Belly bands

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Dealing with the aches and pains of pregnancy, I wondered if anyone has an opinion on belly bands? My hip pains and back pain are such a pain and really restrict what I can do.. obviously I need to do more exercise but wondered if anyone used/uses a belly band

[Pnw2020]

Hi. Sorry you are in pain.

You may need a pelvic girdle belt. Have a look at serola belt. It’s very adjustable so great for giving the pelvis more compression. Others might prefer some that go higher up the back. You can experiment by tying a scarf tightly around your pelvis and see if that helps.

Also highly recommend gentle movements sitting on a gym ball.

See link:

nbt.nhs.uk/maternity-servic...

Would recommend seeing a women’s health physio or osteo that has experience sooner rather than later to get specific advice or see if manual therapy is appropriate.

Good luck x

[Bozo_the_pumpkin in reply to Pnw2020]

Thanks for the super useful information and link. I will definitely chat to my midwife and see what they can do for me in terms of referrals. And will s definitely give the the gym ball a go…who would’ve known such simple things could help. Xx

[Pupster83]

I’ve been really sore too and have been seeing a physio who has given me exercises to do and massaged my back every week. It has made a huge difference. Back pain has much improved so would highly recommend getting a few appointments.

[Bozo_the_pumpkin in reply to Pupster83]

Thanks Pupster… are you seeing a Physio privately or through the NHS? And did you need a referral?

[Pupster83 in reply to Bozo_the_pumpkin]

I have seen a private physio previously so I just went to them as I decided it would be quicker to be seen and it’s a 5min walk from my house. However, I also asked my midwife about physio and she advised that there is a nhs maternity physio number that I could just call and self refer myself to if I wanted to rather than paying privately but it would likely take a couple of weeks to get an appointment. I’m in Scotland so I don’t know what the arrangements are in other areas but it seems to be relatively easy here. I’m also doing a pregnancy yoga class and have been told to try by my consultant to try and get out for a gentle walk each day to keep the muscles moving. I was also told that using a warm hot water bottle to ease the muscles before you start movement can help and I have to say I think it does. I’m still very achy, now more into my inner legs and groin area than my back, but I do find I feel better after a bit of movement. Hope you manage to find something that helps. Xx

[Positivechangeplease]

Ahh Bozo I’m there with you, I have pelvic pain and back pain too. I did yoga this week and it really helped. I’m due to see the physio and there’s also a website called spinning babies with a section on pelvic pain and some exercises you can do to help move the baby

[Bozo_the_pumpkin in reply to Positivechangeplease]

Thank you…it is such a nuisance living with the pain. I am glad to hear that your aches and pains are better… I’ve been a bit concerned about doing yoga at home ..thought going to a class might be good just so that I don’t overdo any of the poses.. but I am a great believer in yoga for body pain. Tbh… I haven’t really been mentioning my body pain to the midwife… thought it was normal for pregancy and that we just need to grin and bear. I will email the midwife and see what she can do for me. we’re booking a Babymoon… and I want to be able to move around and do stuff instead of sitting down every 15 minutes!

[Positivechangeplease in reply to Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Definitely ask the midwife. I find that sitting exacerbates it and moving around can help. I was amazed at how much better I felt the next day after yoga although with pelvic pain it’s a bit restricted. If you’re having pelvic pain you have to keep your legs and hips in parallel as much as possible- swing legs out of the car, onto the bed etc. I’ve also been having baths with Epsom salts. I’m finding pillows aren’t always that helpful but they can be. And do check out the spinning babies website as it can be the way the baby is lying and some of the positions can help move it positively

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

In that case, I will explore yoga again the weekend. I know there are a few good pregnancy yoga videos available via the NHS. I’ve been considering doing some prego aerobics as well.. might help build some stamina. Definitely check out the spinning babies website-good shout, thanks! Thanks for the other tips too.. I find the pillow works sometimes.. but other times not.

Good luck your side-glad you’re feeling better xx

[Fudge1980]

I would definitely consider a support band for my back even before it gets bad. I say don’t suffer if there’s something that may help 💗

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

You are right Fudge, definitely. But I’ve heard that the belly bands might weaken your stomach muscles so I am on the fence. How are you doing nowadays? Felt any movement yet?

[Fudge1980 in reply to Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Hey lovely 💗 I am good thank you as long as I take my nausea tablets first thing. Omg yes she’s been moving since 16wks just gets stronger and stronger lol. We have our anatomy scan on Saturday so everything crossed 🤞🏼. How are getting on apart from your pain?xx

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Gosh Fudge, can’t believe you are still battling the nausea! I am glad the tablets are helping. The anatomy scan is so exciting! We have ours as well on Friday -although partner tested positive for Covid so I might be going on my own. But if a bummer but it is what it is🤷🏽‍♀️

I think it’s going ok my side…. Not much movement which is a bit concerning.. felt movement just before 18 weeks and then nothing. I think I might have felt movement last night but I might have been dreaming lol. I have an anterior placenta though so I might have to wait a bit longer.

The last few days I’ve been feeling like my period is coming… not period cramps… just that feeling that it’s imminent… have you had this feeling at any point? I’m doing yoga now-hopefully the cramps and hip pain will subside soon.

I am very glad to be at this stage with you… we’ve come a long way hey

[kelsbels88 in reply to Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Hi sorry to jump on a post but just wanted to share.

I was getting concerned about movements too as I couldn’t feel anything discovered at scan I too have an anterior placenta have reached 24wks and for the last 10-14days have been able to feel movements and kicks. They will come. Mine are very low down or to the sides towards my hips but as they get bigger I am starting to get more at the front too now. Easier said than done but try not to worry.

💕💕💕

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Thanks Kelsbels.. no please, grateful that you commented. I am much reassured by what you say. .. it is one thing to read up about this and a total different thing to hear from someone who has gone through it. I am at my 5 week scan today and hopefully hopefully hopefully I can see the little ones with the little heartbeat and be reassured that everything is progressing well😬🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽