A growing belly during pregnancy causes tender glances of others and pride in the expectant mother. However, an increase in the size of the abdomen causes not only positive emotions, but also negative sensations that affect the well-being of a woman. In this case, various bandages come to the rescue.
The use of a bandage during pregnancy has the most controversial reviews of women and radically different opinions of doctors.
Frightening myths alert pregnant women and cause fear to use a bandage during pregnancy. But there are situations when a woman urgently needs a supporting element. And the right choice and compliance with the recommendations for wearing a bandage during pregnancy alleviate the condition and eliminate possible consequences.
What is a bandage during pregnancy?
A bandage is a specific supporting element. The bandage belongs to orthopedic devices. Allows you to maintain a growing belly during pregnancy, without affecting the fetus, contributes to the correct location of the baby in the stomach.
Bandage - an indispensable assistant to the future mother.
With the right choice of product, the supporting element:
Significantly reduces fatigue;
Removes heaviness in the legs;
Prevents the appearance of pulling pains in the abdomen;
Facilitates the movement of a woman;
Removes stress from the spine.
There are several types of bandages, which differ in their type and purpose of use.
1. prenatal bandage - an indispensable device that greatly facilitates the condition of the expectant mother.
2.Postpartum bandage allows you to significantly reduce the recovery period. Stretching the abdominal wall, the bandage helps to improve muscle tone, affects the condition of the skin of the abdomen, and normalizes intra-abdominal pressure.
3. Universal bandage
used by women, both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The special cut of the product allows it to be used in different periods. During pregnancy, to support the back, such a bandage is put on, placing its wide part on the back. After childbirth, to tighten the abdomen, the bandage changes location and is put on with a wide part on the peritoneum. 
Universal bandage is used during pregnancy and after childbirth
There are also specific postoperative bandages that are recommended for women after cesarean section.
Prenatal modern bandages have a rather attractive appearance, are made of safe hypoallergenic materials, are well breathable, and are comfortable to wear. With proper use, the expectant mother does not feel the presence of an orthopedic device on herself.
Bandages for pregnant women are available in the form of:
1. Panties that have an elastic insert to support the abdomen.
2. The waistband, which is made as an elastic band with side flaps, adjusts the tightness of the fit.
3. Corsets with lacing, which are now considered a relic of the past and are quite rare.
It should be borne in mind that a corset for pregnant women refers to the elements of underwear. Therefore, it requires proper care and regular washing.
Who needs to wear a corset during pregnancy?
The need to wear a corset arises with a significantly increasing abdomen. Basically, this process falls on the fourth month. However, the change in the size of the abdomen for each woman is very individual. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account your own feelings and well-being.
Even being completely confident in the need to use a bandage, you should not rely on your own intuition. A bandage is a medical orthopedic device. And only a doctor can decide on the appropriateness of its use. Because there are contraindications that categorically do not allow wearing a bandage during pregnancy.
Not every pregnant doctor will recommend wearing a bandage. If the muscles are well developed, and after prolonged exertion in the form of standing, walking, physical exertion, there are no unpleasant sensations in the back, abdomen, wearing a bandage simply does not make sense.
But for women who have a pelvic or transverse presentation of a child, wearing a bandage is simply contraindicated. The supporting device will not allow the baby to turn around in the stomach and take the correct position.
Therefore, for pregnant women after 24 weeks, if the fetus is not located head down, wearing a bandage is strictly prohibited.
In the case when the fetus turned over and took the correct position, the use of a bandage will fix it in this position and prevent unwanted amateur performance.
There are a lot of situations when a bandage during pregnancy is simply necessary.
The bandage will help improve the condition:
When there is a threat of abortion in the later stages;
If a woman has to lead a rather active lifestyle and is on her feet for a long time;
With osteochondrosis pain;
For any pathology of the spine;
If a woman's pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are too weak;
With varicose pathologies;
When there is excessive heaviness in the legs;
With pathologies of the cervix and with polyhydramnios;
After surgical interventions on the peritoneum;
When the fetus is too low;
With multiple pregnancy;
If the fetus is very large.
It should be borne in mind that nature provides all the possibilities to bear a fetus without the use of additional supporting devices. Without extreme necessity, it is inappropriate to resort to this method. The abdominal muscles are able to cope with stress on their own, and constant support deprives them of their physiological abilities, which leads to excessive weakening.
The myths that the bandage prevents the appearance of stretch marks are refuted by doctors. The process of formation of stretch marks is associated not only with the tension of the skin, but to a greater extent with hormonal changes.
The decision to use a bandage will have to be taken by the pregnant woman on her own, but the recommendations of the gynecologist should be heeded.
Which bandage to choose during pregnancy?
When choosing a bandage, keep in mind that this is a personal intimate wardrobe item. Therefore, in this situation, you should not resort to the help of friends and acquaintances who offer to use a thing that has become unnecessary to them.
It is worth buying a bandage only in specialized stores, pharmacies or in the gynecology department. The device must meet the requirements of medical safety. Bandages offered in general sale or in online stores may be made of poor quality materials and do not meet medical standards in terms of elasticity and cut. In addition, bandages are personal hygiene items and cannot be exchanged. And, having acquired a low-quality or unsuitable product, it will not be possible to exchange it.
When choosing a bandage, you need to rely on your own feelings. Therefore, you will have to resort to fitting. It is advisable to try several types and stop at the most comfortable.
Remember that the bandage will have to be used for a long time. In an ideal adaptation, a woman should not feel his presence. When choosing the size of the bandage, keep in mind that the stomach will still increase. Therefore, you should give preference to elastic products with volume control.
Last but not least is the material from which the bandage is made. The ideal option is cotton. But cotton products are not elastic. Therefore, manufacturers add artificial fibers to cotton or viscose in the form of polyamide, microfiber, polyester, lycra. Such high-tech materials are safe for the expectant mother, and thanks to their unique properties, the product becomes durable, elastic, suitable for frequent washing. If solid synthetics are present in the bandage material, the skin will lose the possibility of free breathing, prickly heat, diaper rash and allergic rashes will begin to appear.
How to wear a bandage during pregnancy?
First of all, you need to learn how to properly wear a bandage during pregnancy. The accompanying instructions describe this process in detail. If there are difficulties, and you yourself could not figure out the intricacies of using a supporting device, you can contact a gynecologist. The doctor will tell you in detail about the rules of wearing and teach you how to safely apply the bandage.
To properly put on a bandage, follow these recommendations:
1. Lie down on a comfortable, flat surface with a small pillow under your buttocks.
2. Lie down for a while so that the muscles relax, the child takes a comfortable position. This will allow the bladder to relax and relieve the feeling of heaviness.
3. Gently put on the brace, making sure it is firmly attached to the body. Do not allow excessive pressure - it will harm the baby. But even a weak fastening of the bandage will not give the intended effect.
If the bandage is put on correctly, the woman does not experience discomfort, regardless of the position in which she is.
When wearing a bandage, follow a number of rules:
1. Wear the support for no longer than three hours. Then you need to take a break for half an hour.
3. If the baby behaves too restlessly in the stomach, it is better to remove the bandage. Reapply not earlier than half an hour later.
Do not ignore the rules for bandage care, which consist of regular washing at a certain temperature.
If a decision has been made to use a bandage during pregnancy, and the doctor has no prohibitive arguments, do not listen to negative reviews.
This unique device is not capable of harming either the expectant mother or the child, but will help get rid of many of the negative symptoms that are present 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.
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.
The right size and type will help pregnant women feel comfortable even in the later stages of gestation. This accessory will help a woman to fix a growing tummy, maintain normal development of the baby's internal organs, and also reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. In order for it to bring only benefit, you need to know how to put it on correctly and how much to wear. Only a serious approach to business will provide you with a positive result.
Despite the imaginary harmlessness of this accessory, you need to use it for its intended purpose, because the process of bearing a child requires care in details. In fact, there is nothing to support yet, so it will not bring any benefit. Thus, the question arises, from what period can be worn. Its main purpose for pregnant women is to prevent the baby from moving in the womb. Only closer to, at the 32nd week, the child takes a stable position. The correct presentation of the fetus is considered head down, but at any time it can change, which will become an indication for. 
As a preventive measure for such an outcome, doctors prescribe a special supporting corset to “fix” the baby. It is recommended to wear it no earlier than the third trimester. Starting at week 39, the bandage support should only be worn for long walks or household chores that require activity.
At a later date, the stomach drops, because the child is approaching the "exit". In the case of multiple pregnancy, "support" should already appear on. This advice is also applicable to polyhydramnios.
Did you know?For many pregnant women, the foot increases by 1-2 sizes.
When to start wearing a bandage during pregnancy
To wear a bandage or not - the woman herself must decide, with the exception of special instructions from the doctor. Most often, pregnant women wear it because of the back, heaviness in the abdomen. This accessory helps to facilitate the activity of the expectant mother, maintain the tone of the abdominal muscles. There are medical indications when wearing a retainer is mandatory. 
These include:
- pregnancy with several children, when the spine receives a double load;
- pain with pinched spinal nerve;
- transferred operations in the abdominal cavity shortly before pregnancy;
- scars after operations;
- low presentation;
- poorly developed abdominal muscles;
- risk of pregnancy.
Important! A suitable belt size is the main condition for its effectiveness and comfortable wearing. Don't take it for granted. You can determine the desired size if you add 5 cm to the volume of the abdomen at the level of the navel. Remember that the retainer should not squeeze or hang on you.
How to put on a bandage for pregnant women: instructions with a photo
On the packaging of any elastic product, instructions are written on how to properly wear fixative underwear for pregnant women. However, often they do not quite accurately describe the whole process and subtleties, therefore we will come with general recommendations.
- Put it on lying down, breathing deeply. This is done for the comfort of the child inside the abdomen, the safety of his internal organs.
- Lift the buttocks with the help under the thighs, do not tighten the bandage too tightly. When you lie down, a palm should pass between it and it.
- Check that the product rests against the pubic bone and fits when you are standing.
How to determine if the brace is on correctly
If you've followed the instructions but aren't sure if you've put on your brace correctly, there's an easy way to check. First of all, a correctly worn product will not bring discomfort from wearing. It should cover the pubic area, pass under the abdomen and down the buttocks. A dangling bandage will not bring the desired result, but it should also not be overtightened.
Most often, to learn how to properly wear a bandage for pregnant women, you just need to follow the instructions for use, watch photos and video tutorials on using special underwear. But it is safer to take it with you to an appointment with a gynecologist in order to get professional recommendations. 
Important! After putting on the elastic product, gently roll over onto your side and stand up. In no case do not make sudden movements!
You can get additional advice from your gynecologist. The doctor will tell you which type of product is right for you personally, and also warn you about possible contraindications.
How to wear a bandage for pregnant women: what not to do in a bandage
Experts warn that the continuous wearing of a corset disrupts the blood circulation of the fetus. Give yourself time to move around and take a break from the fixation by removing the bandage every few hours. In addition, you can not make sudden movements and tilts, this will bring discomfort and squeeze the child.
In no case do not leave it at night, remove it for the period of daytime rest. In the supine position, there is no emphasis on the spine, and pressure on the abdomen can damage the fetus. As for whether it is possible to sit in it, doctors are still arguing how to do it right. Some are sure that it is dangerous to wear a bandage for pregnant women, while others insist on the opposite. Therefore, listen to yourself, if you are comfortable sitting in special underwear, then this will not bring any harm to the baby. 
In the use of a corset after childbirth, there are much more exceptions. It is not recommended to wear an elastic retainer in case of:
- restrictions due to caesarean section;
- violations of the digestive system;
- , renal failure;
- and damage to the skin.
How much to wear a bandage pregnant
Despite the many benefits of wearing support underwear, it is not recommended to wear it non-stop. Be sure to remove the latch for the time of night or day. If the use of a fixation belt is prescribed for you by a doctor, you will have to use it until the baby is born.
In other cases, it is not necessary to wear it throughout the pregnancy. In order to prepare the uterine and abdominal muscles for childbirth, the use of a corset should be reinforced with special sports exercises for pregnant women. 
Let's figure out whether it is worth leaving the latch on time. Those who are accustomed to exercising before pregnancy will find it much easier to bear the stress, so they will not need support. However, beginners may feel unpleasant pain, so an elastic product will be useful for mobile pregnant women. It is best to learn how to wear a bandage correctly and how much from the attending gynecologist.
Did you know? In all pregnant women, internal organs increase - the liver and heart, the sense of smell is aggravated 11 times. This is how nature takes care of the expectant mother, protecting her from dangerous products.
How to remove a prenatal bandage
Just like putting on, take off the prenatal bandage while lying down. However, pregnant women who rarely sit at home will have to adjust to doing so in a standing position. Standing, you need to lean back, slightly raise your stomach, and, fixing a comfortable position, gently pull off the corset.
It is better to wear supportive underwear over panties, then it will last you much longer and bring more comfort.
Universal bandage for pregnant women
If you do not want to buy two different corsets for the duration of pregnancy and period, choose a universal one. This is a two-sided orthopedic belt, reinforced with a powerful lining and bones. 
Consider how to wear a universal bandage for pregnant women. Its design is disproportionate: one side is much wider, because before childbirth it is put on with the wide side back, and after it is the other way around. This is due to the fact that during the bearing of a child it is necessary to provide maximum support for the back, and after that for the stomach. The size of the product and the degree of contraction is regulated by the side Velcro.
Did you know? The absolute record for the number of births belongs to the British Elizabeth Greenhill. She gave birth 38 times and gave birth to 7 boys and 32 girls.
If you are interested in how to properly put on the FEST universal bandage for pregnant women, then the principle is no different from that described above. Information on this issue is also necessarily present on the packaging and the official website of the manufacturer.
When do you need a postpartum bandage?
The name "postpartum bandage" speaks for itself, so you need to start wearing it immediately after the birth of the child. This will help to restore elasticity to the muscles, tighten the skin, relieve pressure on the back and tighten the overall appearance of the figure. The use of an elastic product is prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, based on the state of health of the mother and how the birth went. 
Postpartum bandage underwear is made of durable fabric with a dense insert for fixing the tummy. Comfortable fasteners and a tape that wraps around the waist help to adjust the product to your own figure and securely fix the right places.
How to care for orthopedic products
In order for the bandage belt to serve you as long as possible, proper care is necessary. There are basic rules for cleaning the bandage:
- do not wash the product too often. Manual cleaning is necessary only as it gets dirty;
- use exclusively cold water, otherwise the elastic will stretch;
- do not wash the product with powders, it is better to take ordinary soap;
- dry the fixative only in a horizontal position;
- Wear supportive accessories over your underwear. This will help keep them clean longer.
Important! One bandage is designed for only one pregnancy. For younger children, you will have to buy new ones. Moreover, you should not wear someone else's worn product.
Contraindications for use
There are very few serious contraindications for the use of bandage underwear during pregnancy. The bandage helps to maintain muscle tone, fix the presentation of the fetus in the womb, and facilitate the movements of the expectant mother. 
Control the wearing time of the product: every four hours you need to take it off for half an hour so that the body has time to rest. However, it is worth considering the uniqueness of each female body, so you should consult a gynecologist.
Now you know how to put on a pregnancy bandage correctly, and what precautions doctors put forward. Do not rely only on the instructions from the package, grab the purchase for an appointment with your doctor, he will clearly demonstrate and teach you how to properly handle the product. Then any pregnancy will cause only positive emotions.
Specialists recommend a bandage for pregnant women as an effective tool to reduce the load on the body, support muscle fibers in the abdominal cavity and reduce the risk of miscarriage. The use of a bandage is especially important for women who lead a fairly active lifestyle, despite pregnancy, as well as for patients with umbilical hernia.
Who is in the first place in need of such support?
Questions about whether such an accessory is useful for pregnant women, and whether it is necessary to buy it for a future mother, are still controversial. Some experts are of the opinion that the acquisition of a supporting device is not a priority. At the same time, many doctors still argue that a woman cannot do without such support during pregnancy. Against this background, many ladies in the position are worried about why it is needed and how long it is better to start wearing a bandage for pregnant women so as not to harm the baby in the womb.
It is best for the patient to consult with her attending gynecologist before buying a bandage for pregnant women. Basically, doctors actively begin to advise the use of a bandage from the moment when a woman's stomach begins to grow rapidly (from 3-5 months), and therefore, she may experience some discomfort. The growth of the abdomen occurs simultaneously with the divergence of the pelvic bones. These processes can be accompanied by the appearance of pain in the back and legs, increased fatigue, as well as the appearance of stretch marks. It is precisely from such “side effects” that the prenatal (and postnatal) bandage is designed to save a pregnant woman. Properly selected bandage will also help maintain the position in the womb of the fetus. Having found out why a bandage for pregnant women is needed, it is important to talk about what types of it are and how to choose the right accessory for the size.
Varieties of belts
A bandage for pregnant women (dimensions are affixed in accordance with European standards), first of all, should remove the main part of the load from the spine and legs, as well as prevent strong stretch marks. Therefore, specialists have developed different models of support belts, which should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the course of pregnancy.
The range of options for supporting devices for pregnant women, which can be found in any pharmacy, is quite wide. Therefore, it is not surprising that expectant mothers may wonder how to choose a bandage for pregnant women. Of course, in this case it is better not to choose the product yourself, it is better to study the market for these products in advance and enlist the advice of a gynecologist.
So, the types of bandages for pregnant women:
- In the form of panties with a high waist. Outwardly remotely similar to ordinary underwear, such a bandage is practical in everyday life and can perfectly support a growing tummy. The upper part of such underwear is sewn from a very elastic material. Such an insert is not visible under ordinary things and allows the expectant mother to lead a normal life without harm to the baby.
The advantages of such underwear are its practicality and appearance. However, it also has disadvantages. The main "minus" of such a device is that the bandage will have to be washed daily, because it is worn like ordinary panties. In addition, if you choose an accessory that does not meet the quality standards, the elastic insert can quickly stretch. This will lead to the fact that the bandage will no longer properly support the growing belly (during gestation and after childbirth) and cannot prevent the appearance of stretch marks, relieve fatigue and reduce pain. 
- In the form of a belt. This tummy-supporting accessory is worn over underwear and is fixed with special Velcro, which is quite convenient, given the trends in the growth and development of the fetus until the end of the pregnancy. Such a belt must be worn under the stomach so that it can properly perform its main functions. Therefore, before choosing a bandage for pregnant women of such a plan, it is worth trying on. It is better to give preference to a model with a wide back, so that while wearing the belt does not slip off and does not cause inconvenience.
- A universal bandage is an economical and practical option. Such an accessory for pregnant women is very convenient and at the same time can serve not only during the bearing of the baby, but also after childbirth. It looks like a belt with a narrow one on one side and a wide one with a slimming insert on the other. From 12 to 41 weeks, such a bandage must be worn in a narrow strip in front, under the stomach, and after childbirth, the belt is rotated so that the wide part provides support to the stomach.
In any case, when buying a bandage, you should measure it and focus on your own feelings. The “correct” accessory can cause inconvenience in wearing only in the first two or three days, which is due to the body getting used to the new device. If wearing a bandage accompanies discomfort during the week, most likely, the size of the product is not chosen correctly.
Size chart
When choosing a bandage, a pregnant woman may also face another problem - a dimensional grid. Not only the convenience of wearing it, but also the benefits for the expectant mother and her baby depend on the correct selection of the accessory in size. 
A consultant in a specialized underwear store or a gynecologist will tell you how to determine the size of the bandage. Before buying such a device, it is worth measuring the circumference of your abdomen approximately along the line where the navel is located. 5 cm should be added to the resulting number to get a certain size that can be taken for trying on.
As for the bandage in the form of panties with a high fit, its size is determined by adding 5 centimeters to the usual size (before childbirth). This value will correspond to the desired set of linen. However, pregnant women who have managed to gain more than 14 kg by the 20-25th week should purchase a bandage that is larger than what is needed according to the measurements.
But the size of the support belt can be found by comparing the measured coverage of the woman's hips in position with the values of the size grid. As a rule, such a table is indicated by the manufacturer of accessories for pregnant women on the package itself (see image) along with information on how to wash the device, etc.
Having decided what a maternity bandage is for, when it should be worn and how to choose the right accessory, you should also pay attention to recommendations regarding its use.
- or another pregnancy of a mother with many children (after the birth of a third child);
- neurological pain caused by pinching of nerve endings in the lumbar region;
- surgery in the abdominal region within 18 months before conception;
- the presence of a scar on the uterus (after surgery or);
- weakened abdominal muscles;
- low position of the fetus in the uterus;
- underdeveloped cervix;
- risk of miscarriage;
- severe pain in the lumbar region, which occurs due to the increasing load of the growing abdomen.
In addition, it is worth observing contraindications that will help to avoid negative effects on the fetus during pregnancy. In most cases, as a support for a rapidly growing tummy, women can safely use a bandage. However, there are situations when there is a risk of harming the fetus:
- a diagnosis of fetal presentation (or transverse) was made;
- abrupt weight gains are observed;
- the patient experiences excessive pressure on the abdomen or shortness of breath;
- while wearing a bandage, the baby shows excessive activity;
- there was an allergic reaction to the materials from which the accessory is made.
In addition, to prevent unsafe situations, doctors recommend removing supportive underwear (panties or a belt) while sleeping. It is considered advisable to wear the accessory for three hours, after which it must be removed or loosened so that the body “rests”.
As for the question of interest to many expectant mothers: “Is it possible to sit in a bandage for pregnant women?”, The doctors unanimously argue that for a short rest in this position, the bandage can not be removed. However, you should keep your back straight in order to exclude the pressure of the device on the stomach and the fetus inside it, as well as discomfort. The main feeling that every mother can be guided by is the desire to preserve the health of her child.
