9 Best Pregnancy Belly Bands to Support Your Baby Bump
Pregnancy aches and pains are not uncommon, especially as your baby bump grows. Up to 80 percent of pregnant women will experience lower back pain during their pregnancy, while as many as 1 in 5 expecting mothers will suffer from pelvic girdle pain. These pregnancy problems can be attributed to several factors: Your body is carrying extra weight, your center of gravity is shifting and your hormones are relaxing the ligaments in the joints of your hips and pelvis. But thanks to pregnancy belly bands, you don’t have to spend nine+ months in pain. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these pregnancy support belts, then shop our favorite picks.
Pregnancy belly bands—also known as pregnancy support belts or maternity belts—are a type of maternity wear that can help support the lower back, hips, pelvis and abdomen during pregnancy. They can also relieve round ligament pain, says Gil Weiss, MD, an ob-gyn based in Chicago.
These flexible belt-type garments typically work by cradling your bump and redistributing its weight. Most belly bands sit below the bump, but some come with shoulder, groin or belly attachments for additional support. Generally, they’re worn for two to three hours, and moms-to-be start to wear them halfway through their second trimester, explains Weiss.
Most of the benefits that come from wearing belly bands are related to their ability to support and reinforce muscles, ligaments and joints, says Weiss. As a result, they can reduce discomfort and pain associated with a growing uterus, he explains. Two different studies —one from 2015 and one from 2017—found that wearing a maternity support belt was one of the most effective ways to alleviate pregnancy-associated pain in the lower back and pelvic region. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also suggests that a pregnancy belly band can help reduce discomfort while walking and running and ease back pain during pregnancy. Even if you’re not experiencing pain or discomfort, a pregnancy belt can still be beneficial. Other positive impacts that have been reported include improved posture, decreased leg swelling and reduced pressure on your bladder.
On the other hand, pregnancy belly bands are suitable for all expectant moms. Weiss advises women who have high blood pressure to consult with their health care provider before wearing a maternity support belt. Why? “Belly bands can sometimes compress blood vessels if they are worn for too long,” he explains. Weiss also warns that they can also increase heartburn symptoms in some cases.
Ready to find a supportive maternity belt that will have your back (and bump) throughout all three trimesters? Here, find the best pregnancy belly bands to shop now.
Overall Best Pregnancy Belly Band
Thousands of users rave about the instant relief offered by this pregnancy belt from NeoTech Care. The large, flexible back area hugs your curves and helps alleviate lower back pain by redistributing the pressure and weight of your growing belly. Plus, the over-the-bump strap provides additional support by fully cradling your bump from above and below (as opposed to just sitting below the belt, like most maternity belts). If you’re experiencing aches and pains all over, this belly band helps with hip, pelvic and sacroiliac discomfort as well.
Sizes: S to XXL | Color options: 3
- Wide range of sizes available, accommodating bumps up to 60.5 inches in circumference
- Fully adjustable to accommodate belly growth
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Bulkier design
- Must be removed when sitting
Best Pregnancy Belly Band for Back Pain
This pregnancy support belt is our favorite choice for those suffering from back pain for a number of reasons. First, it’s designed to redistribute belly weight and ease the strain on your back muscles. Second, it comes with a hot-and-cold gel pack that conveniently fits into the back pocket of the band to alleviate your aching muscles. Lastly, it helps improve and stabilize your posture as your center of gravity shifts, which can also contribute to back pain.
Sizes: S to XL | Color options: 2
- Registered as an FDA medical device and is eligible for reimbursement from several US health insurance companies
- Made from super soft bamboo fabric
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap helps you achieve the right fit
- Can’t adjust the level of compression
Best Versatile Pregnancy Belly Band
The Flip-It Maternity Support Belt offers versatility in nearly every arena. The compression level is completely adjustable, thanks to two extra support bands that can be added or removed as needed. Add-on groin or shoulder straps can help address severe back or pelvic pain. The design also allows this belt to be worn from the start of pregnancy through postpartum, eliminating the need to purchase an additional postpartum belly wrap once baby is born. Best of all, this pregnancy belt is reversible (one side is black, the other beige), allowing you to camouflage it under any color clothing.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Color options: 1
- Made from durable, medical-grade neoprene fabric that still allows for free range of motion
- No stiff parts to poke you in the ribs or belly
- Available in sizes small to XXL
- Groin and shoulder straps are not included
Best Pregnancy Belly Band for Pelvic Pain
Designed by Diane Lee, a physiotherapist with 35 years of experience, the Baby Belly Pelvic Support band helps alleviate pelvic pain from any direction. This belly band can be connected in either the front or the back, depending on whether you’re suffering from symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which occurs in the front of the pelvis area, or sacroiliac joint pain (SI), which originates in the back of the pelvis. The maternity belt even adjusts as needed throughout your pregnancy.
Sizes: S to L | Color options: 1
- Provides lower back support
- Can be used post-pregnancy
- Very expensive
Best Size-Adjustable Pregnancy Belly Band
The pregnancy belly band from AZMED checks all of the boxes. The one-size-fits-all belt is super adjustable, growing with you from every stage of pregnancy, and it helps stabilize joints, reduce abdominal pressure and alleviate an aching back and pelvis. This maternity belly band can also help correct posture and decrease leg swelling. It’s no wonder it has tens of thousands of rave reviews from pregnant mamas!
Sizes: OS | Color options: 2
- Lightweight and breathable material
- Can be hidden under clothing
- Affordable
- One-size-fits-all might not actually fit all women
Best Pregnancy Belly Band for Exercise
For mamas who don’t want their belly to slow down their workout routine, the ReCore For mamas who don’t want their belly to slow down their workout routine, the ReCore Fitness Maternity FitSplint is the way to go. This pregnancy belly band can be worn three different ways (depending on your needs or exercise of choice). Support straps can lift the belly to reduce bladder pressure, separate to allow better range of motion or be placed down low for hip and pelvic support. It’s also flexible and breathable—allowing for full range of motion—and designed to provide the perfect amount of support while still allowing your core muscles to engage.
Sizes: S to L | Color options: 1
- Includes five exercises to help keep your core and pelvic floor strong during pregnancy
- Machine-washable
- Made from silicone and neoprene, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some cases
Best Lightweight Pregnancy Belly Band
This pregnancy support band from Belly Bandit is one of the few to extend above the bump, and its incredibly lightweight fabric allows the belt to do so without feeling constrictive. Made from a soft, ultra-breathable knit, this belly band will make you feel like you have nothing on, while still receiving the supportive benefits of the high compression. Plus, its stretch-and-recover material means the fabric always rebounds back to its original size, no matter how large your bump gets.
Sizes: XS to XL | Color options: 2
- Discreet and lightweight enough to be worn under any clothes
- WonderWeave material helps keep lotions and creams on your body when you’re fighting dry, itchy pregnancy skin and stretch marks
- Sizing ranges from XS (0-2) to XL (16-18)
- Some may not prefer the over-the-belly fit
Best Affordable Pregnancy Belly Band
This belly band from KeaBabies has everything except a hefty price tag. By redistributing belly weight, it provides gentle compression and ergonomic posture support, as well as support to the belly, back and pelvic floor. Plus, its breathable fabric ensures you’ll stay comfortable—no matter how overheated your hormones make you feel. At less than $22, this budget maternity belt is a win all around.
Sizes: M/L to 2XL | Color options: 3
- Machine-washable
- Connection in the back can be difficult to secure solo as your pregnancy progresses
Best Plus-Size Pregnancy Belly Band
Searching for a plus-size pregnancy belly band? You can’t go wrong with this maternity belt from Belevation. It’s made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you feeling cool and confident—plus, the seamless design won’t be bulky under your clothes. Whether you choose the black, gray or white option, you’ll benefit from belly and lumbar support, thanks to the gentle, four-way-stretch fabric.
Sizes: S to XXL | Color options: 3
- Moisture-wicking, four-way-stretch fabric
- Machine-washable
- Only one plus-size sizing option
- Reviewers say they wish it was a bit longer
Pregnancy isn’t always a walk in the park, and as your needs change, you’ll need new gear to keep you feeling your best. To help you find the best pregnancy belly band, we leveraged our familiarity with trusted brands and retailers to identify standout designs. When sourcing items we considered several aspects, such as quality and durability, value, size, product weight and, of course, safety. We also highlighted specific product categories when creating our roundup to make your search that much simpler.
While selecting the best pregnancy belly bands, we read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these designs have worked for real moms-to-be, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we chatted with an ob-gyn to understand essential features to keep top of mind when you’re shopping. We also based our picks on reporting conducted by the ACOG and other trusted experts.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Expert sources:
Gil Weiss, MD, is an ob-gyn working throughout The Loop in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois. He’s a graduate of the University of Toronto in Canada, and attended medical school at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel. He completed his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
ACOG, Back Pain During Pregnancy, May 2020
ACOG, Exercise During Pregnancy, March 2022
Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS), Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities, May 2015
Cedars Sinai, Back Pain During Pregnancy
Journal of Clinical Nursing, Pregnancy and pelvic girdle pain: Analysis of pelvic belt on pain
NHS, Pelvic pain in pregnancy, December 2022
National Library of Medicine, The effect of a maternity support belt on static stability and posture in pregnant and non-pregnant women
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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