Maternity Belt Review

jeggomyeggo

I wondered about one of these brace things before I went and bought one. I thought some of you would like to hear my little opinion on it.

First, I bought the Gabrialla Elastic Maternity Belt, Medium Support from Amazon. The reviews were mixed on the sizing. I am 5'1, 135 lbs and a size 8-10 pre pregnancy. I have larger than normal sized hips. This, I know. Also, I'm carrying the baby pretty low already (I have no breathing issues and little heart burn issues. It's not a shelf bump yet. So when I ordered, since I was on the borderline of a M/L, I ordered the Large and I'm happy I did. (To find the sizing, read the reviews. A reviewer posts the measurments. This is easier than googling Gabrialla's web address, because it's not straight forward.)

The belt is made of a material much like a knee brace--stiff, semi-breathable. It is wide starting at where it hits your hip bones and round the back and the velcro that connects under your bump is more narrow so it kind of cradles your bump and supports your back. Then, there is a flexible band that will tighten the brace around the small of your back to attempt to take up any extra space. This part of the brace works better as the brace gets broken in. I have a small waist, and I wish it were a little tighter.

I wear the brace during housework, while taking my walks, and sometimes sitting at my desk at work for 2-3 x a week total. Overall, I believe this brace first and foremost promotes better posture for me and this is the main reason it releives pain. I believe it supports my hips a little better than without it. It is a 5 on the comfort scale from 0-10.

I bought it at week 30 and for $30, I think it's worth the purchase.

dpaws718

thanks for the review i need to get one i am carrying low and in a lot of discomfort.

GraceyandTroy

I'm really glad you posted this!  I have been thinking I need something as my lower back and my lower tummy muscles get really soar if I'm on my feel much as all.  This is a really helpful review.

martha919

Thank you for this! I'm carrying high, but straight out and I know it's messing with my posture. I've been hemming and hawing about getting one for weeks because I think I'd only use it a few times per week, but after my errands run last night and your comments today, I think I'm sold! My hips and lower back are just sooooo sore after walking for like, an hour. Thanks so much for posting!

sjamin9

Someone (PrivacyWanted?) recommended the BellyBra. I ordered one straight away from target and have been wearing it every since. I actually put it over my maternity pants and it helpt to keep them up also Anyway, I am so much more comfortable. I like that it's part of a tank top. I ordered it in a large, and I'm prepregnancy size 8. It's sized for your current (not prepregnancy bra band size, and I'm 40 right now, LG is perfect). Nothing feels comfortable by the end of the day, but that's pretty normal for me right now. But this helps me to get through the day and has helped me to be in not very much pain falling alseep at night.

AppleJacks81

I bought both the Gabriella brand and the one carried by Motherhood Maternity. Like you, I ordered a size up according to other reviews. While I like the Gabriella one, I like the Motherhood one better - the fabric isn't quite as stiff and it doesn't come up as high on my back. Both were about the same price.  I will agree with you, it really does help!