UPDATED DECEMBER 12, 2022
What are belly bands, AKA pelvic support belts?
A pregnancy belly band or pelvic support belt is a comfortable band that wraps around or under your pregnant belly to help your body manage some of the postural changes that happen as your baby grows. Wearing a pregnancy belly band can help to support your pelvis, hips, abdomen, and lower back.
Do I need a pregnancy belly band or SUPPORT belt?
A support band is not required or necessary for every pregnancy. Whether you need one depends on your posture, ligament laxity, core strength, how your baby is sitting, and other factors. The right belly band can help with pain or strain in the back, belly, or pelvis. Some women may enjoy the feeling of support and find that it makes daily activities, walking, or exercising easier while pregnant.
How do I choose the best belly band for me?
Belly bands and pelvic support belts are created for different purposes, and not all are created equal! We’ve pulled together some of our favorite products and are giving you the scoop on what they will do for you.
We recommend you wait to buy one until you need it since you can’t always anticipate which type you’ll need. When in doubt, consult a postpartum physical therapist so you don’t waste your money on a product that isn’t right for you. If you have many weeks to go until you deliver, make sure to pick a size that allows you room to grow.
Our favorite pregnancy belly bands
The belly band or pelvic support belt that you choose is largely personal. It will depend on your lifestyle, how the baby is positioned in your belly, your posture, the pain and discomfort you might be experiencing, and which areas of your body need support.
We’ve gathered all the best belly bands—according to expert pelvic floor physical therapists here at Origin. We’ve broken our favorites up into helpful categories so that you can determine which belly band fits your needs best.
The best pelvic support belt
The Serola Sacroiliac Belt starts at $53.95 on Amazon.
Who it's for
This belt is great if you have pelvic girdle pain, including:
- Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain, felt in the back of the pelvis, on either side of the sacrum
- Pubic symphysis dysfunction pain, felt in the groin or front of the pelvis
How it works
This narrow, stiffer belt should sit low on the hips. Because it sits below the belly, you can tighten it quite a bit to create strong compression through the pelvis, which stabilizes the sacroiliac and pubic symphysis joints.
How it feels
It feels like a hug for your pelvis and instantly makes walking easier. It does not provide any belly lift or support, and is not especially comfortable for sitting.
The best belly band overall
The Upsie Belly by Belly Bandit is our pick for the best overall pregnancy belly band. Get it for $69.95 at Belly Bandit
Who it's for
This band is ideal if you have general discomfort, including:
- Low back pain
- Abdominal strain
- Round ligament pain
How it works
This belt is the ultimate in low back and belly support. It lifts and redistributes the weight to improve your posture and decrease strain on your back. It may help decrease pressure on the bladder, and will help with round ligament pain by supporting the uterus.
How it feels
This pregnancy belly band is super soft and comfortable. It provides high support and moderate compression. The band also includes insertable cold and heat therapy packs, which can help manage discomfort without medication.
The best belly band on a budget:
The Maternity Belly Band by KeaWorld is our favorite belly band at a budget price. It starts at $15 on Amazon.
Who it's for
This band is good for belly support when pain isn’t too severe.
How it works
Like the Upsie Belly, this pregnancy belly band helps redistribute the weight of the belly, holding it in closer to your center of gravity and decreasing strain on the low back.
How it feels
It’s definitely less comfortable (and has fewer bells and whistles) than the Upsie Belly. It’s not as soft, but it’s an affordable place to start. This band also only comes in 2 sizes.
If you are having some pelvic girdle pain, here’s a trick we teach patients in the clinic: You can wear it upside down and backward, then tighten it around the pelvis for extra support.
The best customizable pregnancy belly band
The Baby Belly Band by Cabea is our top choice for a customizable belly band. Available for $39.99-$44.99 at Cabea
Who it's for
This band is the one for you if you need a little bit of everything, including:
- Pelvic support AND belly support
- SIJ or pubic symphysis pain AND low back or round ligament pain
Cabea also makes 2 really great velcro add-on features that you can attach to any soft belly band.
How it works
This belt is like the halfway point between the Serola pelvic support belt and Upsie Belly. It gives a little bit of belly support, and a little bit of pelvic compression. It’s a good multipurpose option but doesn’t provide enough support for severe pelvic girdle pain.
How it feels
It’s much softer than the Serola pelvic support belt, but the side tabs allow you to tighten it around the pelvis for a bit of that “hug” feeling. You can wear it higher or lower on the belly, depending on your preferences.
Cabea Belly Band Add-Ons
Cabea also makes 2 really great and versatile velcro add-on features that you can attach to any soft belly band.
Groin bands add compression to the vulva and can help with:
- Vulvar varicose veins
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Severe pubic symphysis pain
Groin Bands are available for $25.
Shoulder straps give maximal belly lift for:
- Larger or more outward-positioned bellies, or twins (or more!)
- Increased pain from spending long hours standing at work
Shoulder Straps are available for $25.
The best belly band for athletes
The FITsplint is our choice for the best belly band for athletes. Get it for $49.95 on Amazon
Who it's for
Opt for this belt if you're an athlete or someone who...
- Is continuing higher-impact exercise into their pregnancy
- Prefers their belly totally wrapped and covered (rather than just lifted from the bottom)
- Wants to use their band postpartum
How it works
This Neoprene wrap can be worn 2 ways: with both straps under the belly for maximum lift, or with the straps encircling the belly to hold it stable for higher-impact exercise. It also makes a fantastic postpartum wrap because it has no sharp edges or boning.
How it feels
It is very soft and more flexible than the other bands. It is probably the most comfortable on the list to wear while sitting, and minimizes belly bouncing with running or jumping. It provides less lift and compression, depending on how you wear it. It does not provide any pelvic support.
