.

How to wear a bandage?

Normal or universal belts are worn almost always in a prone position, lifting the hips. In some cases, it is allowed to put on the bandage while standing, but for this you need to bend back and grab the stomach with your hand, lifting it. The bandage at the same time passes in front under the stomach, and behind the lower part of the back. Bandage-panties are also worn from a reclining position or lying on the bed. The spandex insert should not be high on the stomach, otherwise the child will be cramped. A lying position allows you to relax the muscles and avoid pressure on the peritoneum. The video contains instructions on how to put on a belt.

How and how much time to wear a maternity bandage?

Pregnant women are wondering how long it is safe to wear a bandage. The rules say that wearing a bandage should not be long, especially around the clock, you need to pause for rest every two to three hours at least thirty minutes. How many months to wear? If the gynecologist has not prescribed otherwise, then you can put on a bandage belt until the very birth, especially to those mothers who lead an active lifestyle and play sports even in anticipation of the appearance of the child. It is not too comfortable to sit in the bandage, although it is possible from time to time, but lying down, let alone sleeping, is strictly prohibited.

When is it better to abandon the bandage?

With a bandage, a woman should feel relief. When discomfort is felt, it is necessary to choose another model or, after consulting with the doctor, completely abandon the supporting device. We also need the advice of a doctor on the eve of childbirth, in the last weeks of pregnancy, since an incorrect position of the child in the uterine cavity is a contraindication for using a bandage: if you continue to use the supporting product, the child will not be able to roll over on his own. That's why, before wearing an orthopedic belt, you need to visit a gynecologist.

It is necessary to use a bandage during pregnancy when there is a need to support a heavier belly. It reduces the feeling of fatigue, relieves back pain, supports the position of the fetus inside the uterus.

This Underwear Reasonable Use Quality
pregnant pulls exercise
hard dress

It is prescribed to wear more often from the second half of the term, without special recommendations, it is not necessary to use this device.

Why is it needed

Health experiments, especially in pregnant women, are not recommended. Although many women wore a bandage during pregnancy, whether it is needed in a particular case, the woman decides together with the doctor.

There is evidence when its use will help solve problems. Then a specific type is assigned, up to writing a prescription. There are also contraindications in which harm can even be caused.

Term	Indications	Contraindications
First trimester	Wearing a special bandage is prescribed extremely rarely, from about 10-11 weeks of pregnancy, with abdominal muscle pathologies (for example, a discrepancy after a previous pregnancy), back, and spine	The presence of an allergic reaction to materials, a subjective feeling of discomfort
Second trimester	Pain in the muscles of the back, the threat of miscarriage or premature birth, pathology of the cervix, its prolapse or scarring, abdominal surgery a year and a half or later, pinching of the sciatic nerve, multiple pregnancy	The same as in the first trimester
Third trimester	The same as in the second, plus the risk of transverse or gluteal previa - the bandage during pregnancy will keep the baby "in place"	The same, plus the wrong position of the fetus (will prevent him from turning)
After childbirth	Not required. It helps to quickly restore shape, contributes to the "return" of internal organs "in place". It is possible to prescribe a special variety after cesarean section	Cross stitch after cesarean, digestive system, kidney disease, skin diseases

The presence of indications during pregnancy does not mean that it is necessary to wear an uncomfortable bandage. Torment in uncomfortable underwear, even orthopedic, will be more harmful than problems that can be solved in other ways. Contraindications make its use impossible.

On the contrary, when the doctor does not recommend wearing a bandage, but a woman is comfortable and necessary during pregnancy, there are no categorical prohibitions other than those indicated in the table. Reasonable use, for several hours a day, is not able to damage the muscles. For such a period they will not be weakened, contrary to some erroneous statements. A woman working, leading an active lifestyle, this tool will bring the necessary relief.

What is useful bandage during pregnancy.

Subjectively makes the stomach "easier", this is especially important for multiple pregnancy.
Reduces tension of the spine, pelvis.
It removes back pain.
Reduces leg fatigue.
Helps prevent stretch marks if they are associated with weak abdominal muscles. But during pregnancy, these troubles more often appear for other reasons, so often there is no need to wear a bandage if there are no other indications.
It does not allow the uterus to fall prematurely.
Reduces the risk of a miscarriage.
Helps to keep the fetus in the correct position.

How to choose a model

Appearance is not the main thing, quality is desirable. It is important that the bandage does what it is needed during pregnancy. The device must gently support the stomach, without causing inconvenience.

There are three main types that pregnant women use.

Panties or shorts. It is a specially designed model of underwear, with a high waistline and an elastic strip that runs in front of the under the belly and behind at the waist level. Such a bandage can be worn during pregnancy instead of ordinary underwear, it is invisible even in the summer, there are warmed models for winter (see photo). The advantages of this model are ease of use, invisibility, a wide range. The disadvantage is the need for daily washing, although you can put it on top of regular swimming trunks.
Belt. It looks like a wide elastic band with a sticky clasp. Thanks to her, you can adjust the size. Often there are adjusting valves so as not to stretch the belt too much. Correctly wear such a bandage when lying or standing, during pregnancy it is especially convenient in the summer, since it covers a very small surface of the body. They wear it over linen, tights, trousers. Valves, Velcro can stand out under clothes, stick to it.
Universal. This species is used before and after childbirth. It is made in the form of an orthopedic belt. One side is much larger than the other, it has supporting bones and a rigid gasket. During pregnancy, such a bandage is worn with the wide side back, after childbirth they turn. This is the best option for a troubled back, and it also provides good family budget savings. But still, after giving birth, you may need help to fasten the sticky clasp on the back.

Even the most suitable bandage during pregnancy can cause inconvenience during the first few days. But if on the third or fourth day of wearing it is still “felt”, the more it presses, rubs, then it was chosen incorrectly.

Smart use

Rules for choosing a bandage during pregnancy.

The size is selected according to the waist and hips in the naib

wider places. There are no universal dimension lines, so these parameters indicate the packaging.

You need to purchase in a pharmacy, a special store or, as an option, in consultation. There should be a choice, a competent consultant who will help to take the right measurements. He will tell you which model to choose during pregnancy, depending on why you need a bandage. It’s better to try a few, move in them.
Shorts should have a wide elastic band, the larger it is - the better the effect.
The belt should also have sufficient width, the denser it is - the more comfortable it is during operation (it will not slip, roll with a roller).

The right way to use

You need to start wearing a bandage when there are undesirable sensations during pregnancy - heaviness, fatigue, back pain. This occurs around the fourth month, with an intensive increase in the size of the abdomen.

Remove it before the very birth. One exception - if the bandage prevents premature prolapse of the fetus. In this case, stop wearing at 38 weeks.

If a woman needs to wear a bandage during pregnancy, it is important to learn how to wear it correctly. This is not difficult, especially since the package always contains instructions.

The most difficult situation is with those models that are put on lying down. At home, this is done easily, but when you need to go to the toilet at work, problems begin. It’s easy to solve them - just lean back slightly, press your stomach a little with your hand and fasten the Velcro.

There are different sizes

It is important to remember that even in the most comfortable bandage that is worn correctly, you can not be around the clock. Generally without fear, use it up to six hours a day. If necessary, wear all day every three hours remove the belt for about half an hour. In no case should you sleep in this device.

There are situations when during pregnancy harm from the bandage is possible, even if you started to wear it without problems. Urgently loosen or even remove the device in such cases:

there was a feeling of excessive pressure;
not enough air, shortness of breath appears;
the baby is worried, kicking heavily.

Is it worth it to use this device at all, when to start, how much to wear it, a woman is quite capable of deciding on her own. Provided that there are no critical situations, and the doctor does not prohibit. Properly selected, reasonably used, the bandage is not capable of harming either the mother or the unborn child. AND .

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Wearing a bandage during pregnancy and in the postpartum period can be of undoubted benefit if this device is individually selected, used correctly and according to indications. Bandages are pre- and postpartum, as well as universal. There are several models, each of which has its own characteristics, pros and cons.

The gynecologist will tell you when to wear a bandage, whether a woman needs to use it. Therefore, before buying, you need to consult a doctor, sometimes his help may be required when putting on the product.

General approaches

It’s better to buy it for yourself, and not take it from someone blindly. After all, even if women have the same height and girth of the hips, the configuration of the pelvis and the shape of the abdomen may differ. And the belt, ideally suited to one pregnant woman, may be uncomfortable for her friend. In addition, using someone else’s wearable device is unhygienic.

Not all pregnant women wear a special belt daily, managing without it. In addition, he is uncomfortable and sometimes even undesirable in the sedentary work of a woman. But if during the day a long walk, ascents and descents on the stairs, prolonged standing are expected, it is better to resort to the help of a bandage. This will reduce the risk of developing swelling in the legs and uterine hypertonicity.

An incorrectly fixed bandage on your body causes discomfort or even harm. Undesirable consequences may be disturbances in the blood supply to the legs and pelvic organs, tightness of the baby in the mother’s abdomen, and increased uterine tone. Therefore, when using it, you should follow some rules.

How to wear it properly

The bandage should be worn correctly. Although in the instructions for some models you can read the phrase about the possibility of donning in a standing position, it is better to do it lying down. In an upright position, the pregnant uterus leans forward a little and moves down under gravity. At the same time, the stomach sticks out more strongly, because the overstretched muscles of the abdominal press can no longer completely hold it.

If you put on a bandage in this position (standing), it will not provide adequate support, there will be a feeling of tightness and pressure on the stomach due to its incorrect wearing. Located slightly below the recommended level, the bandage often compresses the neurovascular bundle in the groin area. This can lead to swelling in the legs and cramps in them due to impaired venous outflow and lymphostasis.

It is recommended to wear a bandage lying on your back, on a fairly hard surface. This will allow the lower back to take a physiologically correct position, moreover, it is easier to determine bone landmarks for the location of this supporting device on the body.

The bandage can be fixed soon after waking up without getting out of bed. During the day, you can use an elastic sofa, couch or even the floor. In this case, it is necessary to lie down for 10-15 minutes, so that the muscles relax, and the uterus changes its position. The child will rise a little higher. In this case, the worn bandage will not squeeze the fetal head and will not allow the child to put pressure on the cervix.

The bandage belt is put on underwear or thin clothes made from natural fabrics. At the same time, you should consider visiting the toilet so that you do not have to remove everything in a cramped booth. But panties can be worn on the body or on underwear, they have fasteners at the bottom.

What if there is nowhere to lie?

If the pregnant woman has nowhere to lie down, with certain skills you can wear a bandage while standing. The procedure for the necessary actions:

Gently lean the body back a little, leaning the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulder blades into the wall and firmly resting its feet on the floor;
Carefully attach the bandage to the lower back and give it the correct position there;
Loosely fasten the belt in front under the stomach or put on panties with elastic to the pubic level;
Gently raise the abdomen with your hands from below, hold it a little in this position;
With one hand, continue to support the stomach, and with the other hand, straighten the bandage in front and pull it up;
Slightly stretching the elastic band, form a “cradle” from it for the abdomen, carefully place the stomach in it;
If a Velcro belt is used, with one hand adjust the strength of the bandage to the lower abdomen;
Gently straighten, if necessary, slightly adjust the position of the belt with the help of additional side fasteners.

But it’s more correct to put on the bandage while lying down or at least reclining, leaning back strongly with the obligatory back support.

Allowed Usage Time

It is necessary to mention how much bandage can be worn during the day. No matter how comfortable it is, it is necessary to arrange a half-hour break every 2.5–3 hours. In this case, the bandage does not need to be removed sharply. This will lead to a rapid lowering of the abdomen, can provoke motor anxiety in the child and an increase in the tone of the uterus. It is advisable to free yourself from the belt while lying down. If this is not possible, you need to lean your back and lean back a little, put your hands under your stomach and gently lower the bandage.

How long should I wear a bandage? It is advisable to coordinate with the doctor the beginning of the use of such support. Most often, an obstetrician-gynecologist recommends putting on a bandage from about 22 weeks of pregnancy. But in the case of rapid growth of the abdomen, in the presence of diseases of the spine, the threat of abortion and ischemic-cervical insufficiency, they begin to wear it earlier, from 4-5 months. At the same time, at first it will be more convenient to use an elastic gum belt or bandage panties. And with a large belly protruding, a dense wide belt, including a universal model, is better.

A prenatal bandage is usually used almost until the end of pregnancy. Sometimes the doctor recommends limiting his wearing in the last days before the PDD, if there are signs of delayed cervical ripening and the fetus is too high.

Postpartum bandage - when to wear and how much to wear?

Postpartum bandage is fundamentally different from prenatal. It does not support the stomach, but creates a dense wide frame with a dragging effect and partial fixation of the lower back. There are special bandage high pants with reinforced front part (grace), wide belts, postoperative models. In addition, you can use the universal belt, deploying it with a wide part forward.

In the absence of contraindications, a postpartum bandage can be worn almost immediately after birth. This will significantly reduce pain and make it easier for a woman to move independently. If there was a cesarean section, it is necessary to consult a doctor when it is better to start wearing a bandage and whether it is necessary to additionally protect the seam area. A second bandage may also be required so that it can be used as a shift if contaminated.

Postpartum bandage is also worn while lying directly on the body. It does not need to be removed when visiting the toilet, because even panties usually have a hook-and-loop fastener system in the crotch area. But if there are sutures on the perineum after an episiotomy, grace will have to be abandoned in favor of the belt. But for the treatment of postoperative sutures, the bandage will need to be completely unfastened or removed. It is not recommended to wear a bandage for more than 3 hours in a row, you need to take breaks.

Some women use wide towels, sheets and other materials as a bandage. This, of course, saves money. But such a home-made corset is far from being as convenient as specially designed devices.

Contraindications for wearing a bandage

This is not to say that a bandage is necessary for absolutely all pregnant women and women in childbirth. There are no hard recommendations from which week to wear it. You can do without such additional support if a woman feels well, she is not bothered by pain in the lower back or legs, and pregnancy is proceeding normally. Of course, sometimes a bandage is used to prevent stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen. But this is not a medical indication, but rather aesthetic.

There are situations when the bandage is undesirable. These include:

severe impaired intestinal motility and severe flatulence;

inflammatory phenomena in the area of \u200b\u200bsutures.

Currently on sale there are various. A woman can choose for herself exactly what she needs. But she needs to consult a doctor.