Is it safe for a pregnant person to wear a girdle or (support) band?

Safety of Wearing Girdles or Support Bands During Pregnancy

Yes, pregnant women can safely wear maternity support garments (girdles or support bands) during pregnancy, and these devices may provide beneficial effects for pain relief and improved function, particularly for those experiencing lower back pain or pelvic girdle pain. 1, 2, 3

Evidence for Safety and Effectiveness

Pain Relief Benefits

• Maternity support belts reduce pain intensity by approximately 20 mm on a visual analogue scale when used regularly for short periods during pregnancy 2
• Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) belts lead to significant improvements in both pain and function over 4 weeks of use, with 82% of pregnant women reporting improvement 3
• Support garments demonstrate effectiveness in alleviating lower back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy 1

Functional Improvements

• Daily activities become easier with belt use, as pregnant women report improved functionality and mobility 1, 2
• The Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) score—a diagnostic measure for pelvic girdle pain—shows immediate reduction of 2.70 points when wearing an SIJ belt 3
• Support garments may reduce the risk of falls during pregnancy by improving balance 1

Mechanisms of Action

The beneficial effects appear to result from:

• Proprioceptive feedback that enhances body awareness and positioning 2
• Biomechanical stabilization of the pelvis and lower back 4, 2
• Analgesic effects through compression and support 2

Important Usage Guidelines

Proper Application

• Belts should be used regularly but for short periods to maximize effectiveness and minimize potential adverse effects 2
• Proper fitting and positioning are essential for optimal benefit 1
• Different types of belts may have differential effects on global pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and back pain 2

Potential Adverse Effects to Monitor

• Increased pain (if improperly fitted or positioned) 4
• Skin irritation and discomfort from prolonged wear 4
• Fetal heart rate changes have been reported in some cases, though evidence is limited 4

Clinical Context

Integration with Pregnancy Activity Guidelines

• Support garments align with the 2019 Canadian Guidelines that encourage pregnant women to remain physically active throughout pregnancy 5
• These devices serve as adjunctive tools within conservative management strategies that include activity modification, physiotherapy, and exercise programs 6
• They do not replace the recommendation for regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week) but can facilitate continued activity by reducing pain 5

When Support Garments Are Most Beneficial

• Pelvic girdle pain typically starts between the 14th-21st week of pregnancy, making this an appropriate time to consider support garment use 2
• Women experiencing posterior pelvic pain with positive ASLR test scores (2-10 points) are likely to benefit from SIJ belt application 3
• Support garments are particularly valuable for women with obesity or overweight status who experience higher risk of musculoskeletal pain due to chronic overloading of connective tissues 5

Limitations of Current Evidence

While support garments appear safe and beneficial, the mechanisms of action and optimal duration of effectiveness require further elucidation 1. Most high-quality evidence comes from studies published between 2018-2022, with earlier systematic reviews noting insufficient evidence to make definitive conclusions 4. However, the more recent research demonstrates clearer benefits with proper use 2, 3.

Practical Recommendation

Pregnant women experiencing lower back or pelvic pain should be offered a trial of maternity support belts as part of a multimodal conservative management approach that includes continued physical activity within recommended guidelines 6, 2. The garments are safe, well-tolerated, and effective when used appropriately 3. Women should be instructed on proper fitting and advised to use the belt regularly during activities but remove it during rest periods to prevent skin irritation and discomfort 4, 2.