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The best pregnancy belly band is Azmed Maternity Belly Band, according to testers from the What to Expect staff and user community, because of its ease of use, comfortable material and supportive fit.
Like many moms-to-be, the second trimester of pregnancy ushered in the official debut of my growing baby bump — and with it, some serious growing pains. Known as round ligament pain, these sharp, shooting pains typically flare up after week 14 of pregnancy, as your uterus expands and starts to grow out of the pelvis, says April Dunmyre, D.O., assistant director of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital Womancare Associates in Pittsburgh.
Pregnancy belly bands — sometimes called pregnancy belts or maternity belts — wrap around your lower back and abdomen to gently cradle your bump, easing pressure on your back and pelvis.
“[Pregnancy belts] can help support the uterus and, if worn lower on the abdomen, can help pull the baby off the pelvis,” explains Dr. Dunmyre. I found that wearing a belly band significantly helped alleviate my round ligament pain and made being on my feet more comfortable. Plus, they can potentially help relieve lower back pain in addition to pelvic pain.
However, keep in mind that these special bands for pregnant bellies are different from pants extenders, which are designed to help you wear your non-maternity jeans for longer and offer lighter support. (Although some belly bands may do both.) How we chose the best pregnancy belly bands
In order to determine what pregnancy belly bands are safe and effective to use, I spoke to three OB/GYNs: Dr. Dunmyre, Shannon Smith, M.D. a board-certified OB/GYN and partner at Brigham Faulkner OB/Gyn Associatesin Boston, Massachusetts and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board, and Jennifer Wu, M.D., an OB/GYN and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. They provided advice as to how belly bands work and what to look for when buying one. I also referenced information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for additional research around belly bands.
Additionally, I used my experience both as a mom of two who wore belly bands and as a parenting editor to guide my decisions in selecting the best options. Finally, in order to get a more general sense of what brands and types of bands moms prefer, I spoke to moms on the What to Expect staff, and also canvassed the What to Expect community boards to get direct feedback from moms and moms-to-be who used belly bands.
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Care instructions: Hand wash
No pregnancy belly band gets name-dropped in the What to Expect community quite as often as the Azmed Maternity Belly Band. This is a classic wraparound belly band (available in both beige and black) from medical supplier Azmed, and moms-to-be say it offers superior comfort and support for lower back and hip pain.
I used this belly band during my own pregnancy, and like many other moms-to-be, I loved how easy it was to get on and off. There’s just one closure, and the Velcro straps fasten at your lower back — not the belly, which some moms appreciate since it means less fabric against your more sensitive bump.
Christine Mattheis, Group VP of Content & Brand Solutions at What to Expect, is also a major proponent of wearing this band, especially when you're going to be on your feet for a while. "It provided instant relief — it’s actually kind of amazing how well it works," she says.
The truth is that even the best pregnancy belly bands aren’t super comfortable to wear when you’re sitting down, and many moms (myself included) remove them when sitting. This means that many people reserve pregnancy belly bands for times when they’ll be on their feet for a while, such as when going on a walk. But because the Azmed belt is so uncomplicated to get on and off, it’s excellent for daily use. If you take it off to sit down, you won’t be overly annoyed to have to put it back on again later.
Many reviewers also appreciate the fabric itself, which is made from soft, breathable elastic and surprisingly lightweight. It’s also a little less bulky under clothing than some other belly bands.
The beauty of the Azmed belt is how easy it is to use, but if you’re after extra support in the back or abdominal area, you may prefer one of the styles on this list with a higher back panel and/or an above-belly strap.
“I have this one, it really really helps with my hip pain.”
“Azmed maternity belt. I work a desk job so I don't wear it during work but if I'm at home doing things I will. It makes a huge difference.”
“I second the Azmed! I only feel like I need it when I go on walks or if I'm out and about running errands, not so much for everyday to/from work. It's immediate relief from pressure and some pain.”
Sizing: S to XXL
Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent Lycra
Care instructions: Hand wash
You may not feel like working out when you’re in your second or third trimester of pregnancy. But the Gabrialla belly band might help change your mind, or at the very least offer support for walks. Designed specifically for active moms-to-be, this pregnancy belt sits securely around your hips and lower back to cradle your growing bump. Many What to Expect moms say it’s a game changer, especially if you’re still running or doing cardio-based workouts during pregnancy, as it offers superior support to ease pressure.
There’s a higher-than-average back panel (6 inches) and two bands that can be adjusted to regulate the amount of tension. What to Expect moms also appreciate that it features a pocket that can hold a hot/cold gel pack — ideal for soothing back pain.
This belly band is available in sizes small to XXL, but make sure to measure yourself and reference Gabrialla’s sizing chart: The brand notes that your pre-pregnancy size doesn’t always correspond exactly.
“I bought the Gabrialla band. It’s comfortable and [has] higher support, but I generally only wear it when I’m being active.”
“I use the Gabrialla support belt but only when I run. I used it my first pregnancy and started using it again a few weeks ago when I was getting sore after my runs. It seems a little thick so I'm not sure how it would lay under everyday clothes. I couldn't care less how it looks when I'm out running!”
“I’m still running three times a week, 3 to 5 miles per run. Definitely not the lengths or paces I used to, but still trying! I got the Gabrialla belly band and it’s been a lifesaver! Has helped relieve pressure and keep me up straight.”
Sizing: One size (hip circumferences up to 46 inches)
Material: 69 percent polyester, 20 percent elastic, 11 percent nylon
Care instructions: Hand wash in cold water and air dry
Don’t underestimate this basic-looking belly band: Many moms-to-be say they were surprised and impressed by how supportive the Bracoo Maternity Belt is. Made of a polyester, elastic and nylon blend, it wraps around the lower part of your belly to gently cradle your bump. It’s available in one size only and has two belts (an interior band and outer side panels) that attach with Velcro to help ensure a comfortable fit.
It’s worth mentioning that at 4 inches high, the Bracoo belly band doesn’t offer nearly as much back support as some other options on this list. That may be fine if you’re someone who prefers a more minimalist style that wears like a belt, but other moms-to-be might want a little extra coverage.
At $17, this is the most affordable pregnancy belly band on our list. Some moms do note that with heavy use, the fabric starts to warp over time. If you’re in the third trimester or don’t envision yourself wearing a belly band daily, this probably wouldn’t be a problem. However, if you’re looking for a belly band that will hold up to daily wear and tear and can also be worn postpartum, you may want to consider investing in one of the other options.
“My MFM (maternal fetal medicine) specialist recommended the Bracoo brand. I stand for 6+ hours a day for work, so I have been using it since 18 weeks. Very helpful, [it] Velcros around the waist with simple adjustment.”
“I have this one. It helped last pregnancy! I wore it mostly in the third trimester, but it’s still in great shape for me to use this pregnancy. My son was SO LOW in my pelvis and the pressure was insane. This helped provide a little lift of relief!”
“I used this one and [it was a] game changer! We moved this weekend, I’m 19 weeks and already feeling it and once I put the band on it provided so much relief. I used it at the end every day, could hardly walk a lot without it.”
Sizing: S to XL
Material: 96 percent viscose from bamboo, 4 percent spandex
Care instructions: Machine wash cold and lay flat to dry (do not bleach, iron or dry clean)
A close contender for our “best overall” pregnancy belly band, Belly Bandit Upsie is another very popular option among What to Expect moms, who rave about its supportive fit. Although pricier than many belly bands on this list, many moms-to-be find the higher cost worth it for the high-quality materials (it’s made from super soft bamboo viscose with a little Spandex for stretch).
Although pregnancy bands aren’t exactly the most fashionable outfit accessory, Belly Bandit Upsie is better looking (and more discreet) than most other options, especially when worn under clothing. Many moms appreciate that it’s also available in both black and cream.
This band, another wraparound style that attaches with Velcro, molds to your body without digging into your skin and has adjustability of up to 12 inches. The back fabric is slightly higher than some other options, making it a good pick for anyone seeking extra lower back support. Bonus: It also comes with a hot/cold pack that you can slip into the band’s back pocket for extra relief.
“It didn’t catch on anything or scratch me, the fabric was very soft actually,” says Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director at What to Expect who wore the Upsie while pregnant. “It was really easy to use, put on and take off.”
Sizes range from small to extra-large, but some moms say it runs a little small, so it may be worth sizing up if you’re unsure. Measuring across your belly, the largest size fits up to 57 inches.
“I used the Upsie belly support band from Belly Bandit during pregnancy and it helped me immensely with easing the back pain and gives excellent support!”
“I used the Upsie belly band from Belly Bandit. It’s awesome!”
“I got the Belly Bandit Upsie. I’m also carrying very low and some days my back is just killing me. It helps a lot, plus it has a heat/cold pack you can put in it. Also had helped a ton with round ligament pain. The only downfall is it’s really uncomfortable to sit in so you have to readjust accordingly.
Material: 64 percent polyester, 21 percent elastodiene, 15 percent nylon
Care instructions: Hand wash
Moms-to-be love the NeoTech Care Maternity Belt, and it’s easy to see why. The customizable abdominal pad attaches to a lower back support band, which helps ease strain on your lower back. Because this style wraps around the belly and waist, it’s a great choice for anyone suffering from both lower back and abdominal pressure, as the design helps to gently redistribute weight.
The band can accommodate bumps up to 60.5 inches, which is more than many of the other products on the market, making this another great option for plus-size moms-to-be. Bonus points go to the super-stretchy fabric (a polyester, elastodiene and nylon blend), which hugs your body with just the right amount of compression.
While many moms-to-be are thrilled with the additional abdominal support the NeoTech belt offers, this style isn’t for everyone. If you don’t love the feeling of lots of fabric and straps on your bump, you may be more comfortable with one of the minimalist belly bands on this list.
“I swear by this thing. It does most of the heavy support that your back/belly would otherwise do. It saved me the last few weeks of my last pregnancy and I'm already noticing a difference wearing it this time around.”
“I've used it daily to help with back/hip pain. Definitely been a lifesaver for this pregnancy!”
“I use that belt and it works great!”
Care instructions: Can be worn for 3-5 days
Pregnancy belly bands are the most popular option, but some moms prefer to use kinesiology tape to gently lift and support their bumps. This method involves applying “K tape,” as it’s often called — flexible, water-resistant elastic bands — facing upward on your belly. (There are a number of tutorials on how to do this online, but always consult your practitioner for guidance.)
The benefit of using K tape instead of belly bands is that it offers endless adjustment options, it’s completely seamless under clothing and it’s blissfully lightweight (many moms-to-be note that K tape feels amazing in the summer, while even the most lightweight belly bands can feel bulky and restricting under clothing on a hot day).
In a small 2017 study , researchers applied K tape to pregnant women and found that low back pain decreased significantly compared to placebo. While K tape tends to be pretty similar from brand to brand, the researchers in that study used Kinesio Taping Kinesiology Tape Tex Gold on study participants.
But while kinesiology tape can help ensure a perfect fit, it’s definitely not as intuitive to use as belly bands and requires some trial and error to get the hang of. Some moms note that it can be a little painful to remove the tape, too. And while one box of tape is relatively affordable at $15, you’re likely to go through quite a lot of it, so it may become more expensive than a belly band over time.
“K tape is the only thing that helped my belly. There’s lots of ways you can use it and it’s so comfortable.”
“I found KT tape to be better for longer-term wear under clothes, although it can be irritating to the skin when you take it off.”
“What I really like the kinesiology tape for was belly support in the summer months when it was too hot to wear my belt outside while working out or hiking. I have had bad round ligament pain with both my babies.”
Sizing: S to XXL (0 to 26)
Material: Nylon and spandex
Care instructions: Machine-wash warm, gentle cycle with like colors. Use non-chlorine bleach only, tumble dry low
Moms-to-be in What to Expect’s Plus-Size Moms and Moms-to-Be group frequently recommend the Belevation Maternity Band for a little extra support. Not only does this belly band offer a better size range than most on the market (from small to XXL, up to size 26), but the stretchy fabric and pull-up design means it also offers more coverage, so it’s less likely to pinch in an uncomfortable place. Moms-to-be describe the support as gentle to medium, and say it helps to relieve abdominal, lower back and hip pressure all at once.
And unlike wrap-around styles, which tend to have overlapping straps and Velcro, the Belevation band delivers a smooth look under clothes, which many moms appreciate. The fabric is a seamless, breathable mesh to help you stay cool.
The downside to this style is that you don’t have as many adjustability options. If you’d prefer an adjustable belly band, the Gabrialla and NeoTech belts are also both solid options for plus-size moms-to-be (and were close runner-ups for this title).
“Belevation belly band was a blessing for me!”
“Belevation belly bands on Amazon are a MIRACLE!”
“I was 353 when I got pregnant and am 369 now at 23 weeks. I use the Bellevation belly band for support.”
Sizing: XS to XL
Material: 57 percent modal, 38 percent Tencel lyocell, 5 percent spandex
Care instructions: Hand wash, dry flat
Postpartum belly bands are similar to pregnancy belts, but they usually come up higher on your belly and offer a higher level of compression than would be safe or comfortable during pregnancy.
New moms love that the Belly Bandit B.F.F. Belly Wrap offers tons of versatility. It has six support panels — including two customizable compression panels — and the wrap hugs you with firm but gentle compression. It also has up to 9 inches of adjustable fabric so you can continue to adjust the fit as your body changes postpartum. Also good: It’s comfortable even if you’ve had a C-section, and won’t irritate your incision area.
Based on expert advice, as well my experience and feedback from moms in the What to Expect community, these are the most important features to consider when shopping for a pregnancy belly band: Sizing: Although some pregnancy belly bands are available in only one size, most come in sizes from small to extra large (and occasionally up to XXL). Look for belly bands with a wide range of sizes or one-size bands with adjustable features to help ensure a comfortable fit. It’s also important to mention that many manufacturers recommend measuring yourself according to the brand’s size chart, as moms-to-be often aren’t their typical pre-pregnancy size when it comes to belly bands.Material: Ideally, you’ll want to look for a belly band that’s made of soft, easily adjustable material so that it can expand along with your growing bump. Make sure that the belt isn’t uncomfortable or too restrictive. “If you find them chafing or annoying, abandon them,” says Dr. Wu. You should look for bands made of soft, stretchy fabric that feels comfortable on your belly and lower back (in other words, avoid awkward seams or tags that dig into already-sensitive skin).Support: Pregnancy support belts and bands generally come in the same shape: a belt-shaped band of fabric that sits under your bump. Some also feature an additional strap that goes above your bump for extra support. Belly bands should be supportive enough to gently lift and cradle your bump without being overly tight or restricting. Dr. Smith prefers belly bands that have Velcro straps. “[You can] adjust the tension to the level of support that feels adequate,” she says.Care: Because they’re often made from stretchy materials, most pregnancy belly bands need to be hand-washed, though some can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. It’s important to prioritize a comfortable, supportive fit over ease of care, but looking for a machine-washable band might be a top priority as well.
Whether or not to use a pregnancy belly band is a personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong time to start. But most pregnant women choose to wear one once they develop round ligament pain. This symptom usually starts after week 14, so many women start considering belly bands during the second trimester when they’re looking for a little extra support and hoping to relieve these sharp, shooting pains.
Note that many pregnancy belly bands are eligible for reimbursement from health insurance companies and your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account).
It’s not entirely clear if it’s safe to wear pregnancy belly bands for long periods of time. Some experts worry that overuse of belly bands might make your muscles over-dependent on these support garments to function.
Some research indicates that the pain-relieving benefits of belly bands apply only to pregnant women who wear the product regularly for short periods at a time. Additionally, a 2009 study from the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that support bands could potentially cause skin irritation and discomfort in some people.
To be safe, try to remove the band every 1 to 3 hours for 1 hour to make sure you’re giving yourself a break and make sure that the product you buy is supportive without cutting off circulation or restricting movement. And if you have pelvic pain or back pain that worsens or isn’t improved by a pregnancy support belt, talk to your OB/GYN ASAP for help.
Although more research is needed on pregnancy belly bands, many experts and limited studies suggest that these products may help ease pressure on the back and pelvis (more on this below), and many pregnant women report that they offer relief from round ligament pain.
“Not only are pregnancy bands safe, but they are a wonderful tool to use in order to improve patient comfort,” says Dr. Smith.
To be on the safe side, some experts recommend removing the band every 1 to 3 hours for 1 hour to make sure you’re giving yourself a break. Make sure, too, that you choose a product that’s supportive without cutting off circulation or restricting movement.
If you develop pelvic pain or back pain that worsens or isn’t improved by a pregnancy support belt, talk to your OB/GYN.
A small 2017 study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that women who wore pelvic belts for short periods of time had reduced pelvic girdle pain and could more easily do everyday tasks.
Pregnant women are most likely to feel round ligament pain when they change positions — for example, when sitting up and starting to walk or after engaging in physical activity, Dr. Dunmyre explains — so support bands can be especially helpful for on-the-go moms-to-be. Per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnancy bands can also help make exercise more comfortable during the later stages of pregnancy. The ACOG says that belly bands may also help support the back and prevent pregnancy-induced back pain.
Many pregnancy belly band makers also claim that their products help prevent stretch marks. However, per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), many stretch mark prevention remedies don’t actually work. So be skeptical of these claims and remember that stretch marks are a normal, expected part of pregnancy — and nothing to be ashamed of!
If your pregnancy belly band still feels comfortable on your stomach after you’ve given birth, there’s no reason why you can’t wear it for extra support. (If you’ve had a C-section, you’ll want to be mindful that it doesn’t irritate the incision area, however.)
Many moms also choose to invest in a postpartum belly band for this period. Like a pregnancy belly band, these products are meant to be worn around the waist to help support your body, but they tend to have a little more compression.
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