Don't mistake the treadmill belt for the belt you would wear while running on the treadmill. A treadmill belt is the actual conveyor belt that rotates under your feet and not something you want to put around your back. A belt you do want to wear is a support belt designed to alleviate pressure on your back and abdomen during pregnancy. The belt helps support the extra weight and imbalance in the later stages of pregnancy and keeps the fetus in the proper position while exercising, protecting the vulnerable ligaments according to the Baptist East Medical Pavilion website.
Belt Only Models
Step 1
Align the belt pad under the abdomen. Imagine the padded front part of the belt as a hammock for the protruding belly. Fasten the pad with the velcro strap or clip in the position that feels comfortable. Not every belt has a separate pad; omit this step if yours doesn't.
Step 2
Center the belt in the small of your back, using both hands to pull each side to the front.
Step 3
Pull the belt sides up to the front of your belly. Some belts wrap over your entire abdomen while others are positioned under your belly, supporting the weight of the fetus. If the belt tapers into a larger cut on the front, it will cover the whole belly. If it tapers into smaller flaps, it will sit under the belly.
Step 4
Secure the belt in place using the straps or clips with your specific belt.
Step 5
Adjust the belt, if necessary, so that the fetus' weight is over the belt.
Step 6
Cross the top strap from the right over the belly and attach it to the left side just over your left buttocks. Not every support belt has a crossing top strap.
Belt and Suspender Models
Step 1
Pull the under garment up over your belly.
Step 2
Attach the elastic suspenders to the front of the under garment with the Velcro adhesive.
Step 3
Pull the straps over your shoulders, crossing them in the small of your back. Position the elastic at your hips, securing it with the Velcro adhesive.
Step 4
Wrap the underside of your belly with the short, wide pad. Secure it at each hip side.
Step 5
Use side straps as needed by securing them from the top suspender above the breast to the main garment for additional support.
Tips and Warnings
- Putting the support belt on or adjusting it while laying down with your knees bent up may aid abdomen suspension and create greater tension relief. If pain persists while using the belt, remove it and call your doctor. Belts can also be used while housekeeping, performing other standing activities or walking.
References
- "Journal of Clinical Nursing"; Effectiveness of maternity support belts in reducing low back pain during pregnancy; SS Ho, et al.; June 18, 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Back pain during pregnancy
- Women First, Baptist East Medical Pavilion: Exercise During Pregnancy
- Majestic Mamas: Loving Comfort Maternity Support Belt Instructions
- Core Products: Fitting
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