Hi,

I have question for all of you. Is anyone using maternity belt? If you are, is it helping you?

I had severe lower abdominal pain/pelvis pain on monday and I couldn't even move my legs or change sides while sleeping. I had to sleep flat on my back. I visited my doctor and she mentioned that I should get a maternity belt, and that's the only choice I have since baby is gaining weight and I am not able to hold it. So, I went and got the belt but I don't think it seems to help at all. I am still in same pain, I can hardly sleep or walk.
Please let me know, if anyone knows anything about this.
Arshiya Vandana replied. Hi Arshiya

I am personally not using any maternity belt, but I have a friend who has severe back pain and she has tried out a couple of belts. She says the belts from stores like Motherhood maternity etc. are not very helpful and did not help her relieve the pain. Check out this website www*babyhugger*com. She has just ordered a belt from here, heard pretty good reviews about this one.

I agree with the others, try to avoid sleeping on your back, it will only add more strain.

Hope you feel better soon
Vandana hetal replied. hello

like every one, i also do not hv a idea abt maternity belt but the fact is that pain in this stage is normal only the rest will help u better and one more thing when pain start that time u take very slow breth that will reducrd your pain
Do not worry
take care
Alka replied. Hi Arshiya
i too don't have much idea of belt...but yes too much idea of pain...
there was a time when i too cannot even walk properly....but its true as Avi said...
rest is best,....
do not stand for long time and avoid walking too much at a strech...
in 8th month one should take good precautions....
if u feel too much pressure then sometimes walk with the hands supporting ur tummy...
try not to bend forward (this helped me a lot)....
my doctor says to use hot water bottle in the night sometimes ...
and never lie down on ur back....always facing a side is preferable...

all the best...
Alka Avi replied. Hey Arshiya, sorry to hear about the pain. I dont know much about maternity belts but I was experiencing the pelvic pain too (almost unbearable at times).

I started getting lots of rest whenever I can and have been avoiding walking when I dont need to. My doc said that it was because of all the pressure the uterus was applying to our pelvic floor..
I even saw a physical therapist and she suggested I do kegals and pelvic floor exercises (to expand my pelvic area a bit)...doing the pelvic exercises on an exercise ball or swimming are other alternatives she said would help a lot

Although the pain still lingers and makes it difficult for me to move even while I am sleeping or have been sitting for an extended period of time, it is much more in control now...although, when I walk for more than a half hour (like when I go to the mall or something)it comes back in a sec...

Do try lying down whenever you can and try not to overexert yourself. Your pain must have had something to do with your busy/active weekend.

Sorry for not being much of a help..

Good luck Vindhya replied. Hi Arshiya,

Sorry I don't have any personal experience with maternity belts, but I've heard that they work only if we stand a lot. If we are sitting most of the time, it is advised not to use the belt. Check with your doctor based on your situation.

Vindhya