How to wear a universal maternity bandage? How long to wear a prenatal bandage to maintain the abdomen

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pregnancy is a special period in the life of every woman. Despite all the pleasant moments of waiting for a meeting with the baby, the expectant mother is going through a hectic time. Every day the body undergoes more and more changes, the most visible of which is a growing belly. The longer the pregnancy, the harder it becomes to move around and do your usual things.

In such cases, a bandage becomes an indispensable assistant. Its intended purpose is to support the growing belly and relieve the load from the back. Opinions about whether or not to use it are the most controversial. However, there are cases when it is simply necessary for a pregnant woman. In the article, we will consider how to wear a universal bandage for pregnant women.

Why is it needed and the pros of wearing it

The word bandage in French means "bandage". It was invented in the 60s of the last century.

This is a prenatal restraint belt - a special medical device or panties made of highly elastic material. The product is intended for fixation of the anterior abdominal wall of the abdomen. The main purpose of wearing a universal prenatal bandage is to partially relieve the load from the spine, since a woman can gain significant weight during pregnancy. In particular, the device is recommended to be worn by women bearing two or more children. In addition, a universal bandage for pregnant women and after childbirth can be useful.

The main benefits of wearing a brace include:

1. Providing the necessary support to a rapidly growing belly without any pressure on the fetus.
2. Promotes proper positioning of the fetus in the womb to prevent premature descent.
3. Unloads and evenly distributes the load on the spine, reduces pain in the lower back and lower extremities.
4. Prevents the possible appearance of stretch marks on a growing belly.

According to experts, wearing a maternity bandage during pregnancy is not only safe for the baby, but also good for the he alth of the expectant mother. It should be noted that it must be properly selected and used exclusively for its intended purpose. This product does not have to be used by all women during childbearing. It is prescribed by the attending physician only in certain cases. It is also important to know how to properly put on a prenatal band so that there are no undesirable consequences.

Medical indications and contraindications

Gynecologists and obstetricians recommend the use of a bandage during pregnancy in the following cases:

1. Large fetus or multiple pregnancy, in this regard, the spine has a significant load.
2. Threatened miscarriage or risk of preterm birth due to low placenta, cervical insufficiency.
3. For underdeveloped abdominal muscles that can affect premature drooping of the abdomen.
4. The bandage contributes to the correct adoption of the position of the fetus in the womb and its fixation.
5. To relieve discomfort and pain in the lumbar region and back in pregnant women.
6. Swelling and pain in the lower extremities, varicose veins.
7. Postoperative scars on the uterus, as well as surgical interventions on the abdominal cavity during the two years preceding the woman's pregnancy.
8. Underdeveloped cervix.
9. Pain syndrome caused by a pinched nerve in the lumbar region.
10. The bandage is recommended for mothers who continue to work during maternity leave and have to spend a lot of time on their feet.
11. In the second and subsequent pregnancies, a bandage is necessary to prevent stretch marks, flabbiness of the abdomen, since the abdominal walls are more prone to stretching.

Mandatory consultation required before usea specialist who will tell you how to choose a universal bandage for pregnant women. In the absence of the indications listed above, there is no need to wear this product, since the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall will eventually relax and cease to cope with the load on their own. In this case, after giving birth, it will be much more difficult to return to its former shape.

In addition to the numerous benefits of using a bandage, there are contraindications in the presence of which doctors do not recommend wearing a birth belt:

1. If the fetus is in a transverse presentation. After the second trimester, if the fetus is not positioned correctly in the uterus, the bandage may prevent it from turning over on its own and taking the correct position, since the belt fixes the adopted position. If closer to the time of delivery, the fetus is in the correct position in the uterus, the attending physician may recommend wearing a birth belt so that the baby does not have the opportunity to roll over again.
2. If there is an allergic reaction to the fabric from which the bandage or support panty is sewn.
3. The presence of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney or heart failure. They may be a reason to refuse prenatal banding.
4. A postpartum belt is not recommended for women who have had a caesarean section.
5. Generalized contraindication for the use of prenatal and postnatal bandage are diseases of the skin with fociinflammation in the places of wearing the product.

Types of products

In order to properly wear a maternity bandage, you need to know what types of these devices are available.

Manufacturers produce three varieties. They are made from a mixture of natural and synthetic fabrics with the addition of microfibers. These are bandage panties, a corset and a belt. Also on sale you can find postpartum bandages. Their wearing is recommended to restore muscle tone after childbirth by caesarean section. Below is information about each of the listed products.

The 4 in 1 universal maternity bandage is considered one of the most popular and practical models, which is preferred by pregnant women. It is a rubberized tape, which consists of a wider part on one side and a narrow one on the other. Each of them is additionally regulated by Velcro. The versatility of this type of bandage lies in the fact that it can be worn not only during pregnancy, but also after the birth of a child.

How to wear a universal maternity bandage? During gestation, the belt is worn with a wide part on the lower back, in this way partially relieving the load from the back, and the narrow part, on the contrary, is fixed in the lower abdomen. After the birth of the baby, the product is worn the other way around, that is, the wide part fits snugly, supporting the muscles of the abdominal cavity, and the narrow part is fixed on the back. A supportive bandage belt is worn over underwear in the summer, over tights or pants in the cold season.

On salemeet belts with perforations, which provide better breathability, the skin breathes, which is especially important in the hot season. The universal bandage is great for women who quickly gain weight and have a predisposition to stretch marks. Among other things, such a model is always available for purchase and has a relatively low cost.

Bandage briefs are not only comfortable, but also a beautiful model, which is panties with a wide elastic waistband in the abdomen. In specialized stores, a wide range of models and colors with a supportive insert for pregnant women is available. The indisputable advantages of bandage shorts are their comfortable wearing, constant support of the growing belly thanks to the elastic waistband, affordable price.

However, this type of product has its drawbacks:

1. They need to be washed daily, so panties alone will not work, you will have to buy several spare ones or wear underwear under them, which is quite inconvenient. Insulated models are on sale, designed for the cold season.
2. Bandage underwear is not suitable for pregnant women, expecting twins or rapidly gaining weight, as such a product is designed for a certain stretch. If it is larger, the panties will begin to rub the skin and, worst of all, squeeze the stomach, which is strictly prohibited.

Bandage-corset - this type of devices perfectly holds the stomach. Because the lacinglocated at the back, putting it on yourself is quite problematic. Perhaps this explains its lack of demand. For women during pregnancy, the convenience and versatility of things is of great importance, which cannot be said about this product.

When to start wearing?

It is important not only how to put on a universal bandage for pregnant women, but also at what time to start using it.

Many women decide on their own to wear a support belt in order to relieve pain in the lower back or get rid of heaviness in the legs. Often they do not even know how to properly wear a universal maternity bandage. Doing this is undesirable. The question of whether it is necessary for a woman to wear a prenatal belt during the period of bearing a child should be decided only with a consulting physician. Given the physical condition of the expectant mother, her daily activity and the development of the baby, the doctor decides whether to prescribe the use of this product for a growing belly.

Often, women have the question of how long to wear a bandage. As a rule, it is prescribed at the end of the second or beginning of the third trimester. The optimal time to start using is the fourth month of pregnancy. It is at this time that the uterus begins to actively increase in size, and with it the stomach. The main thing here is to listen to the opinion of experts and your own feelings. From the 39th week, the prenatal belt is put on before long walks or when doing daily housework. The stomach at this time drops, and the baby is preparing to be born.

Howuse the product?

It is necessary to be able to properly wear a prenatal bandage so that wearing it does not harm the baby. To do this, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

1. Lie down on a flat surface and place a small roll or pillow under your buttocks to slightly lift your pelvis.
2. In this position, it is recommended to lie down for a while to help the baby take a comfortable position. Moreover, this position allows you to relax the bladder and get rid of the feeling of heaviness in the body.
3. Carefully, slowly, put on a bandage and fix it tightly on the back, while avoiding strong pressure on the abdominal muscles. Too weak fastening of the antenatal belt will also not give the necessary supportive effect.
4. If the bandage is put on correctly, the woman does not feel discomfort, regardless of whether she is moving or resting.
5. A properly fitted brace allows the arm to fit freely between the body and the prenatal support.

It is equally important not only to know how to wear a universal bandage for pregnant women, but also how to wear it correctly so as not to harm the he alth of the baby:

1. It is not recommended to wear the product for more than three hours a day. In the case when you have to use it for a longer time, you should take at least a half-hour break.
2. Be sure to remove the support during night and daytime rest.
3. If there is excessive activity or anxiety of the child while wearing the bandage, it is recommended to remove the product and put onin less than half an hour.
4. You need to wash the device systematically, in warm water.

How to choose a size maternity bandage?

When buying a product, it is important to consider certain parameters. The size of the support bandage is selected according to the circumference of the hips and waist in the most voluminous places. Values are usually present on the packaging. A sales assistant in a pharmacy or speci alty store will help with the choice, if necessary, take measurements and recommend a suitable product.

When choosing bandage panties, it is important to pay attention to the size of the insert and its elasticity. The wider it is, the better the growing belly will be supported. The prenatal belt should be wide, made of dense material, with perforation. Please note: the bandage should be comfortable and should not slide off the stomach.

Advantages and disadvantages of the universal brace

Starting from the third trimester, women are shown the use of a supportive product. It relieves the load from the spine and relieves discomfort and aching pains in the lumbar region, supports the growing belly and internal organs, relaxes muscles, and normalizes blood circulation. The skin is less prone to stretching, and as a result, stretch marks and flabbiness of the skin will be avoided.

After childbirth, the bandage copes with its task no less effectively, alleviating the woman's condition, relieves pain and evenly distributes the load on the spinal column.

You can put on the prenatal belt on your own, without outside help. Moreover, unlike panties,bandages, it is much more convenient to wear, because every time you go to the toilet or visit an obstetrician-gynecologist, the product does not need to be removed. Another advantage of purchasing this model is significant savings. There is no need to buy a separate prenatal and postnatal belt, since all the necessary functions are performed by one universal bandage.

The device also has a number of disadvantages:

1. Of the minor factors, its visibility under light clothing is distinguished. An alternative here would be a seamless antenatal belt.
2. Also, women often complain about Velcro marks left on tights. And in cases where the fasteners are loosened, the bandage can even slip off even during minor movements.
3. In some models, in order for the product to better hold its shape, the edges are made too hard, so in the sitting position they dig into the skin and rub. To avoid such consequences, before buying a support belt, it is advisable to try it on, take a sitting position to determine how comfortable it is. If necessary, you can choose another model.

Bandage "FEST" and "Trives"

These products are among the top best models, according to experts and women who have tested them in action. They are comfortable to wear, prevent the displacement of internal organs during pregnancy, help the fetus to adopt the correct position in the uterus, and reduce the load on the back.

Bandage "FEST" is characterized by many women as comfortable and practical. He has significantadvantage, it can be worn instead of underwear and look feminine thanks to lace inserts and a delicate palette. It is not too wide and does not interfere with natural air circulation.

Dignity:

• provides good tummy support;
• comfortable to wear;
• has quality tailoring;
• elastic;
• withstands repeated washing;
• does not stretch over time.

Flaws:

• must be washed daily;
• exclusively light shades available;
• If the clasps are not fastened properly, hard hooks can rub against the skin.

It is important to know how to put on the universal maternity bandage correctly.

"Trives" is a supporting belt. Differs in high quality and low cost. The product is sewn from safe fabrics with a low content of polyester. It perfectly supports the belly of a pregnant woman, while not exerting pressure.

The absence of complex fastenings makes the bandage practical and easy to put on, and Velcro allows you to adjust the width as your belly grows. The manufacturer produces a product for women of different builds.

Dignity:

• breathability;
• strong clasp;
• possibility of adjusting the degree of fixation;
• thanks to two stiffening ribs, the load on the lower back is reduced;
• invisibly under clothes;
• universal color;
• suitable for women with sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions;
• does not itch, irritate or redden even after prolonged use.

Flaws:

Stiffening ribs are made of plastic

Bandage "MomComfort"

This is the best all-round maternity bandage. It can be worn during pregnancy and after childbirth. It is designed to maintain the growing uterus in a normal physical position during the period of childbearing, promotes the adoption of the correct position of the fetus. Reduces pain in the back and lower back, unloads the spine and lumbar. Prevents stretching of the skin in the abdomen.

The product is produced under the trademark "Our Mom". A universal bandage for pregnant women allows you to accelerate the recovery process of tightening the abdomen in the postpartum period and restore muscle tone. The advantages of this model include:

• adjusted according to changes in prenatal and postnatal volumes;
• creates proper compression and prevents early prolapse of the abdomen and internal organs;
• maintains posture;
• provides a secure hold on the abdomen;
• relieves stress from the spinal column and lumbar;
• high performance;
• generic usage type;
• available in multiple colors.

Taking into account the individual characteristics of the course of pregnancy for each woman, the consulting doctor canspeak negatively about wearing a bandage. It also plays a role that most doctors are skeptical about these accessories. They claim that they are indicated in exceptional cases, for example, with multiple pregnancies, too large a stomach, or with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. If the doctor does not mind wearing a support belt, it is better to purchase a universal product that can be used before and after childbirth.

Consumer opinions

Before buying a product, it would be a good idea to study reviews of universal bandages for pregnant women.

"FEST", according to expectant mothers, is very comfortable to wear, does not press or rub anywhere, so it is ideal for daily use. As disadvantages, it is noted that it sometimes rubs the skin, the product must be washed frequently.

Speaking of the Trives bandage, women note the high elasticity of the fabric, which is achieved by adding a certain percentage of synthetic fibers (polyamide) to the composition, but this does not affect the safety of the fetus. There is a drawback - sometimes the stiffeners break.

Also, pregnant women are satisfied with the use of the MamaComfort device. They note its convenience and comfortable use.