Many women use special orthopedic accessories while carrying a child. Why do I need a bandage during pregnancy, and can everyone use it? What models are available for sale? How to choose and wear such a bandage?
Why do you need a bandage - all the pros and cons
Prenatal bandage - a device that allows you to support the tummy in the later stages. There are many benefits from using it. The accessory relieves tension from the lower back, helps keep the back straight, improves blood circulation and muscle tone. With its help, the load on the skeleton and all organs is distributed evenly. Effectively supporting the abdominal cavity, the bandage prevents the appearance of stretch marks.
A woman should not make an independent decision about whether to wear a bandage during pregnancy. Only the attending physician can recommend the use of the accessory, by determining the daily time and schedule for wearing it.
In what cases can a gynecologist advise the use of "support"?
- The threat of miscarriage in the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy.
- Low location of the placenta.
- Breech presentation of the fetus.
- Polyhydramnios and large fruit size.
- Bearing multiple children.
- Re-pregnancy.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis.
But there are also skeptical doctors who are not inclined to place too high hopes on the bandage. They are sure that during the normal course of pregnancy, a woman can do without this accessory. As an example, thousands of grandmothers and great-grandmothers are cited, who perfectly bore healthy children without a bandage.
There are a number of contraindications that do not allow the use of a prenatal bandage. For example, swelling, kidney disease or disorders in the cardiovascular system. If you have diabetes or other chronic diseases, you can only wear a bandage after consulting a specialist.
Types of bandages
The orthopedic industry is well aware that women are not inclined to save money on their health and the health of their children, so the market offers a wide range of models.
Bandage briefs
This accessory looks like ordinary panties, in front of which there is a dense and wide tape that supports the stomach. There are hundreds of options for these bandages. Many of them are decorated with delicate lace and made of seamless materials so that a woman can enjoy both comfort and confidence in her attractiveness.
This bandage should be worn in the supine position.. With frequent urination, such panties may not seem very comfortable. To put them on or take them off, you have to make sufficient efforts, especially in the later stages. Therefore, manufacturers offer products with a lower fastener. These panties are ideal for a visit to the doctor, and for daily use.
On a note! Bandage briefs are not the best option for women who quickly gain weight during pregnancy. It does not stretch enough to provide the desired degree of comfort, begins to dig into the body and rub the skin.
Bandage belt
One of the most popular models, and the high demand for it is due to its versatility. The bandage is made in the form of a wide belt that supports the stomach. Several rows of fasteners help adjust the waistband, increasing its volume as the belly grows.
Wear it over underwear. It is especially comfortable in summer. The bandage belt is sewn from breathable fabrics, the skin under which does not sweat. If the size is chosen correctly, then the belt will not slip or bristle.
Bandage-"tummy"
This is an improved analogue of the belt. It has not only a waistband that supports the stomach more from below, but also a wide cotton insert with elastic fibers that accommodates the entire tummy. Such a bandage is sewn from natural fabrics, so you can wear it on a naked body.
Universal bandage
A universal prenatal bandage allows a woman to save money, because she does not have to buy two products - prenatal and postnatal bandage. They are easily replaced by one accessory. It has the appearance of a belt with wide and narrow sides. During pregnancy, the wide part is placed on the back, effectively supporting the spine and unloading the lower back. At the same time, the narrow part is fastened under the stomach with the help of reliable fasteners.
After childbirth, the belt is turned over so that the wide part effectively affects the abdominal muscles and helps the body recover faster.
On a note! The side Velcro fasteners of the universal bandage help to fit the belt perfectly to the figure.
When to wear a brace during pregnancy
The bandage should not be used until the fetus is in the correct position. This usually happens before 30 weeks, but if for some reason this did not happen, the woman will first have to undergo a special gymnastics course that will help the fetus roll over. And only after the fetus turns around and takes the correct position, it will be possible to use a bandage.
Important! Do not forget to check with the gynecologist how much time per day you can wear a bandage for you. A doctor familiar with the course of your pregnancy should choose the optimal regimen.
In the early days, you may experience discomfort while wearing the bandage. But if the discomfort does not go away, and the child pushes hard, “protesting” against the “support”, you should stop wearing the chosen model and seek a second consultation with a specialist.
How to choose a bandage
Some women buy a bandage "for growth" - and this is a serious mistake. If the product is large, it will not perform its functions. If not enough, it will cause serious harm to health. It should be understood that when developing a bandage design, manufacturers are well aware that the stomach grows during pregnancy. And they took this feature into account in the prenatal bandage: it is sewn from elastic fabrics that can stretch and adapt to the anatomical features of the female body. Approach the choice of prenatal bandage responsibly.
It is important to choose the right size. If you decide to buy bandage panties, then start from your parameters before pregnancy plus 1-2 sizes. If we are talking about acquiring a belt, then you need to focus on the volume under the stomach.
Please note that some manufacturers indicate the size of underwear (42-44, 44-46, etc.), others indicate the volume under the belly (90-100, 100-110, etc.), others use the letter format (L, M, S, etc.). Usually these parameters are duplicated by sizes in centimeters - it is on them, most likely, that you should be guided during the purchase.
Products should be purchased in pharmacies or special salons for expectant mothers. Please note that the bandage has all the necessary certificates confirming its compliance with hygienic and medical standards.
On a note! It’s great if you manage to try on a bandage and evaluate its degree of comfort before buying. To do this, however, is not always possible (you can’t lie down in a pharmacy to put on a bandage). But in a good orthosalon, there are probably special fitting rooms with couches.
Do not forget to evaluate the quality and fabric from which the bandage is sewn. Lace inserts are, of course, beautiful, but will they irritate the skin? How well does the fabric ventilate? Are the zippers comfortable?
Prenatal bandage will serve well during pregnancy, improving the well-being of mom. Often, wearing it helps the body recover faster after childbirth and avoid many postpartum complications. Fewer stretch marks appear on the abdomen, and the muscles quickly acquire the desired tone. But the bandage should be used only after consulting a doctor, because improper use of the accessory can lead to disastrous consequences.
