Bandage in pregnancy: pros and cons
A bandage is a special medical device.
It is designed to support a woman's growing belly during pregnancy and after the baby is born
It is designed to support a woman's growing belly during pregnancy and after the baby is born
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When should a bandage be worn?
Formally, it is considered correct to use a bandage if it is prescribed by a doctor. However, in practice, doctors draw the pregnant woman's attention to a bandage only if there are serious medical indications for it.
Among them:
- 1More than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.)
- 2
Chronic lumbar nerve impingement
- 3
Recently (less than a year ago) undergone abdominal surgery
- 4
Uterine scarring due to surgical intervention
- 5
Threat of preterm labor
- 6
Symphysitis
- 7
Short cervix
- 8
Poorly developed abdominal muscles
- 9
Low fetal positioning
- 10
Underdeveloped uterus
- 11
Likelihood of miscarriage or tendency to miscarry
- 12
Varicose veins or a tendency to have them
- 13
Excessively active lifestyle of the mother
At the same time, you should not always wait for your doctor's instructions to make your life a little easier and better. A bandage is a universal item that can be used even by fully healthy women without medical indications.
Pregnancy in itself will be a serious strain on the body, in particular on the internal organs, abs and spine. The bandage makes carrying the baby much easier by compensating for this strain
Pregnancy in itself will be a serious strain on the body, in particular on the internal organs, abs and spine. The bandage makes carrying the baby much easier by compensating for this strain
Maternity bandage for indications
The most serious indications for the use of a bandage are uterine tone, short cervix and symphysitis (pubic bone discrepancy). Let's consider them separately.
With increased uterine tone, the bandage does not remove the problem itself, but greatly reduces the likelihood of complications. It simultaneously removes some of the tension from the back and internal organs, relieves pain (if there was any) and as a consequence greatly reduces the level of stress in a woman. This is important because stress is considered one of the most dangerous factors during pregnancy, including provoking uterine hypertonicity.
Symphysitis is an inflammatory process of the bones of the pelvic ring. It requires a special course of treatment and great attention to the woman's condition. One of the important points of this treatment will be a bandage, which supports weakened muscles, keeps the abdomen in the correct position and does not allow its weight to provoke further development of pathology.
With increased uterine tone, the bandage does not remove the problem itself, but greatly reduces the likelihood of complications. It simultaneously removes some of the tension from the back and internal organs, relieves pain (if there was any) and as a consequence greatly reduces the level of stress in a woman. This is important because stress is considered one of the most dangerous factors during pregnancy, including provoking uterine hypertonicity.
Symphysitis is an inflammatory process of the bones of the pelvic ring. It requires a special course of treatment and great attention to the woman's condition. One of the important points of this treatment will be a bandage, which supports weakened muscles, keeps the abdomen in the correct position and does not allow its weight to provoke further development of pathology.
A short cervix can cause early pregnancy and late pregnancy can lead to premature labor. The bandage relieves unnecessary strain, preventing problems in carrying the baby to term
A short cervix can cause early pregnancy and late pregnancy can lead to premature labor. The bandage relieves unnecessary strain, preventing problems in carrying the baby to term
How does a pregnancy bandage help a pregnant woman without an indication?
The main function of the bandage is to support the abdomen when it becomes noticeably large and heavy. The norm is the use of such support at terms of more than 20 weeks.
In the vertical position of the body bandage holds the abdomen, which significantly reduces the load on the spine, abdominal muscles and the inferior vena cava. As a result, there is minimal risk of back pain, less stretch marks, lower risk of varicose veins and faster recovery after childbirth.
The bandage is designed to facilitate activity and is typically used while walking or needing to stand for long periods of time. Using the bandage while sitting is pointless but not prohibited. However, it is recommended to remove the bandage if the sitting position will be prolonged. This will give you a chance to rest from the pressure and feel comfortable.
At night, as well as during rest, the bandage should be removed. In the lying position, it does not provide any support and only brings discomfort.
Bandage allows you to maintain physical activity even in late pregnancy. With it, a woman can safely take long walks, visit public places or work. Thus there is no need to drop out of social life because of discomfort. As a bonus, the bandage reduces the number of stretch marks that appear during pregnancy.
In the vertical position of the body bandage holds the abdomen, which significantly reduces the load on the spine, abdominal muscles and the inferior vena cava. As a result, there is minimal risk of back pain, less stretch marks, lower risk of varicose veins and faster recovery after childbirth.
The bandage is designed to facilitate activity and is typically used while walking or needing to stand for long periods of time. Using the bandage while sitting is pointless but not prohibited. However, it is recommended to remove the bandage if the sitting position will be prolonged. This will give you a chance to rest from the pressure and feel comfortable.
At night, as well as during rest, the bandage should be removed. In the lying position, it does not provide any support and only brings discomfort.
Bandage allows you to maintain physical activity even in late pregnancy. With it, a woman can safely take long walks, visit public places or work. Thus there is no need to drop out of social life because of discomfort. As a bonus, the bandage reduces the number of stretch marks that appear during pregnancy.
How to choose and wear a bandage
The first variant of the bandage is a special panty with an exaggerated waist. They are equipped with a special insert that stretches well and does not squeeze the abdomen, but at the same time supports it well. You can use this bandage as a classic underwear, it is completely invisible under clothes and does not need a special selection of clothes. The disadvantages include the need to wash it every day, so you will have to buy a bandage for pregnant women at least three identical pairs.
More convenient can be a classic elastic belt on sticky clasps. It is worn over clothes, and the clasps allow you to adjust the girth of the belt to individual needs.
The bandage is not worn all the time. It is used for periods of high activity with mandatory breaks. So, if you are at home, do not experience physical difficulties and can take breaks when you want, then the bandage can not be worn. But for a long walk or a trip to the cafe should use it. If you are active all the time, the bandage is removed every 4 hours for about 30 minutes to rest a little. It is better to sit or lie down during this period to gain strength at the same time.
More convenient can be a classic elastic belt on sticky clasps. It is worn over clothes, and the clasps allow you to adjust the girth of the belt to individual needs.
The bandage is not worn all the time. It is used for periods of high activity with mandatory breaks. So, if you are at home, do not experience physical difficulties and can take breaks when you want, then the bandage can not be worn. But for a long walk or a trip to the cafe should use it. If you are active all the time, the bandage is removed every 4 hours for about 30 minutes to rest a little. It is better to sit or lie down during this period to gain strength at the same time.
These recommendations apply to pregnancies without problems and peculiarities. In any other case, you should always consult an obstetrician-gynecologist before using the bandage
These recommendations apply to pregnancies without problems and peculiarities. In any other case, you should always consult an obstetrician-gynecologist before using the bandage