Girdle Safety During Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

Pregnancy girdles, also known as maternity support belts, are designed to support the lower back and abdomen during pregnancy. They are typically worn as a recovery tool after childbirth, but some sources say they can be worn during pregnancy to alleviate back pain and pressure. However, it is recommended that they are worn for short periods and not too tightly, as this can restrict movement and breathing. Postpartum girdles are considered safe and are recommended by healthcare professionals, but it is always best to consult a doctor before using any compression garments.

Girdles are safe post-pregnancy to aid recovery, but not during pregnancy

Girdles are not recommended during pregnancy. They are designed to be worn tightly around the belly, which can be uncomfortable and may cause concern. However, they are considered safe to wear post-pregnancy to aid recovery.

A post-pregnancy girdle is a compression garment that helps restore tone and firmness to the abdomen. It should fit snugly but not restrict movement or breathing. The benefits of wearing a girdle after giving birth include:

• Promoting recovery from childbirth
• Encouraging blood flow
• Improving posture and mobility
• Stabilizing the pelvic floor
• Providing support to the abdominal muscles for stability and comfort during workouts
• Reducing swelling and fluid retention

Girdles can be especially helpful for those recovering from cesarean deliveries and those with diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy and remain separated after childbirth.

While girdles can provide support and stability, they will not strengthen your core muscles. It is important to combine their use with specific exercises recommended by a physical therapist or other medical professional. Additionally, seeking the help of a healthcare professional who specializes in postpartum healing may be more effective than solely relying on a commercially available girdle.

Girdles can be worn after C-sections to reduce pain, bleeding, and discomfort

Reduce Pain

After a C-section, the incision can make it difficult to sit or stand up straight, and many women experience back pain. A girdle can help by providing support to the abdominal muscles and taking the pressure off the incision, allowing for a free range of motion. The compression offered by a girdle can also help stabilise the core and improve posture, further reducing pain.

Reduce Bleeding

The compression provided by a girdle can help speed up the healing process and reduce bleeding. Oxygen is required for scar tissue to heal, and compression garments can assist with the delivery of oxygen by improving blood flow to the affected area.

Reduce Discomfort

A girdle can help you move around more comfortably after a C-section. The compression and support it provides can make it easier to walk, sit, and lie down without focusing on the incision. Additionally, a girdle can help speed up the process of your abdominal muscles returning to their regular position, reducing overall discomfort and making it easier to perform daily tasks.

It's important to note that while girdles can provide these benefits, they should not be worn too tightly, as this can restrict movement and breathing. It is also recommended to consult with a doctor before wearing a girdle to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

Girdles can help with diastasis recti recovery by gently compressing abdominal muscles

Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles separate as the belly expands during pregnancy and remain separated after childbirth. This condition can cause a bulge in the belly area, low back pain, constipation, and bloating. It can be treated with basic abdominal exercises and the use of a girdle or waist training corset, which aids recovery by reducing complications caused by muscle separation.

Girdles can help with diastasis recti recovery by gently compressing the abdominal muscles. This compression promotes blood flow to the affected area, which supports faster healing. It also helps to reduce uterus swelling and expel fluid, while offering lower back support and abdominal stabilisation to relieve back pain. Girdles can also help to improve posture, allowing for deeper breathing.

Postpartum girdles are designed to fit snugly around the belly to maximise the benefits of compression. However, they should not be so tight that they restrict movement and breathing. Girdles can also be worn by women recovering from abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy or tummy tuck.

The Boujee Baby Belly Band is a popular girdle for treating diastasis recti. It offers full compression across the entire abdominal region and can be used during and after pregnancy.

Girdles should be worn for no more than 2-3 hours at a time

While girdles can be worn during pregnancy, it is important to note that they should not be worn for extended periods. It is recommended that girdles be worn for no more than 2-3 hours at a time to prevent overdependence on them. This is especially important for pregnant women, as their bodies are already undergoing significant changes and added pressure.

Wearing a girdle for too long can have negative consequences. Firstly, it can impair circulation and affect blood pressure. This can lead to health issues such as heartburn and indigestion. Additionally, a girdle that is too tight can restrict movement and breathing, causing discomfort and even pain.

It is crucial to choose the right type of girdle and wear it correctly. Maternity girdles are specifically designed for pregnant women, providing support for the belly and pelvic area without covering the entire region. They come in various sizes and styles, so finding one that fits well and provides the desired level of support is important. Trying on different options and consulting with a healthcare professional can help ensure the girdle is safe and comfortable.

Taking breaks from wearing the girdle is also essential. Allowing the body to relax and breathe without the constriction of a girdle can provide relief and prevent any negative impacts on circulation and breathing.

While girdles can offer support and pain relief during pregnancy, wearing them for no more than 2-3 hours at a time is crucial for maintaining comfort and overall health. Combining girdle use with exercises to strengthen core muscles is recommended for both during and after pregnancy.

Girdles should be breathable, adjustable, and not restrict breathing or movement

Girdles are a great way to support your body during and after pregnancy. However, it is important to choose a girdle that is breathable, adjustable, and does not restrict breathing or movement.

Breathability is essential to keep the skin cool and comfortable, especially during the later stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period when the body is healing and adjusting. Look for natural fabrics such as bamboo-based viscose, which offer better breathability and help manage more pronounced sweating, which is common during the postpartum period.

Adjustability is also key. The ability to adjust a girdle ensures a customisable fit that can accommodate the changing body during and after pregnancy. Girdles with adjustable features such as multiple rows of hooks, zippers, and Velcro fasteners allow for a personalised level of compression and support. This is particularly important to ensure the girdle is not too tight, which can lead to negative health consequences.

When choosing a girdle, it is crucial to select one that does not restrict breathing or movement. A girdle should provide gentle compression and support without impairing circulation or causing discomfort. It should allow for a full range of motion, enabling the wearer to engage in daily activities and exercises comfortably.

By prioritising breathability, adjustability, and freedom of movement when selecting a girdle, pregnant individuals can ensure they are benefiting from the support and compression of the garment without compromising their comfort and health.

Frequently asked questions