Pregnancy Hack: Maternity Support Belts Can Relieve Your Aching Joints and Back (2025)

The body changes so much during pregnancy, and while many of those changes are truly incredible, some, like back pain, can be quite uncomfortable.Maternity support belts and belly bands were designed to help relieve this common pregnancy discomfort by easing the pressure on your back and pelvis. These belts wrap around your body, from your lower back to your abdomen, and support your growing baby bump. Maternity support belts are safe if used correctly and for short periods of time.

According toCarrie Pagliano, a physical therapist and board-certified women’s health specialist, if you’re suffering from excessive back pain and pressure during pregnancy, you should talk to your OB-GYN, and possibly a physical therapist. "You don't have to accept pain in pregnancy or postpartum just because it's a common symptom," Pagliano tells us.“Typically pain that is more focused at the pubic bone (in the center) and more noticeable with activity, asymmetric weight-bearing (standing on one leg, stairs, fast walking) has a good chance of improving with a [pregnancy] belt.”

When searching for the best maternity belt or band, it’s important to look for one that’s comfortable, breathable, and adjustable. Make sure the belt you select fits correctly and that there is room for your expanding belly. The belt should be supportive but not too tight or restrictive. Some belts and bands are suitable for both the prenatal and postpartum. To find the best maternity belts, we consulted a physical therapist specializing in women's pelvic health and then assessed each option based on quality, design, sizing, and support.

Our Review Process and Experts

When selecting maternity support belts for this list, we researched dozens of product details and user reviews from well-known brands. We considered the type of support a product provides, its sizing options and adjustability, material, and any special features like extra tightening straps or heat pouches. We also consulted an expert:

• Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, a physical therapist andleader in clinical care and education in the areas of women’s/pelvic health and orthopedics based in Northern Virginia.
  

Factors to Consider When Buying a Maternity Support Belt

Material

A good maternity support belt should take the brunt of the pressure of a growing pregnant belly, so it needs to be made from strong, durable materials with quality craftsmanship, otherwise, it will quickly fall apart or stretch out. Regardless of whether you want to wear this belt pre or post-baby (or both), you will get the best results with a belt made from thick fabric with a little bit of stretch so that it continues to provide compression as your body changes.

Unless you’re getting a belly band that slips on and off, you will also want to make sure the belt’s closure is strong and durable enough to withstand the tension of the belt.

Sizing

“Many [maternity support belts and] bands are stiff and provide good compression, but are uncomfortable and cut into the belly or ride-up on a pregnant [person's] body,” Dr. Pagliano says. It is because of this compression that it’s so important to find a maternity support belt that fits correctly.

Look for something that fits a wide range of sizes because your belly will continue to grow before the baby comes, so a belt that fits today may not fit in a week if it’s not sized correctly. When shopping for your maternity support belt, you should pay close attention to how the brand's sizing works because there isn’t a universal method. Use the size chart as your guide and take measurements of your body as needed to get the right fit.

“Find a band that provides sufficient compression with movement and is comfortable to wear regularly,” says Pagliano, because chances are high you’ll need to wear it fairly regularly.

Support Type

Belts and belly bands are typically designed for prenatal or postnatal use, with a few made to work for both. Maternity support bands (without clasps of some sort) will usually provide compression but may not necessarily lift the belly up and carry some of the weight, whereas belts (those with clasps) are made to provide compression and carry some of the weight.

Your Questions, Answered

Why would I need a maternity support belt?

As a pregnant person’s belly grows during pregnancy, their center of balance changes, and this can cause pain and pressure in the back and pelvis. For some, this change in anatomy is mildly uncomfortable, but for others, it can be a daily problem and even create other issues, such as sciatic pain. A maternity support belt is designed to alleviate some of that pain/pressure. “The [purpose] of a belt is to provide support/stability for a pelvis,” says Pagliano, “Belt use can be diagnostic if the [person] can tolerate wearing it and it provides symptom relief; it may be a good option.”

Can I use a maternity support belt during postpartum recovery?

It depends on the belt’s design, as some are made only for prenatal support. If the belt is made for postpartum wear, then you can certainly use it. However, its purpose will likely be different. “[During] postpartum, the goal is to build strength, and there’s the opportunity to do that without the extra issues of a growing belly,” says Pagliano. “The goal is to return to regular pain-free function.”

Bands designed for postpartum use can benefit any person recovering from childbirth but are particularly useful to those who delivered via C-section. “Bands can be helpful to address swelling and provide a short-term option for compression and support, especially after C-section,” Pagliano says. “That said, it should be a short-term option in conjunction with postpartum rehabilitation and support training, not a substitute.”

How much does a maternity support belt cost?

Most support belts on this list range in price from $20 to $50. The more support and adjustability you need, the more you will likely pay for a belt. The type of material it's made with can also impact the cost. The ability to use the belt throughout pregnancy and postpartum, including during exercise, may make it worth a higher price tag.

Are maternity support belts safe?

Support belts are generally safe if they are worn correctly and not for prolonged periods of time. Make sure the belt you choose is stretchy, breathable, and adjustable. Most belts have a compressive effect that, if worn for too long, can become constrictive, reduce blood flow, and cause muscle weakness. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

When should I start wearing a maternity support belt?

You can start wearing a support belt at any time during pregnancy that you feel you need one. Many pregnant people begin wearing a support belt around the 20-week mark, which is when they typically begin to feel more discomfort in the hips and back.

Why Trust Parents

Ashley Ziegleris a full-time parenting writer for Parents and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products. The key considerations she used when makingthese recommendations include design, age appropriateness, and user reviews.