Why You May Need a Pregnancy Back Brace

Lower back pain and pelvic pain are incredibly common among pregnant women, as the body’s center of gravity shifts to accommodate a growing belly. A pregnancy back brace alleviates the strain put on abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and the pelvic floor as pregnancy progresses, relieving the aches and pains that go along with it. It can also help improve circulation, especially in the second and third trimester. As your baby bump grows, a pregnancy back brace can help lift the weight off of the blood vessels that flow to the lower extremities, promoting good circulation and reducing fatigue in the legs and feet.

When to Wear a Pregnancy Back Brace

You don’t want to wear the pregnancy back brace for an extended period of time so that it replaces the work of your core muscles. You only want to reinforce and support these muscles. You can wear it for a couple hours at a time beginning at around 20 weeks. This will provide much needed back support and enable you to keep good posture during daily activities and exercise. Some women continue to wear their pregnancy back brace into the postpartum weeks as the core muscles begin to heal and come back together after delivery. *If you have blood pressure or circulation issues, a pregnancy back brace may not be a good option. It’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider first.

How to Put on a Pregnancy Back Brace

1. Make sure the padding is on the inner side and tension straps are positioned in the back.
2. Secure the velcro in front of the brace and position so that it cradles the abdomen, typically below the belly button.
3. Choose your desired support, compression, and fit by simply adjusting the side tension straps.
4. That’s it! You can wear the brace discreetly under or comfortably over your clothing.

If you feel pain in your stomach, excess pressure on your pelvic floor, or it’s restricting your breathing, the support brace is too tight. Gentle compression is the goal.