Pregnancy & Birth
Designed by mum's for mum's
Belly Binding Pregnancy & Post-Childbirth
Wearing a compression band or belly wrap during pregnancy and post birth is not a new concept, in-fact for many cultures it’s a time old tradition. As it provides a non-invasive intervention for pain and stablising the pelvis during pregnancy and improves post birth recovery.
Which is understandable when you see the benefits:
- Reduce pain lower back pain
- Reduce Sciatic pain
- Reduce Diastasis Recti (muscle separation)
- Reduce Stretch marks
- Reduce the uterus
- Support your lower back and internal organs
- Encourages muscle memory post pregnancy
- Move in comfort while caring for baby
- Support the abdomen muscles when returning to exercise.
Wearing a maternity belly band or pelvic support band can help reduce or elimate two of the most common painful or problematic conditions lets discuss them both.
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Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction - Pelvic Pain
Also known as SPD (symphysis pubic dysfunction), pelvic girdle pain
Pelvis instability can be extremely painful or just mildly frustrating and can happened to anyone but is more commonly occurs to women during pregnancy.
The 2 hormones Progesterone and Relaxins are designed to loosen the ligaments. Which allows a woman’s hips to widen in preparation for baby to be born.
However the problem occurs when these two hormones are released early during pregnancy making the pelvis become unstable, which is were you would associate the term pelvis instability.
A small amount of movement is ok but too much movement causes instability in the sacroiliac joint or the symphysis pubic joint can cause SPD, Sciatic Pain or Both. (See diagram above) You can feel a number of pains and symptoms associated with Pelvis Instability:
- Pain at the symphsis pubis joint- can feel like a hot poker type of pain
- Pain in the groin, which radiates into your abductors (inner thigh muscles)
- Pain whilst walking and you can start to waddle during your 2nd Tri-mester
- Increased pain standing on one leg
- Pain and aches around your hip and lower back
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Diastasi Recti - Abdominal Muscle Separation
Diastasis recti is a condition where the two right and left sides of the rectus abdominis (your "six-pack" muscle) spreads apart at the body's mid-line (the linea alba).
Separation occurs in response to your uterus pushing against the abdominal wall and pregnancy hormones which soften connective tissue.
Separation can occur at any time in the last half of pregnancy but is most problematic after pregnancy when the abdominal wall is weak, when there is no longer a baby inside to aid support.
Premature separation can also be seen as early as 20 weeks.
Factors during pregnancy that can cause premature separation:
- Poor Posture
- Daily Activities
- Incorrect Exercise
- Multiple Pregnancies
Subsequent pregnancies (pregnancies too close together-) when the muscles have not returned back to their pre pregnancy strength or closure
What You Can Do To Mange These To Conditions.
Firstly always consult your medical professional if you have any concerns with either of theres conditions, they will recommend you to physiotherapist who can give you the correct exercises and advice, but here is a few common guideline to be aware of;
- Doing incorrect Exercise during Pregnancy
- Having Poor Pre & Post Pregnancy Posture
- Using the wrong muscles when doing Daily Activity
- Wear a maternity belly band to manage both Diastasis Recti & Symphysis pubis dysfunction symptoms.
One great advantage that we have today is that Medical studies have shown using a compression band provides a non-invasive intervention for enhancing patient’s recovery. Reducing pain, tearing and infection allowing a new mum to be as comfortable as possible as she adjust to life with her new baby.
* As a general rule you should consult your doctor before wearing any compression garment. Belly Bands products and information provide are to be used in conjunction with Doctors Care and does not substitute for Medical advice.
If you have any questions, fever or signs of infection please contact your doctor before wearing a compression band.