It is no secret that with an increase in the gestation period, it is becoming more and more difficult for a woman to do the usual household chores. Simultaneously with the stomach, the load on the lower back also increases. As a result, most women begin to experience pain and discomfort in the back. In some cases, a successful pregnancy outcome becomes impossible without additional fetal support. For this purpose, a special orthopedic design for pregnant women is prescribed - a bandage. How to wear it and how long, how to learn how to wear and how to choose a product of the right model and size, we will tell in our article.
Why do pregnant women need a bandage?
The word bandage in French means "bandage." Indeed, an orthopedic product, presented in the form of panties or a belt, is appointed with the aim of fixing the front abdominal wall of the abdomen in a certain position. As a result of this, the load on the spine is also reduced, which is especially important for multiple pregnancies.
The advantages of the bandage are as follows:
- Support is provided to a fast-growing belly without pressure on the fetus.
- Premature lowering of the abdomen is prevented.
- The load on the spine is reduced, pain in the back and legs is reduced.
- Prevention of the appearance of stretch marks on the abdomen is provided.
According to doctors, an orthopedic design can not harm a future baby, but only if you know how to wear a bandage for pregnant women. He is appointed by obstetrician-gynecologists for certain indications and not all women. Despite all the advantages of the brace, it makes the abdominal muscles weaker, making it harder for them to get in shape after giving birth. In addition, the design cannot be used with the transverse position of the fetus and an allergic reaction to the material from which it is made.
How to pregnant women to wear a universal bandage?
The presented model is the most popular among expectant mothers. A universal bandage is an elastic belt consisting of a wide and narrow part, each of which is regulated by Velcro. The practicality of this model is that you can use the product both during pregnancy and after childbirth. This is one of the main advantages of a universal orthopedic design.
It remains only to figure out how to wear a bandage during pregnancy in both cases:
- When carrying the fetus, the belt is positioned with the wide part to the back, and the narrow one is fixed with Velcro under the stomach. This allows you to properly distribute and reduce the load on the spine.
- After childbirth, a universal bandage is worn on the contrary. The sagging abdominal muscles are fixed with the wide part, and the back is supported with the narrow part.
The bandage is worn both in summer and in the cold season. In the first case, it is put on underwear, and in the second - on tights or trousers. Some manufacturers produce belts with perforation in the material, which allows the skin to breathe in the heat.
Antenatal Underwear
On sale is a wide selection of models of supporting products of this kind in different colors. Panties with a wide elastic waistband are comfortable to wear. The insert stretches as the abdomen grows, providing the necessary support to the fetus. In addition, no one doubts how to wear bandage pants for pregnant women. Visually, they practically do not differ from ordinary underwear, only they have a higher design due to the elastic insert.
Such a prenatal bandage for pregnant women is correct to wear, like any other model, during active growth of the abdomen. But the design presented cannot be used for carrying twins or for intensive weight gain. Over time, the panties will begin to put pressure on the stomach and rub the skin. In addition, the product will have to be washed daily to maintain hygienic cleanliness or put it directly on underwear.
Features of using a belt for pregnant women
Such a model has much in common with the previous one. The antenatal belt looks like an elastic tape with Velcro. It is thanks to them that the bandage can be well adjusted. The product is worn directly on underwear, which ensures hygiene.
Learning how to wear a bandage belt for pregnant women, like the previous model, is not difficult at all. To do this, the product is first placed under the stomach, then the belt is fixed on the back, after which the Velcro is pulled forward, where it is fastened. Such a bandage allows you to maintain the fetus at the same level, reducing the load on the lower back.
The advantages of the model include:
- the ability to adjust the belt and relieve pressure without removing;
- can be worn both lying and standing;
- good support of the fetus in the right position, without creating pressure on the uterus;
- high strength.
Bandage corset
This model of orthopedic design to support the abdomen is not particularly popular with pregnant women. According to reviews, it is very inconvenient to wear a wide bandage for pregnant women. Like a regular corset, the product is tightened with lacing, which requires outside help. In this regard, universal models have more advantages.
A bandage corset is prescribed for pregnant women who have serious problems with the spine, which is why bearing is problematic. An orthopedic product allows you to fix the fetus over the entire abdomen, both above and below, reduce the load on the spine and improve posture.
Overview of Maternity Bandage Manufacturers
In Russia, several brands are presented at once, producing supporting orthopedic designs for women carrying a baby:
FEST. The manufacturer produces a whole line of products for pregnant women, including several models of bandages, underwear and other devices that can be useful for a woman. As for prenatal orthopedic constructions, they relate to medical devices, which means that they can be used only after a doctor’s appointment and for medical purposes.
Orlett. Products of this brand are distinguished by improved functionality and high price. This cost is explained by the quality of materials that do not exactly cause an allergic reaction. Many women are interested in how to wear Orlett Maternity Bandage. Firstly, the product is intended for the second and beginning of the third trimester. Secondly, it can be used after childbirth. Thirdly, for convenience, the design is adjusted to any shape using special ribbons and Velcro.
- "Ecotene". This manufacturer produces bandages that can be used both during pregnancy and after childbirth. Most elastic belts are equipped with plastic ribs, providing maximum support for the lower back muscles. They are ideal for women with a predisposition to stretch the skin of the abdomen after childbirth.
How to choose a bandage by size?
The basic rule to follow when buying a product is that if you are in doubt about the size, give preference to the larger option. Otherwise, you risk squeezing the stomach and harming the fetus.
As for the size, to determine it, you need to know the volume of the hips and the girth under the stomach in centimeters. The parameters and dimensional grid of a particular manufacturer should be indicated on the package. Before wearing a prenatal bandage for pregnant women, it will be correct to try on it, walk in it, sit down and stand up. It should be comfortable. The belt should not slip from the abdomen and put pressure on it.
When and how to wear a bandage for pregnant women?
It should be noted that it is strictly forbidden to designate the wearing of an orthopedic design for one of the above models. Only an obstetrician-gynecologist should do this based on the current situation. The doctor may prescribe to start wearing it from 23 to 30 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the active growth of the uterus begins, as a result of which the abdomen and load on the back increase significantly. From about 39 weeks, the bandage should be worn only when walking long distances and when doing routine homework. At this time, the stomach should already gradually lower to the fetus prepared for childbirth.
There are a number of recommendations on how to wear a bandage for pregnant women:
- The product should be removed at bedtime (both day and night).
- A bandage in the form of a belt and panties is recommended to be worn no more than 3 hours a day. If this is not possible, then you should remove it at least half an hour, after which the product can be put on again.
- If the baby is too active in the stomach, you need to remove the bandage for 30 minutes and wait until the baby calms down.
How to wear a bandage?
To fix the product correctly, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Put on the bandage strictly in a horizontal position. The pregnant woman needs to lie on her back, and put a pillow under the buttocks so that the pelvis is raised.
- After lying down for several minutes, it is necessary to tightly fix the bandage under the stomach. It is not necessary to tighten it too much, but it should be noted that a weak fastening will also not bring the desired effect.
- A pregnant woman should know that it is proper to wear a bandage for pregnant women, like any other clothes, without a feeling of constriction, heaviness and discomfort. To check: a hand should pass freely between the product and the stomach.