8 Best Pregnancy Belly Bands to Support Your Bump
In a nutshell:
Based on advice from an ob-gyn, a survey of over 350 new and expectant parents from The Bump community and feedback from parents in The Bump forums, we chose the NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt as the overall best pregnancy belly band. In particular, it stood out due to its medical-grade support, ease of use and adaptable fit.
Pregnancy aches and pains are common, especially as your baby bump grows. According to Cedars Sinai Medical Center, up to 80 percent of pregnant women will experience lower back pain during their pregnancy. Likewise, the NHS reports that as many as 1 in 5 expecting mothers will suffer from pelvic girdle pain.
These pregnancy problems can be attributed to several factors: Your body is carrying extra weight, your center of gravity is shifting and your hormones are relaxing the ligaments in the joints of your hips and pelvis. But thanks to pregnancy belly bands, you don’t have to spend nine+ months in pain. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these pregnancy support belts, then shop our favorite picks.
Pregnancy isn’t always a walk in the park, and as your needs change, you’ll need new gear to keep you feeling your best. To help you find the best pregnancy belly band, we leveraged our familiarity with trusted brands and retailers to identify standout options. Here are the steps that we took to create this roundup:
- We interviewed an ob-gyn to pinpoint exactly how pregnancy belly bands can benefit moms-to-be and what you should look for when shopping for one.
- We surveyed over 350 new and expectant parents in The Bump community for additional insight on the ins and outs of pregnancy belly bands they’ve used.
- We researched what was being said about belly bands in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked (and didn’t like) about specific products.
- We consulted relevant scientific research from leading medical organizations and hospitals about back pain, exercise and pelvic pain during pregnancy. This way, we could better understand how belly bands could help provide relief.
- To see how these belly bands worked for parents-to-be, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for in a pregnancy belly band.
- Lastly, we considered several aspects when sourcing belly bands to include in our roundup, including quality, durability, value, size and material, to name a few.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best pregnancy belly band
- Over-the-bump strap
- Easy to use
- Medical-grade support
- Breathable material
- Must be removed when seated
- Bulky
Many moms-to-be in The Bump community (in both our forums and our survey) rave about the instant relief offered by this pregnancy belt from NeoTech Care. The large, flexible back area hugs your curves and helps alleviate lower back pain by redistributing the pressure and weight of your growing belly. Throughout each trimester, you’ll be able to adapt it to meet your changing needs. Plus, the over-the-bump strap provides additional support by fully cradling your midriff from above and below (as opposed to just sitting below the belt, like most maternity belts). Moms in The Bump forums highly praised this band’s standout support and ease of use. If you’re experiencing aches and pains all over, this belly band helps with hip, pelvic and sacroiliac discomfort as well. One potential drawback: It’s not comfortable to wear when sitting, which is something to keep in mind.
Sizes: S to XXL | Material: 64% polyester/21% elastane/15% nylon | Care instructions: N/A
Our community says:
"It's not the cutest thing to look at but man it works wonders. I seriously can’t function without it." – carleym93, The Bump forum member
"Overall very supportive. Medical-grade support is helpful for SPD and other conditions and pains." – Madeline*, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
"Helps support, easy to use and comfortable." – Rachel, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
Best pregnancy belly band for back pain
- Breathable bamboo fabric
- Up to 12″ of adjustability
- Hook-and-loop strap
- One compression level
- High price point
This pregnancy support belt is our favorite choice for those suffering from back pain for a number of reasons. First, it’s designed to redistribute belly weight and ease the strain on your back muscles. Second, it comes with a hot-and-cold gel pack that conveniently fits into the back pocket of the band to alleviate aching muscles. One mom in The Bump forums said she liked this feature not only for pregnancy—but also for targeted relief during the postpartum period. Even better, this belly band will help improve and stabilize your posture as your center of gravity shifts, which can also contribute to back pain. While the support belt has a high price point, moms from The Bump community say it’s definitely worth it. Bonus: This pregnancy belly band is registered as an FDA medical device and is eligible for reimbursement from several US health insurance companies.
Sizes: S to XL | Material: Viscose | Care instructions: Hand wash cold
Our community says:
"The width is just what I was looking for; it's comfy and has just the right combo of stretch to it, and the XL size seems great with lots of belt still to grow into (I was a size 18 pre-pregnancy)." – Manada, The Bump forum member
"I ended up buying the Upsie. It's pricey but totally worth it. I also like the fact it comes with an ice pack for postpartum." – charmedlifex3, The Bump forum member
"I like the fact that it’s adjustable for everyday discomforts. Also, it actually helps take pressure off you so you can function as normal as possible." – Nicole, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
Best affordable pregnancy belly band
- Affordable price point
- Secure Velcro fastener
- Stays in place
- Fastens at the back
- Not stylish, according to survey respondents
18 percent of our survey respondents told us they used this belly band from KeaBabies while pregnant—and it’s easy to see why. By redistributing belly weight, the belt provides gentle compression and ergonomic posture support, as well as support to the belly, back and pelvic floor. Plus, its breathable mesh fabric ensures you’ll stay comfortable—no matter how overheated your hormones make you feel. In particular, moms in The Bump forums praised its stretchiness, strong Velcro and that it wasn’t bulky when worn under clothes. And it does all this at one of the cheapest prices on the market—this budget maternity belt is an all-around winner. Plus, it’s also a great option for pregnant women curious about belly bands who don’t want to invest in an expensive belt from the get-go. In fact, our survey found that 67 percent of moms considered price an important factor when choosing their belly band—so if you count yourself among that majority, this could be the best option for you.
Sizes: M/L to 2XL | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry or lay flat to dry
Our community says:
"I like that it does the job, supports my belly and stops the pain in my pubic bone. The Velcro is really strong and it stays in place." – Basia, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
"I really liked the price of the belly band. It was very affordable and it was very comfortable. Some belly bands are slightly too tight as the belly grows, but this one seemed to have enough stretch to continue to use as I grew." – Jalisa, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
"It’s comfortable and not too bulky under clothes. It also had a lot of good reviews which is important. Lastly, it wasn't a huge investment in case I didn’t like it." – Cleo*, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
Best everyday pregnancy belly band
- Alleviates back pain
- Great for running, according to The Bump forums
- Secure fit
- Moms say it could be more breathable
Searching for a pregnancy belly band you can wear as you work through your daily to-do list? Look no further than this option from Gabrialla. Approved by the FDA, this maternity support belt has been thoughtfully designed to lift and support your growing bump by resting under it. As a result, you can count on it to alleviate pressure on your back, hips and joints, while also supporting your uterus and promoting proper posture. Wear it at home, at work, at the gym or even while running errands. “It had pretty good support in the third trimester to support my belly and lower back while going on walks or while teaching,” commented Erin, one of our survey respondents. What’s more, the stretchy band features a back pocket where you can easily add a hot or cold pack for even more targeted relief.
Sizes: S to 2XL | Material: 80% polyester/20% spandex | Care instructions: Hand wash
Our community says:
"I have the Gabrialla maternity support belt and it's awesome! I'm a runner, and without it, my back kills afterward." – supersarah77, The Bump forum member
"I ended up buying Gabrialla and I love it. I've tested it out not wearing it vs. wearing it and on the days that I don't wear it my back was killing me by 3 pm." – cmq21, The Bump forum member
"I have the Gabriella band; I've used it for running with great results. Very good back support, and my belly feels very secure." – Phalaenopsis, The Bump forum member
Best adjustable pregnancy belly band
- Affordable price point
- Adjustable fit
- Breathable material
- One size fits most
The pregnancy belly band from AZMED checks all of the boxes on our list, which is why we weren’t surprised when 19 percent of our survey respondents told us they were fans of it. The one-size-fits-all belt is super adjustable, growing with you from every pregnancy stage. In particular, moms who responded to our survey loved its ease of use (thanks to Velcro) and the comfort level. Count on it to help stabilize joints, reduce abdominal pressure and alleviate an aching back and pelvis. This maternity belly band can also help correct posture and decrease leg swelling. It’s no wonder it has tens of thousands of rave reviews from pregnant mamas and is a favorite among moms in The Bump forums.
Sizes: OS | Material: N/A | Care instructions: N/A
Our community says:
"I bought this one when it was on sale and I really like it. It's not crazy complicated like some of the ones that go over the top of my belly, but it gives me the support I need and is smooth under clothes." – PizzaMonster3, The Bump forum member
"Easy on/off with Velcro, contours to belly, lightweight and easy to clean." – Tess*, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
"I like the ease of use and that my back pain improved with use for an affordable price." – Gemma*, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
Best pregnancy belly band for exercise
- Great running support
- Can be worn three ways
- Slim silhouette
- Some moms say it leaves marks
19 percent of our survey respondents told us they chose a belly band that would make them more comfortable when exercising. So, if you’re pregnant and don’t want to slow down your workout routine, the ReCore Fitness Maternity FitSplint is the way to go. This pregnancy belly band can be worn three different ways (depending on your needs or exercise of choice). Support straps can lift the belly to reduce bladder pressure, be separated to allow a better range of motion or be placed down low for hip and pelvic support. It’s also flexible and breathable and designed to provide the perfect amount of support while still allowing your core muscles to engage. Better yet, whether you’re doing a Pilates video on YouTube, out on a run or hitting the gym, this belt will stay in place, thanks to its secure grip.
Sizes: S to L | Material: Silicone/nylon/neoprene | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, line dry or tumble dry low
Our community says:
"I really like it! It's pretty comfortable and seemed to help!" – BuckeyeNut05, The Bump forum member
"I just got the FitSplint and it stays in place pretty well (it has grippy places like a good strapless bra). It can be worn on the skin or over a light tank." – TomekiaB, The Bump forum member
Best lightweight pregnancy belly band
- Light compression
- Stretchy material
- Great fit, according to our survey respondents
- Some moms say it rolls up
- Not great for layering, according to our survey respondents
Next up is the Belly Boost Pregnancy Support Band from Belly Bandit, which 22 percent of survey respondents said they used during their pregnancies. This option is one of the few to extend above the bump, and its incredibly lightweight fabric allows the belt to do so without feeling constrictive. Made from a soft, ultra-breathable knit, this belly band will make you feel like you have nothing on, while still receiving the supportive benefits of the high compression. Plus, its stretch-and-recover material means the fabric always rebounds back to its original size, no matter how large your bump gets.
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 85% polyamide/15% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
Our community says:
"It's nice for when clothes almost fit but won't button. It's also lightweight so it's bearable in the Florida summer and super easy to wash." – Blake*, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
"It's comfortable and provides back support." – Romy*, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
Best pregnancy belly band to wear under clothes
- Great for layering
- Stretchy with room to grow
- Neutral color options
- Can be worn postpartum
- Some moms say it rolls up
- Not as supportive as other options
One reason moms wear belly bands is to extend the life of their pre-pregnancy clothing (particularly pants) as their bump grows—and none do it better than the BellaBand. This original belly band by Ingrid & Isabel was one of the first on the market, and it’s been a best-selling favorite for years. Depending on your outfit (and the amount of support you need), you can wear it folded down under your bump or unroll it to completely cover your belly. Either way, you’ll appreciate the ultra-comfy, seamless fabric. Expect it to stretch to meet your changing needs all the way from the first to the fourth trimester. And that’s not all—some moms also note that it’s a great option to conceal your bump under your clothes if you haven’t told anyone you’re expecting yet. Choose from three neutral color options and continue wearing your go-to jeans or trousers for months to come. However, if you’re looking for a pregnancy belly band that’s compressive or will help alleviate aches and pains, this probably isn’t the best choice for you.
Sizes: 1 to 4 | Material: 84% nylon/16% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low
Our community says:
"I loved it, and it was definitely worth the money. I didn't have to buy any maternity pants. I did prefer to wear a longer shirt with it because sometimes it would ride up and need to be readjusted. It just looks like an undershirt though." – bumpuser5125333, The Bump forum member
"I absolutely love mine. It's a little loose up top, but on my hips I can have unbottoned pants and you can't tell. Mine wears like a much longer camisole. I'm expecting that as I grow it will fill out the top part." – MoreKittens, The Bump forum member
"I used it for a solid chunk of my first pregnancy, a few months after [my first child] was born and I'm wearing it again now. I especially like that I can wear my nice work pants for a while longer since I really can't afford a full maternity wardrobe." – mom2be614, The Bump forum member
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Pregnancy Belly Band Comparison Chart
| Overall best pregnancy belly band | Best pregnancy belly band for back pain | Best affordable pregnancy belly band | Best everyday pregnancy belly band | Best adjustable pregnancy belly band | Best pregnancy belly band for exercise | Best lightweight pregnancy belly band | Best pregnancy belly band to wear under clothes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt | Belly Bandit Upsie Belly Pregnancy Support Band | KeaBabies Maternity Belly Band | Gabrialla Pregnancy Support Belt | AZMED Maternity Belly Band | ReCore Fitness Maternity FitSplint | Belly Bandit Belly Boost Pregnancy Support Band | Ingrid & Isabel BellaBand The Original Pregnancy Belly Band | ||
| Price | $39.99 | $64.95 | $21.96 | $28.58 | $30.99 | $49.95 | $24.95 | $28 | |
| Sizes | S to XXL | S to XL | M/L to 2XL | S to 2XL | OS | S to L | XS to XL | 1 to 4 | |
| Color options | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Adjustable | |||||||||
| Machine-washable | |||||||||
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
Pregnancy belly bands—also known as pregnancy support belts or maternity belts—are a type of maternity wear that can help support the lower back, hips, pelvis and abdomen during pregnancy. They can also relieve round ligament pain, says Gil Weiss, MD, an ob-gyn based in Chicago.
These flexible belt-type garments cradle your bump and redistribute its weight. Most belly bands sit below the bump, but some come with shoulder, groin or belly attachments for additional support. Generally, they’re worn for two to three hours, and moms-to-be start to wear them halfway through their second trimester, explains Weiss.
Our survey confirmed this stat. 60 percent of moms in The Bump community began using a belly band in the second trimester, while 7 percent started in the first and 33 percent started in the third. Moreover, 52 percent of respondents told us that they wore a pregnancy support belt for at least two trimesters.
When picking out a pregnancy belly band, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors—namely your lifestyle and budget. To better understand exactly what features you should keep in mind as you browse, we surveyed new and expectant mothers from The Bump community for their firsthand experience using support belts. 100 percent of respondents told us that the level of support a band offered was of utmost importance to them. Comfort came in a close second at 96 percent, while price, fit and quality of material were also top of mind for moms-to-be.
Below, see what else our survey respondents told us:
Most of the benefits that come from wearing belly bands are related to their ability to support and reinforce muscles, ligaments and joints, says Weiss. As a result, they can reduce discomfort and pain associated with a growing uterus, he explains. Two different studies—one from 2015 and one from 2017—found that wearing a maternity support belt was one of the most effective ways to alleviate pregnancy-associated pain in the lower back and pelvic region. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also suggests that a pregnancy belly band can help reduce discomfort while walking and running and ease back pain during pregnancy. Even if you’re not experiencing pain or discomfort, a pregnancy belt can still be beneficial. Other positive impacts that have been reported include improved posture, decreased leg swelling and reduced pressure on your bladder.
To better understand the benefits of belly bands, we received input from moms in The Bump community. When responding to our survey, they explained why they decided to wear pregnancy belly bands. 85 percent of survey respondents told us they wore one for more support overall, while 81 percent said they wore one to ease back pain.
Here, find out the other reasons new and expectant moms from The Bump community used a pregnancy support belt:
A pregnancy belly support band is not suitable for all expectant moms. Weiss advises women who have high blood pressure to consult with their healthcare provider before wearing a maternity support belt. Why? “Belly bands can sometimes compress blood vessels if worn for too long,” he explains. Weiss also warns that they can also increase heartburn symptoms in some cases. If you’re unsure whether a pregnancy belly band would be beneficial to you, check with your doctor to receive more specialized advice.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor at The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. O’Regan-Reidy has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. With over a four-year career in digital media, O’Regan-Reidy aims to create engaging, helpful articles that inform new and seasoned parents.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Gil Weiss, MD, is an ob-gyn working throughout The Loop in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Toronto in Canada, and attended medical school at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel. He completed his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
ACOG, Back Pain During Pregnancy, May 2020
ACOG, Exercise During Pregnancy, March 2022
Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS), Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities, May 2015
Cedars Sinai, Back Pain During Pregnancy
Journal of Clinical Nursing, Pregnancy and pelvic girdle pain: Analysis of pelvic belt on pain
NHS, Pelvic pain in pregnancy, December 2022
National Library of Medicine, The effect of a maternity support belt on static stability and posture in pregnant and non-pregnant women
The Bump January 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of over 350 new parents from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used a pregnancy belly band, what type they used and what they did and didn’t like about it.
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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