97. SI Belt or Belly Band? The Right Support for Pregnancy Pelvic, Back, and Belly Pain

SI Belt or Belly Band? The Right Support for Pregnancy Pelvic, Back, and Belly Pain

September is a huge birth month—which means many moms are currently in the final stretch of pregnancy and feeling every bit of that growing belly.

If you’re experiencing pelvic, SI joint, low-back, or belly pain, would you benefit from an SI belt or a belly band? Although they may look similar, these pregnancy-support tools have two different purposes.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

How an SI belt stabilizes the pelvis through compression and counterpressure

Signs your discomfort may be coming from the SI joint or pelvic girdle

Why stairs, lunges, kneeling, and standing on one leg may aggravate SI joint pain

How a belly band supports the weight of your growing belly

Signs belly heaviness or round-ligament strain may be contributing to your pain

When compression leggings may provide enough support

A quick test to help you decide which support to try

Try this simple check near a counter for safety: If briefly standing on one foot makes your pelvic or low-back pain worse, an SI belt may be worth trying. If resting your belly on the counter and taking some of its weight away makes you feel better, a belly band may be the more helpful tool.