Pregnancy Support Bands: Benefits and Considerations

By Cindy Puppos | August 18, 2025


Mom wearing a Pregnancy Support Band
Pregnancy or maternity belts support your lower back to relieve some of the weight of the baby and encourage good posture.

Up to 80% of pregnant women experience back pain, according to a study from the Musculoskeletal Medicine Journal. For many, that's just the start; hip pressure, round ligament pain, and pelvic instability can make even basic movement feel exhausting.

If you're constantly shifting to get comfortable, avoiding walks, or waking up sore, you're not alone. A pregnancy support band can help bring relief where you need it most. These medically approved tools don't just help you "get through it"; they help you feel supported, physically and emotionally.

Want to know if it's right for you? Read on to learn how to take control of your pregnancy comfort.

What Is a Pregnancy Support Band?

A pregnancy support band is a soft, flexible band worn around your lower back and under your belly. It helps take pressure off areas that usually feel sore or strained as your baby grows.

Many people refer to these bands using different names: maternity support belt, belly band, or pelvic support belt are the most common.

This type of band is technically called a maternity compression garment. That means it gives light compression and support to the abdomen and lower back. In fact, many of the reliable options on the market are FDA-listed as medical devices.

The band usually has adjustable straps, sits below the belly button, and wraps around the hips and back. It might be worn under or over clothing, depending on what feels better. At 1 Natural Way, we help moms get maternity products, including support bands, through insurance.

Top Benefits of Using a Support Band

Pregnancy comfort tends to be one of the biggest challenges in the second and third trimesters. Most pregnant women experience back pain at some point, and hip or abdominal pressure is also pretty common. A maternity support belt can help with these issues without using medication.

Support bands help your body stay more stable. They distribute your baby's weight more evenly across your lower back and hips.

This can lower the risk of injury or soreness from everyday activities. For some people, that means they can sleep better or stay on their feet longer without as much discomfort.

Some benefits of support bands include:

  • Less pressure on the pelvis and SI joints
  • Improved alignment of the spine and hips
  • Reduced pulling on round ligaments in the lower belly
  • Easier movement during walking or workouts
  • Lower chance of sharp sciatica pain

Support bands might be helpful after delivery, too. While they're not a cure, they can give a bit of relief during C-section or vaginal birth recovery. You can think of them as part of your overall prenatal wellness tips, like hydration, stretching, and choosing maternity gear that supports your changing body.

When Should You Wear a Pregnancy Support Band?

A support band might be useful at different stages, yet most people start around 20 weeks. That's when the belly grows faster, and your center of gravity shifts a bit. Some women feel aches earlier, especially during second pregnancies.

You usually wear the band during certain parts of the day, like during walks, exercise, or while doing housework. It's not something to wear all the time. In fact, wearing it too long could cause your muscles to rely on it too much.

How to Choose the Right Band

There are a lot of products out there, but they don't all work the same. Some belly bands are just soft fabric made for looks or clothing support. Those won't help much if you're dealing with pain or posture problems.

What you want is a medical-grade support band that's built for function. Look for one that adjusts easily and fits snugly around your lower back and belly.

Here's what to check when choosing a maternity support belt:

  • Adjustable straps that fit your size as your belly changes
  • Soft, breathable fabric that doesn't trap heat
  • Machine washable material for easy cleaning
  • Neutral colors that fit under or over clothing
  • DA listing as a medical device for pregnancy support

At 1 Natural Way, we offer an ergonomic, FDA-listed support band that's included with many insurance plans. It's designed to grow with you and feel supportive without being bulky.

Is a Support Band Covered by Insurance?

Yes, many insurance plans cover pregnancy support bands. Some cover the full cost, while others require a small copay.

Either way, it usually starts with a prescription from your doctor. That step shows the support band is medically needed, not just something cosmetic.

Once you have a prescription, you can get the band through a medical supplier. This is where we can help. At 1 Natural Way, we work with plans like TRICARE, Aetna, Molina, and Ohio Medicaid, just to name a few.

Many insurance providers cover pregnancy support bands. 1 Natural Way can help you verify coverage and get one delivered to your door.

Some perks of using our service include:

  • Free shipping straight to your home
  • Help with getting the prescription from your doctor
  • Support from real people who answer your questions
  • Access to other covered maternity gear, like pumps or postpartum supplies

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a maternity belt and a belly band?

A: A maternity belt offers structured support; a belly band is more cosmetic.

Q: How tight should a pregnancy support band be?

A: It should feel snug but comfortable, like a gentle hug, not a squeeze.

Q: Do I need a prescription to get one through insurance?

A:Yes, your doctor must prescribe it as medically necessary.

Q: Can I wear it under my clothes?

A: Yes, they're designed to fit discreetly under or comfortably over clothing.

Q: Where can I get one that's covered by insurance?

A: 1 Natural Way can handle your paperwork and ship it directly to you.

A Better Option With Real Support

A pregnancy support band can reduce discomfort, support your body, and help you stay active through every trimester. From back pain to posture, the right band can make everyday life easier.

At 1 Natural Way, we help you get medical-grade maternity belts covered through insurance, with fast shipping, zero surprises, and actual support from certified experts. We work with TRICARE, Medicaid, and dozens of major providers, and even offer preferred pricing if you're not covered.

Want to stop guessing and start feeling better? Check your insurance and order your support band today.


Cindy Puppos

About the Author

Cindy Puppos is 1 Natural Way's Customer Service Manager, so she has a good idea of all the different and wonderful questions that moms have for her team. Thankfully, as the mother of two boys (who are now grown!) and a veteran of the company and breastfeeding, Cindy is always knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping and all the latest and greatest pumps!

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