Is it possible to wear a bandage if. When to start wearing a maternity bandage? Phlebeurysm

Wearing a bandage during pregnancy and in the postpartum period can bring undoubted benefits 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 it is necessary to consult a doctor, sometimes his help may be required when putting on the product.

General approaches

It is better to buy it for yourself, and not blindly take it from someone. After all, even if women have the same height and hip circumference, the configuration of the pelvis and the shape of the abdomen may differ. And a belt that was perfect for one pregnant woman may not be comfortable for her friend. In addition, using someone's body harness is unhygienic.

Not all pregnant women put on a special belt every day, coping without it. In addition, it is uncomfortable and sometimes even undesirable for a sedentary work of a woman. But if a long walk, climbing and descending stairs, prolonged standing are expected during the day, it is better to resort to the help of a bandage. This will reduce the risk of development, swelling in the legs and uterine hypertonicity.

An improperly fixed bandage on the body causes discomfort or may even cause harm. Undesirable consequences can be circulatory disorders in the legs and pelvic organs, tightness of the child in the mother's abdomen and an increase in the tone of the uterus. Therefore, when using it, you should follow some rules.

How to wear it correctly

The bandage should be put on correctly. Although in the instructions for some models you can read the phrase about the possibility of putting on in a standing position, it is still better to do it while lying down. In an upright position, the pregnant uterus deviates slightly forward and shifts downward under gravity. At the same time, the stomach protrudes more strongly, because the overstretched abdominal muscles can no longer fully 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 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 the bone landmarks for the location of this supporting device on the body.

The bandage can be fastened shortly after waking up without getting out of bed. During the day, you can use a bouncy 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 then rise a little higher. In this case, the bandage worn will not press the fetal head and will not allow the baby to press on the cervix.

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

What to do if there is nowhere to lie down?

If the pregnant woman has nowhere to lie down, with certain skills, you can put on a bandage while standing. The order of necessary actions:

1. Gently lean your body back a little, leaning your shoulder blades against the wall and firmly resting your feet on the floor;
2. Gently attach the bandage to the lower back and give it the correct position there;
3. Loosely fasten the belt in front under the stomach or put on panties with an elastic band to the level of the pubis;
4. Gently raise the stomach with your hands from below, hold it a little in this position;
5. With one hand, continue to support the stomach, and with the other hand, straighten the bandage in front and pull it up;
6. Slightly stretching the elastic band, form a “cradle” for the stomach out of it, gently put the stomach into it;
7. If a Velcro belt is used, adjust the force of the bandage to the lower abdomen with one hand;
8. Gently straighten up, if necessary, slightly correct the position of the belt with the help of additional side fasteners.

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

Permissible use time

It is necessary to mention how much you can wear a bandage during the day. No matter how comfortable it is when using it, it is necessary to take a half-hour break every 2.5-3 hours. In this case, the bandage does not need to be removed abruptly. This will lead to a rapid lowering of the abdomen, which can provoke restlessness in the child and an increase in the tone of the uterus. It is advisable to get rid of the belt in the prone position. If this is not possible, you need to lean on your back and lean back a little, put your hands under your stomach and gently lower the bandage.

How long to 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 wearing 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 termination of pregnancy and isthmic-cervical insufficiency, they begin to wear it earlier, from 4–5 months. At the same time, at first, an elastic elastic waistband or bandage panties will be more convenient. And with a protruding large belly, a tight wide belt, including a universal model, is better suited.

Prenatal bandage is usually used almost until the end of pregnancy. Sometimes the doctor recommends limiting its wearing in the last days before the due date, if there are signs of a delay in the maturation of the cervix and the fetus is too high.

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

The postpartum bandage is fundamentally different from the prenatal one. It does not support the stomach, but creates a dense wide frame with a slimming effect and partial fixation of the lower back. There are special bandage high underpants with a reinforced front part (grace), wide belts, postoperative models. In addition, a universal belt can also be used by turning its wide part forward.

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

The postpartum bandage is also put on in the supine position directly on the body. It does not need to be removed when going to the toilet, because even panties usually have a system of hook-and-loop fasteners in the crotch area. But if there are stitches on the perineum after an episiotomy, grace will have to be abandoned in favor of a belt. But for the processing 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 homemade corset is far from being as comfortable as specially designed devices.

Contraindications for wearing a bandage

It cannot be said that the bandage is necessary for absolutely all pregnant women and puerperas. There are no strict recommendations from which week to wear it. This additional support can be dispensed with if the woman feels well, has no back or leg pain, and is having a normal pregnancy. 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 an aesthetic one.

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

severe intestinal motility disorders and severe flatulence;

Currently, there are various for sale. A woman can choose exactly what she needs. But she needs to see a doctor.

For many women during pregnancy, doctors prescribe women to wear a bandage to alleviate her condition and the baby. However, gynecologists disagree. Some are ardent opponents of bandages. In this article, we will explain both points of view, tell you why a bandage is prescribed during pregnancy, and in what cases it is still better not to wear it.

When a pregnant woman's tummy begins to grow, it's time to think about wearing a bandage - somewhere from the 20th week of pregnancy. This is especially true for mothers who lead an active lifestyle and have to spend a lot of time on their feet. Why do you need a bandage during pregnancy in this case:

• To reduce pain in the coccyx and pelvic bones.
• Take the load off your spine.
• If the abdominal muscles are weakened, the bandage will support the fetus instead of strong abdominal muscles (this often happens if a woman is carrying more than one child, or is already pregnant for the second or third time).
• If a woman has a predisposition to stretch marks, then a bandage is a must.
• If the expectant mother has osteochondrosis, varicose veins, has obstetric pathologies or the threat of premature birth, then the bandage should be worn.

Types of bandages during pregnancy

In lingerie stores, where products for pregnant women are necessarily sold, you can find all kinds of bandages, different in shape. Most often, girls choose such bandages during pregnancy:

1. Belt worn over underwear. Outwardly, it resembles an elastic band that provides effective support to the abdomen. It prevents the formation of ugly stretch marks, which are always so hard to get rid of after childbirth. The belt can be adjusted in size due to special valves that are located on the sides of the bandage.
2. Briefs with an elasticated front that provides a supportive effect to the belly. It is located above the stomach and is worn like regular panties. But such a bandage cannot be worn daily, because it will have to be washed every day. But if you purchase several of these bandages, then the convenience of its use immediately becomes greater.
3. Combined bandage in the form of a wide belt fastened with Velcro. It supports not only the stomach, but also the back.
4. Corset. It is practically not used by women anymore, because it is less functional and inconvenient to use.

How to wear a bandage during pregnancy?

There are several rules for wearing a bandage during pregnancy:

• You can't sleep in it. Periodically during the day, it must be removed - after 3 hours of wearing, you need to take an hour break. Only in the event that without it you become very ill, you can not take it off at all.
• Be sure to learn how to wear a bandage during pregnancy so that it does not squeeze the abdominal cavity, but only supports the tummy. The expectant mother should not feel any discomfort in the bandage.
• A woman should always proceed from her own feelings and sensations. Even if the doctor recommends removing the bandage, but you feel worse without it, then do not remove it. In the same way, behave if you feel bad in a bandage, but you need to wear it until the very birth.

Whether to wear a bandage during pregnancy: arguments for and against

Now we will give you the arguments of doctors who disagree on whether it is necessary to wear a bandage during pregnancy. After analyzing the pros and cons, you will be able to decide for yourself whether you need such support for the abdomen in the course of bearing a child, or is it better to do without it.

1. Arguments in favor of a bandage:

• a woman in a bandage will not feel pain in her legs and back;
• the risk of premature birth will decrease, since the child will not go down ahead of time;
• if you wear a bandage, then the child will spin less and will immediately take the correct position in the stomach;
• the bandage is almost invisible under clothing and can be worn both in summer and winter.

1. Arguments against wearing a bandage:

• due to the bandage, the abdominal muscles relax, so they are then more difficult to recover than the abdominal muscles that were not supported by the belt;
• the abdominal muscles can withstand the load, as it is inherent in nature;
• bandages made of synthetic materials can cause allergic reactions on the abdomen and lower back;
• there is no escape from stretch marks when wearing a bandage, if you have a predisposition to this;
• the bandage should be worn during pregnancy, when there are medical indications for this: the threat of abortion, underdevelopment of the cervix, low position of the fetus, scar on the uterus, neurological pain, in the lumbar spine, multiple pregnancy.

If you decide that you need to wear a bandage, then purchase it only at a pharmacy. Each bandage must be tried on to determine which one really suits you. You need to choose not the one that is more expensive or cheaper, but the one in which you are most comfortable. If none of the options that you tried on fit you, then continue looking for a convenient model in another pharmacy. Remember that the state of your baby inside the womb and your well-being will depend on this choice.

Video: "How to wear a bandage during pregnancy"

A growing tummy while waiting for a child gives its owner not only a lot of pleasant sensations, but also some discomfort. On the eve of an early birth, the uterus of a pregnant woman begins to put more and more pressure on various organs, including the spine. In order to reduce this load, many women resort to the use of a special bandage. How long can this be done and does everyone need it without exception?

Such a device can not only reduce back pain and other uncomfortable sensations, but also help an unborn child, as well as prevent the occurrence of ugly scars and stretch marks. Meanwhile, you can wear it far from any situation. There are certain contraindications for its use.

When should a bandage be used?

From what period to wear a bandage for pregnant women to help the health of the unborn baby and his future mother, and not harm them? The question is not idle, because quite often ladies put a bandage on themselves as soon as they have a small tummy. Meanwhile, a special belt or panties is not at all such a harmless device as it might seem. Most modern gynecologists believe that a bandage should be used during pregnancy only if there are certain indications. It:

• the threat of miscarriage or premature birth;
• low location of the unborn baby;
• isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
• large fetus or multiple pregnancy;
• pain and discomfort in the back;
• scar on the uterus after surgery;
• pain and discomfort in the legs, varicose veins of the lower extremities;
• swelling, inflammation, pinched nerve in the lumbar region, accompanied by pain or discomfort;
• abdominal surgery performed 1-2 years before the conception of the baby;
• underdevelopment of the cervix.

If you do not have any medical indication for using a bandage and just want to make your life easier or use it as a prophylactic against stretch marks, you still do not need to wear it. In such a situation, the muscles of the anterior wall of the abdomen will not cope with the load on their own and will become much weaker, which means that it will be more difficult for them to recover after the birth of a child. In addition, sometimes bandages are not made from natural materials, so they can provoke various allergic reactions.

In addition, there is a contraindication in which the use of a bandage is strictly prohibited. This is the wrong position of the fetus in the uterus after 24 weeks. Wearing such a device can prevent the baby from turning head down in his mother's tummy. However, if the fetus takes the correct position closer to childbirth, you will definitely have to buy a bandage to prevent it from moving again.

How to choose a bandage?

Such female devices can be designed for the prenatal or postnatal period. There are also universal options that can be worn at any time.

Prenatal bandages are made in the form of special panties or a wide belt. Most often, expectant mothers choose a bandage in the form of a special belt - a tape that becomes narrower at the edges and is equipped with Velcro or any other fasteners. Depending on the size of the abdomen, the length of this device can be adjusted. The belt should be put on and worn only in a certain way, which is not very convenient.

In such a situation, many pregnant women prefer to use a bandage in the form of high panties. Usually everyone feels quite comfortable in them. But this variety is not recommended for ladies who are prone to excessive weight gain.

You should buy a bandage in a specialized store. It must be tried on before purchasing. The right size of this thing is a guarantee that it will not harm the baby, and his mother will be comfortable in it.

From what week to wear a bandage for pregnant women?

Many pregnant women who experience pain and discomfort in the lower extremities or lower back, independently “prescribe” the help of a bandage to alleviate their condition. Meanwhile, before using this device, you need to consult a doctor to clarify how long to wear a bandage for pregnant women to a particular patient.

Usually, women in an interesting position receive a recommendation to start using a bandage between 23 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. But in some situations, this device may be necessary a little earlier or later than the specified period.

How to wear a maternity bandage?

In order for the use of this “gadget” to bring only benefit to you and your unborn child, you need to follow the following simple rules:

• you can’t sleep in a bandage;
• during the day it is not recommended to use this device for 3 or more hours in a row. After each application, a forty-minute break should be taken;
• the bandage should not squeeze the abdominal cavity;
• if the doctor does not give you any special recommendations, you need to use your “assistant” right up to the very birth;
• in the case of active movements of the baby in the tummy, the panties or belt should be removed immediately. You can use this device again only when the baby calms down;
• finally, the bandage must be learned to put on correctly.

If it is made in the form of elastic panties, wear it only while lying down. In this case, a twisted blanket, a small roller or pillow should be placed under the hips. The “layer” between the bandage and the body should be thin cotton panties.

At first, the belt is also best worn lying down. When you figure out how to do it right, you can dress in it while standing. It should also be worn in a "duet" with organic cotton underwear. Position the belt so that it passes under the protruding belly in front. The back of the bandage should be on top of your buttocks.

Thus, acquaintance with the bandage in general cases should take place at 23-30 weeks of gestation. This device becomes a reliable assistant to women, providing their bodies with much-needed support. It is only important that the ally does not turn into an enemy and pest. And this happens when a woman begins to wear a bandage "just like that", ignoring the doctor's recommendations and not considering that there are very specific indications for using the device.

main function prenatal bandage- provide support for the abdomen (while not squeezing it) and at the same time help the child to take the correct position in the uterus (in particular, the bandage prevents premature descent of the fetus). A rationally designed and properly selected bandage relieves the load from the spine, which helps prevent the occurrence of lower back pain. Supporting the belly of the expectant mother, the bandage thus prevents the appearance of stretch marks.

We list the main indications for wearing prenatal bandage:

• Active lifestyle. This is especially true for pregnant women who are in an upright position for more than 3 hours a day (primarily, of course, for working women).
• Weak muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, pelvic floor.
• Lower back pain, osteochondrosis.
• The appearance of stretch marks.
• Re-pregnancy (with a second pregnancy, the abdominal wall usually stretches more than with the first one).
• Multiple pregnancy.
• Some types of obstetric pathology (such as the threat of miscarriage, excessive enlargement of the uterus).

Contraindications for use prenatal bandages practically none, but there is no unity among obstetrician-gynecologists on the issue of the expediency and necessity of wearing them. Some doctors strongly recommend that all pregnant women use this blessing of civilization, others are strongly against such "violence against nature", so "think for yourself, decide for yourself." In any case, be sure to consult your doctor - he will take into account the peculiarities of your pregnancy and your constitution, which is always much more convincing than appeals to arbitrarily "advanced" theories.

How to wear a bandage during pregnancy

Usually, bandages are worn from the 4th month of pregnancy: it is during this period that the stomach begins to intensively increase in size and the first stretch marks may appear. Prenatal bandages can be used until the last days of pregnancy.

Wearing bandage for 24 hours a day (and even during the entire period of wakefulness) is unacceptable. Every 3 hours it is recommended to take a break of at least 30 minutes (unfortunately, women do not always remember this, especially when they are away from home - at work, for example).

3 most common options prenatal bandages.

1. Briefs-bandages with an elastic supporting insert, located in front under the stomach, and behind - on the lower back. Since such bandage pregnant used as panties, it naturally needs to be washed frequently, which is somewhat inconvenient: to provide constant support for an enlarged abdomen, it is necessary to stock up on several bandage panties.
2. Lace-up bandages. Strictly speaking, this is an “old-fashioned” domestic version of bandages-belts, which differs from its imported and more modern Russian counterparts in several very peculiar features. Firstly, they are extremely complex and inconvenient to use, and secondly, they are made of a material that does not stretch at all or practically, which means that it does not support the stomach well. In fairness, let's say that at present the domestic industry has mastered the production bandages for pregnant women made of elastic fabric (without lacing - with Velcro) with a good level of support.
3. Bandages-belts. The support belt is put on underwear, which eliminates the need for frequent washing. Bandages-belts are fixed under the stomach with the help of a Velcro valve. Most models are equipped with not one, but three valves, i.e. in addition to the central one, there are two lateral joints, which provides an additional opportunity to adjust the size of the bandage. You can put on a bandage tape both lying down and standing up (it fixes the uterus, but does not press from above). Whereas the brace-panties are recommended to be worn in a horizontal position in order to properly distribute the pressure of the elastic insert on the stomach (less in the upper abdomen, more in the lower).

Modern technologies have made it possible to create materials that give the skin the ability to breathe (they are even sometimes called “second skin”). Bandages for pregnant women made with the addition of such hygroscopic, "breathable" materials, meet the most stringent hygiene requirements. Bandages made in Great Britain and Germany enjoy well-deserved popularity. In these countries there are small firms that specialize exclusively in clothes for mothers - expectant and nursing. These products are quite expensive, but they combine an attractive design and high functional qualities, and also meet all medical requirements. Unlike relatively cheap models that are available only in the “white” version, expensive branded underwear is available in rich colors - white, black, beige ... True, it should be noted that doctors strongly recommend wearing white underwear: in their opinion, whiteness represents an additional incentive to keep linen in perfect cleanliness. The products of the middle price range include bandages of Italian and Baltic production, which are very popular in our country. Unfortunately, these models, which are very attractive in appearance, sometimes do not quite correspond to their intended purpose, i. do not have a very good level of support.

In order not to make a mistake with the size bandage for pregnant women, it is best to seek help from a specialist shop or pharmacy consultant. If you still prefer to do it yourself, keep in mind that the size of the bandages-belts corresponds to your size before pregnancy (S (42-44), M (46-48) or L (50-52), XL (52-54 ), XXL (56 and above)), and to find out the size of the bandage-pants, you should add one more size to the "pre-pregnant" size. When choosing a bandage belt, it is best to try on several options and stop at the one in which you feel most comfortable.

Postpartum bandages

Postpartum bandages not only support the stomach and hips (the skin and muscles of which during pregnancy and childbirth, of course, temporarily lose their original tone), but also relieve the load from the spine, relieving fatigue and back pain.

Postpartum bandages may be in the form of pants made of elastic fabric or in the form of an elastic band.

Combined postpartum bandages can be used both before and after childbirth (when used during pregnancy, the wide part of this bandage falls on the back, and the narrow part is fixed under the stomach; after childbirth, the bandage is turned “back to front”: the wide part fits the stomach, the narrow part is fixed on the back).

If in the case of prenatal bandages there are practically no contraindications to wearing them, then the use postpartum bandages associated with certain restrictions.

Wearing postpartum bandages not recommended (or should be limited) for certain types of stitches after caesarean section, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney diseases accompanied by swelling, skin and allergic diseases, and in some other cases. Regarding the postpartum bandage, you should consult with your doctor. An obstetrician-gynecologist, taking into account the peculiarities of the course of childbirth, the postpartum period and the individual characteristics of your body, will decide on the admissibility and expediency of using a bandage after childbirth and help you choose the right model.

Of course, wearing a postpartum bandage does not eliminate the need for special exercises to maintain the tone of the abdominal muscles. It is quite possible (and necessary) to combine both, doing gymnastics in a bandage.

At some stages of pregnancy, women begin to feel discomfort and heaviness in the lumbar region. Do not be afraid, because these are completely natural sensations.

But that also means it's time to go to the pharmacy and buy a bandage. It is strange, but many expectant mothers are afraid to use this assistant, because for some unknown reason they believe that it is capable of harming the child. In order to dispel all these ridiculous rumors and doubts, you first need to answer a few frequently asked questions: how to understand , is it able to help pregnant women, and will its use cause negative consequences in the future?

Functions of a bandage for pregnant women

Firstly, it prevents the appearance, which will positively affect your appearance in the postpartum period. It also helps a lot to reduce the enormous load on the spine and feel more comfortable. Fixes the correct location of the child. A bandage is simply necessary if you move a lot. In this case, it will help to evenly distribute the load throughout the body. The bandage will also greatly relieve lower back pain and will be very effective when used for varicose veins. Prevents premature descent of the fetus.

How do you know when to start wearing a brace?

Usually they start wearing a bandage when the tummy appears, and this is about 4-5 months of pregnancy. At these times, many use it as a remedy for stretch marks. At 8-9 months of pregnancy, the belly is already very large, so using a bandage is a must.

Immediately you need to refute all unfounded allegations that the bandage can harm the health of the baby. Many believe that he is able to compress the stomach and this will lead to the birth of a not entirely healthy child. This is not true. The main thing is not to overdo it.

A few simple rules on how to properly wear a bandage will help you decide and make a choice. The maximum time for wearing a bandage is two to three hours, then you need to take a break, preferably for 40-50 minutes. Walking around the clock is prohibited.

If you're worried that you might harm your baby by squeezing your stomach too hard, don't be afraid. The bandage has a special adjustment that will always allow you to control its strength. In addition, the woman herself will feel discomfort.

If, nevertheless, you are not sure whether to wear a bandage, but you feel that it can be useful for you, you should not clench your fists and endure. You can always seek advice from your doctor.

This list of the main types of prenatal bandages will help you choose the best option for you:

Bandage - shorts is the most popular among women. It is elastic, tightly fits the figure and does not squeeze the stomach. Ahead there is an insert that grows with the tummy. More modern bandages have a lower clasp, which is very convenient, as it eliminates the constant need to remove the bandage when visiting the toilet.

Bandage - shorts- has the same design as the first type, but in it the woman feels more comfortable and protected in cold weather.

Bandage - belt, presented in the form of a tape that fits snugly around the tummy. It is very convenient to use because there are adjustable fasteners on the sides. They allow you to adjust the bandage to the size of the tummy and not squeeze it. Fixes the correct position of the uterus.

Combined bandage- can be used in the postpartum period. It looks like a belt with side flaps that allow you to adjust the degree of fit to the body. Essential for women who experience persistent back pain and.

No matter how attractive the process of pregnancy looks from the outside, in fact the sensations are not so pleasant. To relieve pain in late pregnancy and help a woman cope with the severity of the abdomen, it is simply necessary to purchase a bandage. It is sold in any pharmacy. If you are not sure that you can wear it correctly, do not worry - detailed instructions are included separately, which will tell you the right way to use it. Also, you can always get a detailed consultation at a pharmacy or at an appointment with your gynecologist.