5 Best Pregnancy Belly Bands, Tested by Pregnant Moms
As a mom of two, I can personally relate to the discomforts that come with pregnancy. With my first son, I dealt with round ligament pain, and with my second, back pain became a constant issue. So it’s no surprise to me that 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 one in five expecting mothers will suffer from pelvic girdle pain.
The strain on your body is caused by a combination of factors—your growing belly, shifting center of gravity, and the hormonal changes that relax ligaments in your hips and pelvis. Thankfully, pregnancy belly bands can help ease these common aches and pains. With the right support, you can find relief and make the day-to-day more manageable.
To help you find the best pregnancy belly band:
- We sent eight belly bands to pregnant moms, who wore them for one week while walking, doing daily chores, and relaxing. The belly bands were thoroughly tested and rated based on ease of use, support, effectiveness, comfort and fit, materials, style and design, and value for the money.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 consulted relevant scientific research from leading medical organizations and hospitals on back pain, exercise, and pelvic pain during pregnancy. This helped us better understand how belly bands could provide relief.
- To determine 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 learn what parents across the country looked for in a pregnancy belly band.
- Lastly, we considered several aspects when sourcing belly bands for our roundup, including quality, durability, value, size, and material.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Best pregnancy belly band for round ligament pain
- Effective in reducing round ligament pain
- Stays in place
- Can wear sitting down
- Can be itchy on bare skin
For expectant mothers struggling with round ligament pain, the AZMED Maternity Belly Band stands out as an exceptional option. Tested by Nathalia R., a petite mom in her third trimester, the band earned top ratings for providing targeted relief and comfort. Nathalia especially appreciated how the AZMED eased her round-ligament pain with a relatively simple design. “I have round ligament pain and am unable to walk without a belly band. This band was incredibly effective and works just as well as other bands with multiple straps,” she says.
Nathalia also gave the AZMED Maternity Belly Band a 10 out of 10 score in ease of use and support. “This was the overall best pregnancy belly band I've ever tried. It was extremely easy to put on, take off and adjust.” Although that easy design does come with one drawback: “Because it’s just one strap, it doesn’t have as much back support as other brands. Someone with severe back pain may want to consider a more comprehensive strap,” she explains. However, Nathalia says, “If you’re dealing with round ligament pain or discomfort from a growing belly, this is a great option. It’s discreet, effective, and so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it.”
Size range: One size | Material: Elastic mesh | Care instructions: Hand wash or machine wash delicate
Our product tester says:
“Because it was only one strap, as opposed to others which are two or more, I was concerned that it might not provide as much support as others. To my surprise, it provided the same amount of support while also being so much lighter, easier to manage and smaller to carry around.”
Our community says:
Easy on/off with Velcro, contours to [your] belly, lightweight and easy to clean. – Tess*, expectant mom and The Bump Survey respondent
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
Best pregnancy belly band for back pain
- Provided instant back pain relief
- Inexpensive
- A bit bulky
- Needs to be removed for bathroom breaks
- Difficult to take on and off
At 34 weeks, Nathalia also tested the NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt. And while she found the AZMed a bit lacking in relief of back pain, the NeoTech was a standout in this area. She told us, “It really helped ease the pressure off my hips, back, and groin. I am able to wear it while walking and it provides instant relief… the compression feels really good.” This maternity belt offers back support that lasts, making it a go-to solution for mamas-to-be dealing with significant discomfort.
The NeoTech Care did come with a downside: it’s bulky, and visible under clothing. Nathalia recommends it as the solution for when you need serious pain relief, and aren’t worried too much about looks. “While this band does have more components and is more visible than other more discreet bands I have tried,” she told us, “this did provide the most overall support of any band I have tried. So, for those choosing effectiveness and support over style and compactness, this is the way to go. Especially if you have back pain.”
Nathalia noted that it “fastened tightly around my waist and lower abdomen,” and the intuitive “up” marking helped her position the belt correctly. This feature and the band’s ability to stay securely in place without readjustment earned it 10 out of 10 scores for comfort and fit. Although Nathalia did note that it isn't as soft as other bands, and wearing it directly on bare skin could be uncomfortable.
Size range: S to XXL | Material: 64% polyester/21% spandex/15% nylon | Care instructions: Hand wash only
Our product tester says:
“On days when I find myself in more pain and need to move around quite a bit, this is my band of choice.”
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
Best pregnancy belly band for exercise
- Stays in place
- Adjustable tension straps
- Comfortable under clothing
- A bit bulky
- Mixed reviews on comfort
- Some say it rolls
The Motif Pregnancy Back Brace is the ultimate choice for expectant moms who want relief from discomfort while maintaining their fitness routines. Specifically designed for movement, this belly band delivers the support and stability needed for light physical activity, making it the best option for active moms-to-be. Macie S. tested this belly band at 26 weeks, including during light exercise (such as walks and weight training) and was thoroughly impressed, saying, “I was able to move more freely with way less pain than usual. I love wearing it on walks as it helps take the pressure off of my hips and lower back.”
Thanks to a range of five sizes from XS to XL, plus adjustable tension straps, this belly band works across different stages of pregnancy. As Macie notes, “The side tension straps can easily be pulled to achieve your desired support and compression,” ensuring a personalized fit that works for each individual. Unlike other bands that may shift or require constant readjustment during movement, the Motif band stays securely in place throughout exercise, providing critical support no matter the activity.
Comfort was another highlight in our testing. The breathable, flexible fabric ensures that it doesn’t get too hot or restrictive during exercise, while still delivering excellent core and back support. Macie could wear the band for extended periods during her walks and weight training with light weights, sharing that she was “very comfortable and didn’t need to adjust the band at all during the activity.”
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 65% nylon/35% polyester | Care instructions: Machine washable
Our product tester says:
“It’s been hard to routinely exercise [because of] aches and pains related to pregnancy but this belly band made it so much easier!”
Best plus-size pregnancy belly band
- Affordable
- Stretchy, breathable mesh
- Easily adjusted
- Needs removal for bathroom breaks
- Shifts occasionally
The KeaBabies Maternity Belly Band is the perfect solution for plus-size pregnant women looking for a comfortable, discreet and effective belly band that provides support and relief from pelvic and back pain. Nina M., who is plus-size, tested this product at 38 weeks, and found that the band fit her perfectly, without feeling bulky or uncomfortable. “As a plus-size mama, I was afraid it wouldn’t fit well—but it does! It’s so easy to adjust around/under both regular and baby belly!” Available in M/L to 2XL, this band ensures a great fit for various body types.
The band’s adjustable Velcro fastener provides a snug, customizable fit, while the breathable, soft materials ensure that it stays comfortable throughout the day. As Nina says, “It’s been very comfortable to wear—half the time I forget I’m wearing it.” She found the band especially useful for alleviating discomfort during her workday, saying, “I’ve had all kinds of pain since about 20 weeks pregnant. The extra support of the belly band really helped alleviate some of the pain, especially when I wore it to work.”
While the KeaBabies band is simple in design, it performed exceptionally well in testing; Nina gave the band a perfect 10 out of 10 score for effectiveness. This belly band provides the support needed for everyday activities—the stretchy mesh material promotes airflow, preventing overheating, and the lightweight construction makes it easy to wear under clothing. “I could wear it under tight-fitting clothes without being too self-conscious about it,” Nina said. Although she noted that it occasionally shifted in the back depending on her pants, the overall fit and comfort left her with little to complain about.
Size range: M/L to 2XL | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry or lay flat
Our product tester says:
“I would absolutely recommend this belly band to any plus-sized mamas. It’s light and breathable, which keeps me from overheating while doing regular tasks.”
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
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
Best pregnancy belly band for gentle support
- Provides gentle support
- Strong velcro stays in place
- Higher price point
The Belly Bandit Upsie Belly Pregnancy Support Belt eases pregnancy-related discomfort without feeling too restricted. At 30 weeks pregnant, our product tester Shawna C. praised the comfort, describing it as “[not] too thin to fold or bend and not too thick to feel uncomfortable,” and telling us that after extended wear, “Nothing was rubbing or itching in any way.” But this light-touch comfort didn’t come at the cost of support; Shawna awarded the band a perfect 10 out of 10 score for effectiveness in alleviating pain, describing the relief as immediate upon wearing. "I could definitely feel the support and feel it helping the pains right away. I would say it made a big difference," she shared. The belt’s design focuses on easing pelvic pressure, which Shawna found crucial during her third trimester.
In terms of durability, Shawna found the band incredibly reliable, noting the velcro closure remained intact even after hours of wear. "The velcro worked great and didn’t budge or give in after wearing it for hours," she said, throughout daily activities like doing laundry, dishes, and cleaning the house. And while she mentioned that the band rode up slightly when sitting for extended periods, it was easy to readjust without any hassle. However, she did suggest that a different color option, such as black or nude, would be ideal to prevent the white material from showing dirt over time. Although she felt the price was high, Shawna considered the product’s performance well worth the investment, stating, "I would definitely buy it for myself."
Size range: S to XL | Material: Viscose | Care instructions: Hand wash cold
Our product tester says:
“I would definitely recommend this belly band. It helped with support the second I put it on. It was comfortable and didn’t rub or bother my skin at all. The velcro is nice and strong and held all day without readjusting.”
Our community says:
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
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
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Pregnancy Belly Band Comparison Chart
Best pregnancy belly band for round ligament pain | Best pregnancy belly band for back pain | Best pregnancy belly band for exercise | Best plus-size pregnancy belly band | Best pregnancy belly band for gentle support | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best AZMED Maternity Belly Band | NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt | Motif Pregnancy Back Brace | KeaBabies Maternity Belly Band | Belly Bandit Upsie Belly Pregnancy Support Belt | ||
Price | $$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | |
Sizes | OS | S to XXL | XS to XL | M/L to 2XL | S to XL | |
Color options | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | |
Adjustable | ||||||
Machine washable | ||||||
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:
Christine Carpenter, a New York storyteller and mother of two, has firsthand experience with the changes and challenges that come with pregnancy. Having relied on belly bands during both of her pregnancies, she understands firsthand how they provide essential support and relief as the body grows and adjusts to support pregnancy. With over a decade of experience in fashion accessories and product development, Carpenter brings a unique perspective to maternity products, blending her professional expertise with personal experience. She’s a conscious consumer who values comfort, quality, and functionality and uses her knowledge to guide others toward thoughtful, practical choices in pregnancy and motherhood.
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.
Cedars Sinai, Back Pain During Pregnancy
NHS, Pelvic pain in pregnancy, December 2022
Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS), Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities, May 2015
Journal of Clinical Nursing, Pregnancy and pelvic girdle pain: Analysis of pelvic belt on pain, May 2017
ACOG, Exercise During Pregnancy, March 2022
ACOG, Back Pain During Pregnancy, May 2020
National Library of Medicine, The effect of a maternity support belt on static stability and posture in pregnant and non-pregnant women, May 2018
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.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.