Pregnancy is a long-awaited event in the life of every woman, because it is in the birth of children that her main purpose lies. During the bearing of a child, all efforts should be aimed at maintaining his health. It was for these purposes that physicians had developed a prenatal bandage many years ago. It helps a woman, despite her rapidly growing belly and increasing weight, to feel as comfortable as possible, not to give up her usual active lifestyle. Some mothers fear for the life of the crumbs, believing that the bandage causes him inconvenience, limits his mobility. If doubts have crept into your head about its use, be sure to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist who is observing your pregnancy - he will dispel all myths.
The need for a bandage
We want to dispel the basic myth of all expectant mothers. So, a prenatal bandage for pregnant women is a necessity, absolutely everyone should wear it. It will help to avoid a number of diseases that are the result of increased stress on the spine and abdominal organs. First of all, you should consider buying an antenatal bandage for pregnant women if you have:
- work involving a long stay on the legs;
- back pain;
- osteochondrosis;
- varicose veins, excluding the load;
- multiple pregnancy, which resulted in swelling;
- second and subsequent pregnancies;
- threats of premature birth;
- scars on the uterus;
- large fetal weight;
- low location of the placenta.
Do not forget that it is with the help of the bandage that it is possible to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen of the expectant mother, thereby preserving her beauty. All those who did not neglect wearing it, note the absence of striae and a fairly quick return to their previous physical form.
Where to get
Today, in the era of the reign of online stores, you can purchase a prenatal and postnatal bandage without leaving your home. But the experience of modern young mothers, sometimes negative, calls to place an order only in specialized and trusted stores, preferably in pharmacies, and to trust the products of large brands that produce goods for expectant mothers and their babies.
It is better to purchase a bandage in a stationary store that provides an opportunity to try on. The fact is that returning it in case of an error does not work. At the same time, choosing a prenatal bandage, first of all, you need to build on your feelings: nothing should hamper your movements and squeeze your body.
Secrets of choice
Be sure to consult your obstetrician-gynecologist who is monitoring your pregnancy before purchasing. He should measure the volume of the abdomen and hips, thereby orienting you about a suitable size. In the process of choosing a prenatal bandage, we strongly recommend you pay attention to the following parameters:
- Material - Prefer a natural, yet flexible material with a breathing surface.
- Velcro - in most models they are used for fixation, so it is so important to check the quality and degree of fixation.
- Comfort - the bandage should perfectly cope with the assigned function without restricting the activity of the woman: she should move freely in the product, climb the stairs, and sit.
- Size - if you are actively gaining weight during pregnancy, this should be taken into account when choosing a model one size larger.
- Trying on - do not dwell on the first model. For example, on the Web, many women recommend a prenatal bandage FEST, but it’s better to try on several options in order to make the right choice based on your feelings.
Varieties
Products for pregnant women do not cease to improve and develop. Modern manufacturers are trying in every possible way to facilitate the course of pregnancy, to make it more comfortable. The antenatal bandage was no exception. Reviews of mothers focus on the existence of several varieties, among which each woman can easily choose the option that will help solve her problem.
Panties
They are panties elongated from above, where the elastic support tape takes on the necessary support. It is sewn in the hips and completely follows the contours of the abdomen. Seamless panties-bandages - a great solution, comfortable to wear. The only thing is that you need to stock up with 2-3 sets, given the full replacement of underwear, which must be changed regularly.
Belt
An option that can be worn both under clothing and on top of it. Visually it looks like a wide elastic tape with Velcro sewn in at the edges and in the lower abdomen - they provide the necessary fixation. Such a bandage can be easily customized for you.
Today this is a fairly popular option for expectant mothers. But it is definitely not suitable for those who are rapidly gaining weight, since after a certain period of time it will begin to crash into the skin, thereby causing a lot of discomfort.
Universal
Such a bandage can be used from the first days of pregnancy until the very birth, and also after them, for which women give it their preference in most cases. Outwardly similar to a bandage-belt, it differs from it by the ability to maintain a stomach during pregnancy, and after giving birth to restore elasticity to the skin.
The main advantage of this option is saving, because you do not have to spend twice on the purchase of an antenatal and postnatal bandage. It will be a great option for women with lower back pain. A wide part of it fits snugly to the back, unloading it and providing full support. With all the advantages, this model still has some disadvantages. First of all, these are impressive sizes, treacherously betraying him under his clothes. Velcro quite often spoil the tights and clothes of women, this negative side of use can be found in numerous reviews.
Secrets of Use
How to wear a prenatal bandage? In order for him to really remove the load from the spine, it is necessary to follow the basic rules for its use. Moreover, it is important to understand in which cases it can and should be worn, and in which it is better to refuse. Of course, it is advisable to consult with your gynecologist: for sure he will give you valuable advice, tell you how to wear a antenatal bandage, and help to understand all the intricacies of its operation. The following are some key recommendations.
- Use a bandage from the 22nd week of pregnancy in the absence of contraindications.
- For the first time, put it on with the help of a gynecologist, listening to all the advice of a specialist - this will allow you to adjust it to your individual parameters, avoiding errors.
- Wear only while lying down to keep your abdomen tight.
- Observe the correct location of the elastic tape - it should pass strictly along the hips, go a little under the stomach, fixing in the pubic area.
- Stretch out moderately.
- Do not wear a bandage for more than 3 hours in a row, be sure to take a break for 45-60 minutes. If the child begins to actively move, push, immediately remove the bandage, in no case do not sleep in it.
- The universal and bandage belt should be worn over clothing to prevent rubbing.
Care Rules
In order for the antenatal bandage to serve you for a long time, perfectly coping with its function, it is necessary to follow the basic rules for caring for it. It is recommended to wash it exclusively by hand using liquid detergents. This should be done as it gets dirty, but at least once a week to follow basic hygiene requirements. If you have chosen a bandage panties, then you need to wash it even more often.
How to wash in order to maintain the shape and elasticity of the material? So, pour a small amount of warm water into the basin. Add detergent to it and completely dissolve it with your hands. Immerse the bandage in water and leave it in this position for 10-15 minutes. Carefully remove stubborn dirt with a brush or sponge. After washing, rinse the bandage, gently wring it out and leave to dry in a straightened form.
Contraindications
For the sake of justice, it should be said that not all doctors adhere to the need to wear an antenatal bandage. That is why it is necessary to go to the nearest store for such an important purchase only after consulting with an obstetrician-gynecologist, as was mentioned several times above. In principle, during pregnancy, a woman should follow all the advice of a doctor to ensure herself comfort, and the baby - the right growth and development.
Refuse to wear the bandage should be given to those women whose children, even by 30 weeks of age, have not taken the correct position - this again, only a doctor can diagnose. In this case, he can prescribe a special gymnastics, which will help the baby to roll over. After that, it will already be possible to return to the topic of wearing a bandage and choose the best option in a particular case. In no case do not engage in self-diagnosis, which in this case can adversely affect the development of the fetus.