Pregnant runners-do you use a maternity belt?

jasonsgirly

I've just noticed in the last week that running is causing some round ligament pain.  I really hate to give running up and my midwife was recommending a maternity belt. 

 I was wondering if anyone had experience with this...does it work?  Are they worth it?  And do you recommend a certain one?

 Running is therapy for me and I hate to give it up!

 Thanks!

krack23

I am 13 weeks now and I've noticed that when i run I have to have my work out bottoms over my stomach to keep it from bouncing so much. I've heard of the belts and I am seriously thinking of buying one for my self. I can definetly feel the ligament pains more after I run too. I take some tylenol if they become too painful. It helped the last time I took them. Then again I also did a toning class that day so that could have been something else I was sore form.

Running is therapy for me too and I want to do it for as long as I can.

ucgrad

I ran until I was 37 weeks and never started using a belt, but I know a lot of people do. If you don't get many responses here, repost on thenest.  There are a lot of ladies over there who ran through their pregnancies on the H&F board.

argonne

I am 35 weeks and do not use a maternity belt when I run.  I plan to keep on going as long as I can and I will not use a maternity belt.  I figure I've made it this far without one.  I do find that I can only go about 3-4 miles before my lower abs and pelvic region get a bit sore from the pressure. 

Becky262

I didn't run while I was pregnant - and I regret it so much!

If the RLP doesn't get better with a belt, look into pool running or swimming   

mtbmama

I ran with one when I was pregnant.  I had a lot of lower abdominal pain/pressure when I ran, and the belt did help with the feeling that my uterus felt like it was going to fall out!  It just gave it a little extra support.  I just got a simple one from Motherhood Maternity.  I would give it a try before you ditch the running cause you got too uncomfortable.  Running kept me sane, so I know what you mean! GL!

ecofriendlyemily

My thoughts exactly.  I didn't notice a huge difference but it definitely helped. If you're starting to have pain, I'd give it a shot.

mtbmama2b:

I ran with one when I was pregnant.  I had a lot of lower abdominal pain/pressure when I ran, and the belt did help with the feeling that my uterus felt like it was going to fall out!  It just gave it a little extra support.  I just got a simple one from Motherhood Maternity.  I would give it a try before you ditch the running cause you got too uncomfortable.  Running kept me sane, so I know what you mean! GL!

jasonsgirly

Thanks girls for sharing!

For any other ladies in my situation, I read in my running book that you can even try wearing bike shorts for extra support.  I had packed mine away so I tried to use the bella band and it worked great!  Just a suggestion!

laineybix

I wore a simple one made my Medela from week 20 - 40. I ran intervals the last 4-5 weeks of my pregnancy and ran a mile and a half the day before I was admitted. (I was overdue and was trying to get things started...)

It helped tremendously in the beginning with relieving the pressure of Baby Bix's head banging against my bladder. Later it just helped adjust the bounce and general weight of things. 

I highly recommend it!

MyMagicFigure

I have friends who went from the maternity belt to the maternity garments I sell. The maternity belts do work well, however the garments I have are medical grade and not only provide the necessary support for the mid-section, but also provide the needed support and comfort for the spine and lower back. These garments initiate a more balanced center and also provide support for the pelvis during the period of pelvic softening. I gave one to my sister during her 3rd month of pregnancy and she wore it until delivery! If you would like more information about the garments contact: info@mymagicfigure.com