The bandage is a wide belt made of elastic material designed to support the abdomen before and after pregnancy. Recently, special bandages in the form of panties have appeared on sale, which can be worn in the early stages and after operations.
Types of bandages
Prenatal braces can be divided into three main categories - prenatal belts, universal braces, and panty braces. Additional support for the abdomen is especially necessary for women with multiple pregnancies, as well as when there is a threat of the onset of premature birth.
Bandage-panties are special devices that outwardly resemble ordinary panties with a wide belt. However, in the manufacture of such underwear, elastic materials are used that stretch as the fetus grows. You can wear such bandages in the early stages of pregnancy. However, in the absence of abnormalities in the development or position of the fetus, the bandage is not an obligatory element. It is most often recommended for women with poor physical fitness who begin to suffer from back pain already in the early stages of pregnancy.
A bandage belt can be worn after three months of pregnancy, and closer to five months, as a rule, experts strongly begin to recommend it. Such a bandage is a wide strip of elastic material, which is fixed on both sides with comfortable Velcro. He puts on over the underwear, and should be located in the lower abdomen. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to tighten the area around the navel.
A hooded prenatal brace is a belt with an additional band of soft elastic material that covers most of the abdomen. It is recommended to wear such devices in the second half of pregnancy up to 30 weeks. In some cases, a hooded bandage is prescribed by specialists when there is a threat of premature contractions, if the fetus is lying incorrectly or is too active.
The universal bandage can be worn from three months of pregnancy to late pregnancy, as well as after childbirth. Outwardly, it consists of two parts. One side in this case is narrow, and the other is wide. In the early stages of pregnancy, the bandage is worn so that a wide band is on the lower back. From the second trimester, the position of the bandage is changed. A thin strip moves to the lower back. After childbirth, you can independently select the most comfortable position of the material.
Why wear a bandage
During pregnancy, the load on the spine and back increases several times. This is why most women feel discomfort or pain in the lower back. The bandage, supporting the abdomen, reduces this load, thereby providing maximum comfort when moving.
The main distinguishing feature of any bandage is its ease of use. Thanks to the special fasteners, you can control the degree of support for the abdomen, and the elastic material ensures a comfortable feeling while wearing it.
Please note that any band cannot be worn for more than four hours. After this time, a break is required. In addition, all bandages are highly contraindicated after 30 weeks of pregnancy prior to delivery.
