The best pregnancy support belts for maximum comfort

If you're pregnant and have growing tummy pains or simply feel like you need some extra belly support during your pregnancy, you might want to start looking for a pregnancy support belt. Doctors suggest that wearing one of the best pregnancy support belts can help to provide pain and fatigue relief during your pregnancy.

Carrying a baby for nine months is very hard work, especially in the third trimester when bump can get very big. While a tens machine can help during labour, you'll probably want a less intense solution to pelvic pain, back pain or aching muscles during the third trimester, and just a couple of hours of usage of a pregnancy support belt can give you lots of comfort.

They're made using reinforced fabric, and they sometimes feature multiple straps that wrap around your lower back. Similar to postpartum support belts, they work by lifting your bump, giving your tired stomach and back muscles a bit of a break from the weight of your growing belly, which is often just what you need after a long day of growing a human!

Editor's choice:

Best pregnancy support belt for sleep: Babymoov Dream Belt Sleep Aid - Buy now on Amazon
Best pregnancy support belt overall: Lola + Lykke Bamboo Maternity Support Band - Buy now on Lola&Lykke

Although doctors and midwives agree they can provide some much-needed relief for mums to help with hip, pelvic and lower back pain, these belts should not be worn for prolonged periods. Typically, you should only really wear one to do things you find difficult such as going on a walk or doing some housework, as you may become overdependent on it.

There are a lot of maternity belts available to buy, but which ones should you choose? Here are our favourite pregnancy support belts that you can buy in the UK.

The best pregnancy support belts 2023

Pregnancy belt FAQs

What is a pregnancy support belt?

Pregnancy support belts are wide-reinforced fabric bands designed for support and comfort during your pregnancy. They fit just under your bump and help lift it up slightly, alleviating some of the weight from your tummy and back. If you walk a lot or are feeling uncomfortable during your pregnancy, or if you're expecting twins, you will probably want to invest in a pregnancy support belt.

Not to be confused with belly bands, which are worn for comfort and coverage once your regular clothes stop fitting, and fit under your clothes like a pair of maternity tights.

Support belts, belly belts, and maternity belts can be used either during your pregnancy or for extra support post-partum.

Should I be using a support belt?

There is some debate about whether pregnancy belts are safe, but generally speaking, if used properly, they are. It's not recommended to use a pregnancy or maternity support belt while sleeping or for long periods of time. You will still get plenty of use out of it when you're out and about.

Like shapewear, pregnancy belts work by ultimately compressing the body. It's important to find one that fits properly and is fully adjustable. Always make sure to try a maternity belt on before you buy, or check the returns policy.

Sherry A. Ross, MD, author of 'She-ology, The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period', says, "Maternity shapewear that is too tight and puts too much pressure on the body is never a good idea.

If you have trouble breathing or you're in pain while wearing your shapewear, that's a sign that it's probably too tight for you.

Discomfort, pain, reduced blood circulation, and pregnancy heartburn are some of the potential issues from maternity shapewear that is too tight or worn for prolonged periods of time."

In addition, prolonged use of a maternity belt can lead to reliance on it for support, which is counter-productive. Instead, focus on developing your own core strength to support your bump and only use a pregnancy support belt as an extra aid.

Other criticisms of using maternity belts range from fastenings such as Velcro and poppers irritating skin or clothing and regular adjustments throughout the day (like after eating or when sitting down and standing up) being an inconvenience.

Are there alternatives?

If you're apprehensive about splashing out on one of the above products, you can give yourself some support using a homemade one out of a scarf or sarong.

About the expert

This article contains expert advice from Dr Sherry A. Ross, MD, author of 'She-ology, The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period'. An obstetrician-gynaecologist and health expert, she has been a fierce advocate for women's health for over 25 years. Dr Sherry was most recently honoured with The John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary Angel Award for her contributions to advancing the narrative of women's health care.