Do New Mums Need A Post Pregnancy Belt?

For every expecting mother, pregnancy is an overwhelming experience. Pregnancy changes your body and it takes time to recover. Every new mum adapts to her post-pregnancy body differently. Some of them are comfortable in their loose clothing. While, others feel more comfortable and supported in postpartum shapewear such as a post pregnancy belt.

According to studies, a pregnancy belt might help with pain and healing after a caesarean section. They might also help support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after giving birth.

What Is A Pregnancy Belt ?

A pregnancy belt is a wrap tied around your belly and offers support to your abdominal organs and muscles. It is also known as a post-delivery belt.

It is similar to a lumbar support belt that’s worn when in case of slipped discs. It wraps around the entire area, starting just below the breasts all the way till the hips and has multiple adjustable velcro straps that you can strap shut as per convenience.

This postpartum maternity belt holds all the muscles and belly fat tightly in place, contracting them tighter together and brings you back to your pre-pregnancy shape.

What Are The Benefits Of Post Pregnancy Belt?

Are you wondering about the post pregnancy belt uses? A post pregnancy belt is designed to support your body and help it recover. It uses compression to support your muscles. This can help with aches, pains, stretch marks, sciatic pain, and bladder control.

The postpartum support belt fits snugly around your hips and tummy and is usually adjustable to suit your shape and body type.

Some of its benefits are:

1. Quick recovery: During the process of childbirth, the pelvic and abdominal muscles get stretched and pulled to a great extent to allow the baby to be pushed out easily.

Due to the extra stretch endured by the muscles, they become flabby. They often become loose and flaccid because of the constant stretching that occurs over the nine months.

A stomach belt after delivery helps the muscles to regain strength quickly.

2. Boosts confidence: After the birth of the child, mums often complain that they are unable to get into their favourite dress.

The post pregnancy belt will help mums lose all the tummy fat and get them back into shape. They can slay their looks wearing their favourite pair of jeans and crop tops.

3. Supports your pelvic floor: During pregnancy your organs move and change to make room for your developing baby.

Hormones too make your pelvic floor muscles relax during pregnancy. As a result, you can leak urine after having a baby.

Using a post pregnancy belt can offer some compression to gently hold your muscles in place as your body recovers.

What Are The Risks Involved In Using A Postnatal Belt?

Postnatal belts tuck in the extra fat that you have gained during pregnancy, for a flat tummy and reduced bulge. However, there are potential risks involved in using such belts:

• Excess pressure on the uterus might lead to bleeding

• You might have rashes and itching around the region where the edges of the belt press into the skin

• Excessive use of the belts throughout the day can lead to pain and discomfort

• After a C-section, the wounds might take at least six to eight weeks to heal. Hence, using this belt after c-section (before the internal wounds have healed) can lead to several complications

• Due to constant pressure on the abdomen, there’s a possibility of developing a hernia by using the caesarean belt after delivery.

When Can You Start Using A Maternity Belt?

New mums who have delivered vaginally shall wait at least for a day after delivery before using a maternity belt. In case of a C-section, they should wait for six to eight weeks.

However, it is advisable to consult a doctor about the right time to start using a maternity belt after delivery.

Things To Consider About Postpartum Belts

There are several factors to consider when wearing a postpartum belt. Some of them are:

• Look for adjustment options: Opt for the one that allows you to adjust tightness so that you can adjust its tightness.

• Continue to wear it for five to six weeks: The results of a belt for women after delivery is not instant. Hence, it must be worn over at least five to six weeks before you start observing a difference.

However, it is advisable to use it in moderation, and not all day long.

• Do not use the post pregnancy belt if it irritates you: Discontinue using it if you find rashes or redness on your skin.

Other Ways To Reduce Belly After Delivery

Following a healthy diet and indulging in moderate exercise with doctor’s advice can help you get your pre-pregnancy body back.

You can begin with exercises after delivery that do not strain you, and progress gradually. Yoga and brisk walks every day can be of great help to reduce that tummy fat.

Conclusion

Post-pregnancy comes with entanglements. Plus, the abdomen, hips, tummy along with the inner organs need support to back them up. Additionally, remaining fit and maintaining a proper figure has become a trend. Since, mums cannot simply rush to a gym, an abdominal belt after delivery is here to help all the mums out there. It is advisable to seek guidance from your doctor about the best ways to use a post pregnancy belt for better results.