If the thought of having to invest in an entire new maternity wardrobe brings you out in cold sweats, a belly band could be the answer!
A belly band enables expectant moms to wear their favourite non-maternity clothes for just a litte longer, and avoid sewing stretchy material onto their favourite pair of jeans.
What Is a Belly Band?
A belly band is a piece of material that looks similar to a tube top and is designed to help moms avoid the need to invest in a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes.
It’s typically worn underneath clothes to cover the gap between your pants and top, and can also be used to cover the zip and button of your pants if you need to leave them open to make room for your expanding belly.
What Are the Benefits of A Belly Band?
A belly band can turn many of your existing clothes into maternity clothes by covering the gap that regular clothes will leave as your belly grows – this limits the need to invest in and only wear maternity clothes. Some belly bands also compress, which will offer you a level of support as your baby starts to get heavier and create more strain on your spine. Belly bands are most useful during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy when you don’t need as much support as a maternity belt offers, but are starting to outgrow your regular clothes. Another bonus is that a belly band can offer an extra layer of warmth in the winter – a great excuse for wearing it after pregnancy too!
What Are the Different Models of Belly Band?
Belly bands are all fairly similar in design. The only difference will be in size, colour and fastening. Make sure that you select the correct size for you, and decide whether you would prefer a band which is comprised from one continuous strip of fabric, or if you would prefer a band which can be fastened with velcro.
What Should I Consider when Choosing a Belly Band?
There are a few things that you’ll want to consider when choosing a belly band in order to ensure that it’s right for you.
1. Size
Belly bands come in different sizes, so make sure that you get the right size to make it useful for you throughout your pregnancy.
2. Support
You’ll want to consider if a belly band is going to provide you with enough support. If you’re looking for a belly band to relieve back, hip or pelvic pain, you may find that a maternity belt is more suitable as these are designed primarily for support and to bear the weight of your belly and growing baby.
Conclusion
A belly band can be the perfect answer for many women looking to make the most of the clothes that they already have during pregnancy, whilst keeping their skin covered up and warm.