You wore a bandage during pregnancy. Bandage for pregnant women: from what period to wear, rules and recommendations. Bandage: medical indications

It is no secret that during gestation, the mother experiences serious discomfort associated with an increase in the load on the muscles of the back, legs and internal organs. In some cases, the normal course of pregnancy is impossible without providing additional support for the mother, so an orthopedic device is prescribed to solve the problem. Today we will discuss their types and functionality.

Why do you need a bandage during pregnancy?

Before discussing the prenatal bandage and finding out which of the proposed ones is best for you, it is worth understanding what the device is bought for and in which cases it is not required.

Indications for wearing

This is an orthopedic product that is designed to help you during pregnancy. The bandage serves as an additional support for the length and a fixative for the bones.

Let's discuss indications for use.

If you move a lot during the day, spend a lot of time in an upright position.
Pain is felt in, which are caused by the increase and size of the child.
Curvature of the spine (scoliosis, lordosis), as well as various injuries that caused osteochondrosis.
In the process of gestation, pain in the legs occurs. Also, the product is needed when.
Used for fixation, when the rejection of the bandage leads to sagging of the abdomen.

Important! The product must be worn in obstetric pathology, since the absence of an orthopedic device can lead to additional problems.

Contraindications

At the same time, there are contraindications, which are based on the functionality of the device.

The fact is that the constant use of this product leads to the fact that the abdominal muscles begin to atrophy. The same thing happens with the leg muscles of astronauts who are in zero gravity for a long time. In our case, the following happens: after childbirth, atrophied muscles, devoid of elasticity, tighten much longer, returning to their original form. As a result, after the woman gets sagging, as if she gave birth to 5-6 children at once.

It is also worth abandoning the product if you have tissue or skin diseases in the pelvic area. Since any tissue impairs oxygen access, skin diseases can progress, so the device cannot be worn.
It is worth mentioning that the use of a bandage is not massive for the reason that it is not a mandatory attribute of a woman in position. Nature has made sure that the woman's body can perform its main reproductive function, so the use of the product is limited, which can worsen the course. Also, a bandage is used when several children are expected at once.

Did you know? The first orthopedic invention that was used to support the fetus during pregnancy dates back to 1700 BC. These devices were used to reduce the protrusion.

How to choose a bandage? Kinds

Having discussed what a prenatal bandage for pregnant women is, let's talk about which one is better to choose. We will deal with the main types of products and their functionality.

The prenatal maternity bandage is a regular women's underpants that have an additional expanded insert on top to help support the stomach. Such a product will help to cope with gestation in the case when only a little support is required, and not fixing the abdomen and back with the transfer of weight to the shoulders.

Main advantages:

low price;
the product is not noticeable under clothing;
easy to put on and comfortable to wear.

Minuses:

you can only put on the product while lying down, so there is a problem with visiting the restroom;
panties require daily washing, so one pair will not work;
bandage panties are not suitable for overweight women, as they cannot stretch much.

It is worth saying that the prenatal bandage in the form of underpants is used only during pregnancy. After such a product becomes useless.

Universal bandage for pregnant women

The universal prenatal bandage is best described as "two in one", as it is used both during pregnancy and after childbirth. It looks like an ordinary belt, but on the one hand it has a narrow strip, and on the other - a wide one.

During pregnancy, the wide part is located on the lower back, and the narrow part is under the belly. After pregnancy, the belt is turned over so that the wide part supports the stomach.
Pros:

universality;
small price;
can be put on and taken off anywhere.

Minuses:

in this case, versatility means that you will get a not-too-comfortable device that can slip;
one way or another, and the belt will be noticeable under light clothing.

Prenatal bandage belt

This option is a wide elastic waistband with Velcro, which allows you to adjust it to your needs. Such a belt is attached in the lumbar region, and is fastened directly under the abdomen, allowing you to keep the fetus at the same level and reducing the load on the lower back muscles.

Main advantages:

easy to put on and take off;
the fabric is natural, so in hot weather the belt does not overheat the skin;
has a low price;
there is a possibility of adjustment in the process of growth of the abdomen.

Minuses:

Velcro can damage clothes;
with poor fixing, it can slip;
stands out under the light.

By today's standards, it is an "outdated" option, as it requires third-party assistance to completely fix the product. However, this option is ideal for those women who have serious problems with the spine, which makes childbearing a torture, especially in the later stages. The main advantage of the corset is the correct fixation of the fetus from all sides, as well as general back support.

Pros:

fixes the fetus over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe abdomen, both above and below;
fixes the spine, reducing the load;
improves posture.

Minuses:

requires outside help;
stands out in light clothing;
expensive;
covers a large area of the skin, which increases sweating.

Popular brands that produce bandages for pregnant women

It's time to talk about the main manufacturers of bandages that are present on our market. Consider the pros and cons of each brand.

Bandage for pregnant women "Fest"

The manufacturer has a whole line of products for expectant mothers, so it allows you to choose not only the right type of product, but also underwear, as well as various devices used during pregnancy
The prenatal bandage "Fest" is a medical product, so its functionality is aimed at treatment. That is, the products are used for medicinal purposes, and not just to support the fetus.

Purpose:

Prevents impaired blood circulation in the kidneys.
Reduces the risk of premature.
Reduces the likelihood of lowering the female genitals after childbirth.

Bandage for pregnant women "Orlett"

The manufacturer produces quite expensive products for pregnant women, which have improved functionality. The high price is based on the best quality of materials that do not cause allergic reactions and also have hydrophobic properties. At the same time, the fabric has an increased service life, so that it can be used during repeated pregnancy.

Important! Orlette prenatal bandage is designed for the second and early third trimester, and can also be used after childbirth.

The price also includes additional costs for the development of a bandage that is convenient in all respects, which has additional Velcro and tightening tapes that allow you to perfectly fit the product to any figure within one size.

Bandage for pregnant women "Nuova vita"

"Nova Vita" offers products that are distinguished by individuality and, at the same time, have excellent fabric quality. The devices have various color variations, allowing the expectant mother to choose exactly the color that best suits her clothes.

All products are made from microfiber, which passes oxygen well, eliminating the occurrence of prickly heat or irritation. Also, due to the properties of the material, the product fits well to the body, providing comfort.

Bandage for pregnant women "Ecoten"

This manufacturer differs in that it produces "2 in 1" belts, which are safely used during the period. Most products are equipped with additional plastic ribs that provide better back support. Also, the devices have several additional puffs that better fix the product.

"Ecoten" is used by those women who have a predisposition to sagging skin after childbirth, as well as expectant mothers who have problems with the spine in the lumbar region.

The prenatal bandage has different sizes so that you can choose the product for your figure. Therefore, further we will talk about how to determine your size and choose a product that will fit perfectly.

It’s worth saying right away that if you have the opportunity to try on a product, then be sure to do it, since there are always errors in measuring the size.
So, to find out the size, you need to measure the circumference of the hips below the abdomen. It is in the place where the hips expand as much as possible, and not closer to the knees.

After measuring, you need to compare the data with the size table:

XS - 90 cm;
S - 95 cm;
M - 100 cm;
L - 105 cm;
XL - 110 cm;
XXL - 115 cm.

If your size is between the above, then you should give preference to a larger bandage that has additional straps for screeding.

Important! In no case do not take the smaller option, as you risk pinching the stomach, harming the fetus.

At the same time, it should be understood that each manufacturer can produce goods that have slight deviations from the sizes described by you, so be sure to check not only the size, but also the girth of the product, as the missing centimeters will be noticeable.

How to put on and when to start wearing a bandage?

In conclusion, we will talk about how to put on a prenatal bandage, and when to start wearing it.

How to put on a bandage?

If you use the product in the form of underpants, then put it on so that the fixing (top) tape is located under the stomach, regardless of its size. Being located on the stomach, the underpants not only lose all functionality, since they do not hold anything, but also begin to squeeze the stomach. As for the belts, they are also fastened under the stomach, like underpants, playing the role of support. To prevent the product from slipping, it should be pressed against the pubic bone and wrap around the hips, slightly squeezing them.

When to start wearing?

The prenatal bandage is prescribed by the attending physician, he also determines from what period to wear. For this reason, it is not possible to specify time frames in a free format. Usually, the product is worn from the 5th month until the birth, since it is during this period that the stomach grows very quickly and, accordingly, the load on both the musculoskeletal system and internal organs increases.

It is better to put on the postpartum option in the first days after the birth of the child, since the functions of the bandage at this time are as useful as possible, help to tighten the stomach, but do not prevent sagging skin.

Did you know? The latest achievement in this area is the “smart” bandage, which is equipped with sensors that show the movement and condition of the fetus. It communicates with the mobile device and lets you know what the child is doing right now. The system keeps track of your baby's activities so you don't miss anything.

This concludes our discussion of orthopedic products that help reduce the load on the motor system and internal organs during pregnancy. Be sure to consult your doctor when choosing a bandage, and be sure to choose your size and do not use used options. Remember that an orthopedic product is not an accessory, but is intended for certain cases, therefore, if the doctor believes that you do not need it, then this is true and worth listening to.

Using it during pregnancy, you help not only yourself, but also the baby. It helps to support the abdomen in the process of bearing a child. But is it always worth using it? Even doctors cannot give a single answer to this question.

In this article, we will consider it in detail, and you will already draw conclusions for yourself whether you need a bandage.

When you need a bandage during pregnancy: the main indications

It is important to understand that the bandage should be worn only if you absolutely need it. Therefore, it is advisable to get detailed advice from a gynecologist.

The main indications for using this accessory are as follows:

If you are carrying twins or triplets. In this case, tugging of the abdominal muscles, early prolapse of the abdomen and even premature birth are possible;
For back pain caused by pinching of the sciatic nerve or herniated disc. These symptoms may occur due to a shift in the center of gravity, which provokes an increase in the load on the spine;
If there is a risk of spontaneous abortion;
If there is a scar on the uterus after a caesarean section;
With weak abdominal muscles, which can cause premature prolapse of the abdomen.

If such symptoms are present, then it is recommended to use a bandage as a support. But you can wear it no earlier than 22 weeks of pregnancy. If the expectant mother is absolutely healthy, then there is no need for this accessory. You can get by with regular maternity underwear.

1) : we consider superstitions and recommendations of experts.
2) Basic recommendations regarding running before pregnancy and directly in the position.

What are the benefits of wearing a bandage during pregnancy

Although obstetricians have an ambiguous attitude towards wearing a bandage, its benefits are undeniable:

The bearing of a multiple pregnancy is greatly facilitated;
Legs will hurt and get tired less;
Significantly relieves pain in the lower back and back;
The load on the pelvic organs of the spine is significantly reduced;
Premature descent of the fetus is prevented;
Helps the baby to take the correct position inside the uterus;
Modern models are made of breathable materials. Therefore, even in the warmest weather it will not be hot in them;
It is invisible under clothes.

Many young mothers believe that bandages can protect them from stretch marks. In fact, most doctors agree that this phenomenon is caused by hormonal changes in the body and loss of skin elasticity. Therefore, wearing this accessory solely to get rid of stretch marks in the future does not make sense.

How to choose a bandage during pregnancy from their wide variety

Different bandages differ primarily in form:

Panties. It is used as normal underwear and is similar in shape to it. Differs in presence of the supporting insert in front;
Belt. It has the appearance of an elastic band that can even be worn over clothing. On the sides there are special valves that regulate the fit of the belt;
Corset. Equipped with lacing. In use, such bandages are very inconvenient, therefore they are worn extremely rarely;
Combined. Can be used in the process of bearing a child and after childbirth. They have a narrow and a wide part. The narrow part helps to support the abdomen in the process of bearing or fixing the back after childbirth. The wide part helps to fix the back during pregnancy and support the abdomen after the baby is born.

When choosing, preference should be given to companies that specialize specifically in products for pregnant women. The highest quality bandages are produced by manufacturers from England and Germany.

Products made in Italy and the Baltic States, with their decorative characteristics, do not cope well with their main task related to supporting the abdomen. Make sure that only natural and hygroscopic materials are used in the manufacture of the product. Only in this case there will be no discomfort during wearing.

First of all, it is important that you feel comfortable in it. Therefore, when choosing a style, be patient. The following tables will help you choose sizes.

Table 1. Sizes for Fixed Size Antenatal Bands

Band size	92	94	100	104	108	112	116
Hip circumference under the belly, cm	85-88	89-92	93-96	97-100	101-104	105-108	109-112

Table 2. Sizes for adjustable antenatal bands

Band size	96	100, 104	108, 112	116, 120
Hip circumference under the belly, cm	85-92	93-100	101-108	109-116

Ideally, the doctor should choose the right bandage size for you.

How to properly wear a bandage during pregnancy

The doctor must show you this. Bandages are accompanied by instructions, but they are not always correct, and sometimes simply incomprehensible. Be sure to control the height at which you wear it. Too high a position is unacceptable. An improperly dressed bandage will put pressure on the child from above, and not support it!

The initial fitting should be done in a supine position. The belt should pass completely under the stomach, grabbing the front of the pubic part, along the upper part of the buttocks, resting on the hips. You can dress it while standing only if you are sure that you have learned how to do it lying down.

Bandage adjustment should only be done by a doctor. The fact is that when wearing it too tight, it will squeeze the fetus. A relaxed bandage simply will not fulfill the tasks assigned to it. As the belly grows, additional adjustment is required!

1): we consider the main recommendations!
2) What are teethers for teeth and how to choose the right one.

Many young mothers are interested in how to wear a bandage during pregnancy. Here you can make the following recommendations:

It is undesirable to wear it for more than three hours in a row. It is necessary to take half-hour breaks;
If there are certain gynecological prescriptions, then you can wear it all the time. But only if relief is noticed;
Make sure that he supports the stomach, and does not squeeze it;
There should be no discomfort when wearing. Whether you are walking or sitting.

Is it possible to wear a bandage in the last weeks of pregnancy?

It all depends on the situation. Sometimes the child takes the wrong position, turning his buttocks to the "exit". In this case, the use of a bandage is excluded, since it will not be able to return to its normal position. If the baby from the gluteal position has returned to normal, then the doctor may advise its use. This will fix the correct position of the fetus.

Is there a need to wear a bandage after pregnancy

In this case, it is also used to support the abdomen and spine, relieve fatigue and pain in the back. The use of postpartum bandages is excluded in the following cases:

There are stitches from caesarean section;
There are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys;
There are skin diseases or a tendency to allergic reactions.

In any case, an additional consultation with a doctor is necessary. Based on the course of the birth process, the recovery period after childbirth and the characteristics of the body, he will already decide on the appropriateness of using this accessory.

We tried to answer in full to your questions about whether to wear a bandage during pregnancy. Based on this information, you can already draw a conclusion about its pros and cons. However, an additional consultation with a doctor on this issue is still recommended. Only in this case, you will not harm either yourself or the baby.

A growing tummy while waiting for a child gives its owner not only a lot of pleasant sensations, but also some discomfort. On the eve of an early birth, the uterus of a pregnant woman begins to put more and more pressure on various organs, including the spine. In order to reduce this load, many women resort to the use of a special bandage. How long can this be done and does everyone need it without exception?

Such a device can not only reduce back pain and other uncomfortable sensations, but also help an unborn child, as well as prevent the occurrence of ugly scars and stretch marks. Meanwhile, you can wear it far from any situation. There are certain contraindications for its use.

When should a bandage be used?

From what period to wear a bandage for pregnant women to help the health of the unborn baby and his future mother, and not harm them? The question is not idle, because quite often ladies put a bandage on themselves as soon as they have a small tummy. Meanwhile, a special belt or panties is not at all such a harmless device as it might seem. Most modern gynecologists believe that a bandage should be used during pregnancy only if there are certain indications. This:

the threat of miscarriage or premature birth;
low location of the unborn baby;
isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
large fetus or multiple pregnancy;
pain and discomfort in the back;
scar on the uterus after surgery;
pain and discomfort in the legs, varicose veins of the lower extremities;
swelling, inflammation, pinched nerve in the lumbar region, accompanied by pain or discomfort;
abdominal surgery performed 1-2 years before the conception of the baby;
underdevelopment of the cervix.

If you do not have any medical indication for using a bandage and just want to make your life easier or use it as a prophylactic against stretch marks, you still do not need to wear it. In such a situation, the muscles of the anterior wall of the abdomen will not cope with the load on their own and will become much weaker, which means that it will be more difficult for them to recover after the birth of a child. In addition, sometimes bandages are not made from natural materials, so they can provoke various allergic reactions.

In addition, there is a contraindication in which the use of a bandage is strictly prohibited. This is the wrong position of the fetus in the uterus after 24 weeks. Wearing such a device can prevent the baby from turning head down in his mother's tummy. However, if the fetus takes the correct position closer to childbirth, you will definitely have to buy a bandage to prevent it from moving again.

How to choose a bandage?

Such female devices can be designed for the prenatal or postnatal period. There are also universal options that can be worn at any time.

Prenatal bandages are made in the form of special panties or a wide belt. Most often, expectant mothers choose a bandage in the form of a special belt - a tape that becomes narrower at the edges and is equipped with Velcro or any other fasteners. Depending on the size of the abdomen, the length of this device can be adjusted. The belt should be put on and worn only in a certain way, which is not very convenient.

In such a situation, many pregnant women prefer to use a bandage in the form of high panties. Usually everyone feels quite comfortable in them. But this variety is not recommended for ladies who are prone to excessive weight gain.

You should buy a bandage in a specialized store. It must be tried on before purchasing. The right size of this thing is a guarantee that it will not harm the baby, and his mother will be comfortable in it.

From what week to wear a bandage for pregnant women?

Many pregnant women who experience pain and discomfort in the lower extremities or lower back, independently “prescribe” the help of a bandage to alleviate their condition. Meanwhile, before using this device, you need to consult a doctor to clarify how long to wear a bandage for pregnant women to a particular patient.

Usually, women in an interesting position receive a recommendation to start using a bandage between 23 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. But in some situations, this device may be necessary a little earlier or later than the specified period.

How to wear a maternity bandage?

In order for the use of this “gadget” to bring only benefit to you and your unborn child, you need to follow the following simple rules:

you can’t sleep in a bandage;
during the day it is not recommended to use this device for 3 or more hours in a row. After each application, a forty-minute break should be taken;
the bandage should not squeeze the abdominal cavity;
if the doctor does not give you any special recommendations, you need to use your “assistant” right up to the very birth;
in the case of active movements of the baby in the tummy, the panties or belt should be removed immediately. You can use this device again only when the baby calms down;
finally, the bandage must be learned to put on correctly.

If it is made in the form of elastic panties, wear it only while lying down. In this case, a twisted blanket, a small roller or pillow should be placed under the hips. The “layer” between the bandage and the body should be thin cotton panties.

At first, the belt is also best worn lying down. When you figure out how to do it right, you can dress in it while standing. It should also be worn in a "duet" with organic cotton underwear. Position the belt so that it passes under the protruding belly in front. The back of the bandage should be on top of your buttocks.

Thus, acquaintance with the bandage in general cases should take place at 23-30 weeks of gestation. This device becomes a reliable assistant to women, providing their bodies with much-needed support. It is only important that the ally does not turn into an enemy and pest. And this happens when a woman begins to wear a bandage "just like that", ignoring the doctor's recommendations and not considering that there are very specific indications for using the device.

Wearing a bandage during pregnancy always raises questions for expectant mothers: how to choose it, how to wear it and how long to wear it. This information is very important for the bandage to perform its functions effectively. Is it possible to sleep and sit in a bandage during pregnancy?

How to wear a maternity bandage

After the expectant mother has decided on the choice of a prenatal bandage, she will have to master the science of putting it on and wearing it. How well the girl will use this accessory depends on her well-being and the development of the child. A well-chosen bandage does not slip off the pregnant woman's tummy, does not press and does not bring discomfort.

We will tell you in detail whether it is possible to sit in a prenatal bandage, when it is better to wear it and when it is necessary to rest from it.

How to put on a maternity bandage

How a girl puts on a bandage depends on its effectiveness, as well as the comfort of the pregnant woman herself. Most expectant mothers, when purchasing this accessory, do not know how to put on a prenatal bandage. This information must be indicated on the product packaging. In some cases, there are even pictures on the box that tell you how to properly put on the prenatal bandage of this company.

First of all, you should know that the bandage is worn only lying down.

The girl should lie on her back and place a pillow or roller under her buttocks. So the load is evenly distributed throughout the body, and the baby in the womb will be able to move from the bottom of the abdomen to the top. The pressure on the bladder will decrease and the bandage can be put on and fastened tightly. A properly dressed accessory passes under the stomach, rests against the pubic bone and hips. At the same time, he should never put pressure on his stomach!

When to start wearing a bandage during pregnancy

One of the most common questions expectant mothers ask is when to start wearing a bandage during pregnancy. In most cases, this accessory is required when the baby begins to actively gain weight and the tummy grows. It was then that there is a lot of pressure on the spine and legs of the expectant mother. To find out from what week you should wear a pregnancy bandage, it is better to first consult with a gynecologist. On average, the terms vary from 22 to 27 weeks of pregnancy. With multiple pregnancies, a prenatal bandage is required, your gynecologist will tell you when to start wearing it. Most likely, it will be a period of less than 20 weeks, depending on the well-being of the girl.

Information about from what month to wear a bandage for pregnant women with a scar on the uterus or polyhydramnios may be different. Most often this is a period of 4 months. It is worth adding that if there are medical indications for wearing a bandage, only a doctor can determine the start date for its use. Each pregnancy proceeds individually, therefore, in order not to harm yourself and your baby, consult a gynecologist.

There is only one contraindication when you can not wear a bandage during pregnancy. If before 30 weeks the fetus has not taken the correct position with its head down. Then wearing a bandage will prevent the baby from changing the position, and you will have to wait, even despite severe back pain.

Let's sum up a little. From what period of pregnancy you need to wear a bandage for you, only the attending physician who leads your pregnancy will tell you for sure. He will also tell you until which week to wear this accessory. For medical reasons, the bandage is usually worn until the very birth, only from the 38th - 39th week the wearing is limited in time, since the tummy is already starting to sink, and the baby is moving along the birth canal, preparing for birth.

How long can you wear a maternity bandage

Not all expectant mothers know when buying how many hours pregnant women can wear a bandage without a break. Usually doctors recommend putting it on for 3-4 hours if the girl has a long walk on foot. If you are going to wear a brace all day long, take a 30 minute break every 3 hours. At this time, it is advisable to lie down, if possible. At night, the bandage must be removed. It is best to wear it when the girl walks or sits a lot.

If you are uncomfortable in the bandage, dizzy, and the child has become very active, you should immediately remove the bandage.

The attending physician determines how long to wear a bandage for pregnant women in the presence of special medical indications. For example, with severe lower back pain, it is worn daily throughout the day until the very birth. Don't forget to take breaks and rest. If the bandage brings significant relief to the pregnant woman, then doctors allow her to wear it all the time, removing it only at night. However, all these cases must be considered individually, taking into account the pregnancy history of each girl.

To make it useful, let's figure out how to choose it and use it correctly.

A bandage in medicine is a special belt for holding the anterior abdominal wall and internal organs in a normal position. It is used in the postoperative period, with hernias, pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The bandage helps a woman feel better during pregnancy and recover faster after childbirth.

What is the bandage for?

A bandage is needed for a future mother not only to preserve beauty and health - it helps to maintain the quality of life that a woman is used to. With each month of pregnancy, the load on the spine, back muscles and anterior abdominal wall increases. This leads to frequent back pain, fatigue. A properly selected bandage provides support for the abdominal muscles without squeezing it, distributes the load on the spine and back muscles, alleviating back pain. In addition, it protects the skin of the abdomen and thighs from overstretching, preventing the appearance of stretch marks, and also reduces the load on internal organs, including the bladder, relieving a woman from the constant urge to urinate.

The bandage is recommended to be worn from the moment of pregnancy, when there is an active growth of the fetus and, accordingly, the abdomen. For most women, this happens around the 20th week, sometimes later. For some expectant mothers, such as expecting twins, the indication for wearing a bandage may occur before 20 weeks. The use of a bandage is recommended regardless of the size of the abdomen - as soon as it begins to grow.

back pain, including in the lower back, during pregnancy, spinal curvature, osteochondrosis: the bandage relieves the load from the lumbosacral spine, which will save the woman from daily pain during the last months of pregnancy;
weak muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and pelvic floor, predisposition to stretch marks - striae of pregnant women: the bandage will prevent excessive stretching of the skin and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, due to its design evenly distributing pressure over the entire surface of the abdomen;
repeated pregnancy, during which the abdominal wall stretches faster and stronger - the bandage will not allow overstretching of the skin and muscles, reduce the risk of weakness in childbirth;
excessive increase in the size of the uterus, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, large fetus sizes - in all these conditions, the bandage reduces skin overstretching, protects the spine from overload;
the threat of abortion in the second and third trimester, isthmic-cervical insufficiency - a condition in which the cervix opens long before the due date: the use of a bandage in this case can significantly reduce the pressure of the presenting part of the fetus and amniotic fluid on the incompetent cervix;
low location of the fetal head up to 36 weeks of pregnancy - the bandage fixes the baby higher and does not allow him to go down ahead of time;
placenta previa or low location - the role of the bandage is to prevent premature birth, it reduces pressure on the cervix by the presenting part of the fetus and the placenta;
a scar on the uterus after a cesarean section or removal of uterine fibroids - the bandage prevents the abdomen from hanging over the seam, reduces pressure on the scar area;
change in the position of the fetus in the uterus from the pelvic to the head - the bandage fixes the fetus in the correct longitudinal position;
pain in the legs, swelling, varicose veins - the bandage reduces the pressure of the growing uterus on the large venous vessels that run along the spine, thereby reducing venous congestion and swelling;
an active lifestyle, when the expectant mother is in an upright position for 3 hours a day or longer - the bandage makes it easier to endure stress.

Contraindications

Some doctors believe that wearing a bandage makes the abdominal muscles “lazy” and more difficult to recover after childbirth. However, a much larger number of specialists are in favor of the bandage. The obstetrician-gynecologist prescribes its use, taking into account the age of the mother, the duration of pregnancy, the position of the fetus and the number of previous births. Therefore, before making a purchase decision, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

incorrect position of the fetus for a period of more than 30 weeks of pregnancy. The bandage fixes the position of the baby, and in the pelvic or transverse position, it will be almost impossible for the child to turn, which means that the risk of complications and surgical intervention during childbirth increases. To correct incorrect positions, the bandage is canceled and special exercises are prescribed, stimulating the fetus to take the correct position. As soon as the cephalic presentation of the fetus is established, the woman is immediately again prescribed a bandage for constant wear until the due date;
surgery in the abdomen during pregnancy: rubbing the suture will lead to delayed healing and infection of the wound;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: for example, with constipation and bloating, the bandage can interfere with the promotion of intestinal contents, increasing discomfort;
skin and allergic diseases, such as reactions to products made of synthetic materials. With eczema, moles, wounds, the bandage will injure the painful area and increase discomfort;
kidney disease, accompanied by swelling.

What are

Three types of bandages are most common: prenatal is designed to be worn by pregnant women, postpartum - in the first weeks after childbirth. The combined bandage can be used before and after childbirth: just turn it on the other side.

The bandage can be made of cotton, elastane, microfiber or mixtures thereof.
Among the bandages, the following models are most often found:

Bandage briefs with elastic support insert in front under the belly. Such a bandage resembles high panties for pregnant women with a sewn-in elastic band from the side of the abdomen. In cool weather, you can wear it over underwear, which makes it easier to care for the bandage.

Bandage belt. This is a very popular bandage model in the form of an elastic band. It is used both before childbirth and after them. During the prenatal period, the wide part of the belt strengthens the back, distributing the load, and the narrow part is fixed under the stomach. After childbirth, the belt is reversed: the wide part holds the stomach, the narrow part holds the back. These bandages have 3 joints - one in front and two on the side. The length of each of them is changed with the help of Velcro. The side joints are reinforced with an elastic band. If during wearing it turns out that the bandage began to put more pressure on the stomach or, on the contrary, stretched, then the side valves allow you to adjust the diameter without unfastening the bandage. This model is preferable for back problems, especially if support is not needed throughout the day.

The supporting belt is put on underwear. Some manufacturers have a perforated tape: thanks to the holes, the material “breathes” and it is not so hot in the bandage. Some models of the belt have an elastic part that covers the stomach, designed to better fix the bandage in the desired position.

Some models of bandages-belts can be used both during pregnancy and after childbirth. In the first case, the product is put on so that the wide part is behind, in the second - in front.

Postpartum bandages. These bandages are not suitable for pregnant women. Wearing a postpartum bandage is optional. Doctors recommend using it after childbirth to restore the tone of the abdominal muscles as soon as possible and after a caesarean section to fix the suture and support the abdominal wall. Stretching postpartum bandages-underpants usually look like a wide tape, the same in width. They are quite good at tightening the stomach. Part of the postpartum bandages is high panties with fasteners on the sides or on both sides of the abdomen, often with a lower fastener, like a bodysuit, which allows you not to remove them if necessary, for example, to go to the toilet.

Postoperative bandages are designed specifically for women who have given birth by caesarean section. They resemble a very wide belt - from the waist and almost to the pubis (20–30 cm wide), with a clasp along the entire height. This bandage is softer than a regular postpartum bandage and is designed specifically to be worn after surgery. It fixes the postoperative suture and supports the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. It is recommended to wear it lying down.

Some women believe that the bandage strongly squeezes the stomach and harms the fetus. It is not true. It is absolutely safe for both mother and child, provided the correct size is chosen. If the bandage suits a woman, it does not press anywhere, but, on the contrary, it causes relief.

Usually, when prescribing a bandage, the doctor helps the patient choose the right size. If you select the size yourself, ask a consultant at the point of sale for help. The bandage-belt is selected as follows: you need to measure the circumference of the hips under the stomach with a centimeter tape - this figure will be the size of the bandage. So, with a hip circumference of 85–95 cm, the size of the bandage will be 90, or 1st; with a circumference of 95–105, respectively, 100, or 2nd, more than 105–115 cm - 110, or 3rd. Some manufacturers recommend choosing a bandage based on the circumference of both hips and waist: the number of sizes in the line in this case can be up to six. Sometimes the size of bandages-belts is indicated by Latin letters or the usual numbers of clothing sizes: in this case, the size of the bandage corresponds to the size of clothing before pregnancy: S (42–44), M (46–48), L (50–52), XL (52– 54), XXL (56 and above). To find out the size of the bandage-panties, you should add one more size to the "pre-pregnant" size of the underwear.

It is advisable to purchase underwear where there is an opportunity to try on. It is best to try on several options and settle on the one in which you feel most comfortable.

Bandages for pregnant women are sold in pharmacies and stores, where you can also buy clothes for pregnant women.

How to wear a bandage

The doctor should show how to put on the bandage correctly, since the illustrations on the packages are not always correct. Often, underwear is worn too high on the model: in this case, it can squeeze the fetus.

It is necessary to put on a bandage lying on your back, slightly raising your hips: in this position, the fetus does not press on the anterior abdominal wall, as it is higher. When a woman is standing, the uterus sinks under its own weight, and by fixing it in this position, we will only exacerbate the problems that the bandage is designed to deal with. It is also more convenient to remove the bandage while lying down. It’s quite difficult to follow the “take off and put on lying down” rule outside the home. In case there is nowhere to lie down, lean back, slightly raise your stomach with your hand and press it, then immediately fix this position with a bandage. It is better to wear the bandage over your underwear: it allows you to feel more comfortable and prolong the life of the bandage.

A properly worn brace should not exert excessive pressure. The bandage-belt is put on obliquely: it should pass along the lower back, the upper part of the buttocks, then - below the abdomen, resting on the hips, and in front - to capture the pubic bone. If you put on the bandage correctly, then after a while you simply stop noticing it, feeling it on yourself. Lying, the front valve of the bandage-belt is fastened. The tension of the bandage is adjusted while standing, with side valves. In the future, the side flaps do not need to be unfastened and fastened daily - it is only necessary to adjust the degree of tension of the bandage as the abdomen grows.

The feeling of discomfort will tell you that the bandage is put on incorrectly. However, often during the first 2-3 days it is necessary to get used to the new sensations, only after that the stay in the bandage will become more comfortable.

With all the advantages of a bandage for pregnant women, it is impossible to stay in it for 24 hours. Every 3-4 hours, you should take a break for 40 minutes. The bandage must be removed when the expectant mother goes to bed at night or rests lying down during the day.

If the bandage is prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons, then it must be worn until the very birth, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. If you use it only to improve your general well-being, then you do not need to wear it all the time.

To prepare the muscles of the uterus and abdominals for childbirth, wearing prenatal and postnatal bandage must be combined with special physical exercises. Whether to wear a bandage during fitness classes depends on the condition of the woman. If you are used to leading an active lifestyle, you have strong abdominal muscles and a healthy back, you may not need a bandage at all. For other women, a bandage during training will allow you to feel more confident and eliminate possible negative consequences: since the muscles will work actively, back pain may appear without a bandage.

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