Support bump band thingamyjigs

[Biscuitsandtinsel]

I'm currently 26 weeks pg and am finding that if I stand up or walk for more than an hour my bump starts to ache across the top.

Has anyone used one of those bump support band things? I'm thinking maybe my bump aches across the top just because it's heavy so is sort of pulling down?

Just wondered if there we're any tips or if this is the sort of thing a bump support thing would help with?

Cheers

Those bump band things are good for covering your zip when you cant do your jeans up any more but thats about it! I remember physically holding my bump up with my hands when it started getting bigger. And if you're only 26 weeks its going to get a lot bigger yet! My advice? Try not to stand up or walk for more than an hour and put your feet up while you've still got the chance!

I've not used one myself but I've heard loads of people talk about 'bump bras' and how good they are, especially if you're suffering from back ache or any sort of SPD/PGP type of pain. If you're really suffering and they're not much money if probably by one. I'm 32 weeks now and have to be careful when I walk the dog so I suppose if you're feeling heavy now it's going to carry on for a few more weeks yet! Have a lovely Christmas!

Thanks ladies

Mrsclh I did have a bump band for the early days, but when I bought it I remember in Mothercare they had next to them a specific support band, rather than what I bought which was just a bump band, so I wondered if anyone had tried them?

And yes - I suspect it will get a lot bigger yet - I was pretty big with ds and I think I'm bigger this time so goodness know what I'll look like by march!?!

I agree with Mrsclh. good for covering a gap but not much else and the official bumpband ones are a major rip off at £16.99 for what is essentially a strip of elasticated material.
Sorry haven't tried the support bump 'bras' though

I've been wearing this one: Black Support Band
It has helped quite a lot when walking.

Bump bands and support bands are different things, and again, I know many SPD/PGP sufferers who have found support bands very helpful.
They all got theirs from their doctor/physio...
...was wondering if it was worth you going down that route anyway, as although I suspect you're right, any pain across the top of bump should be investigated. A physio might be able to give you some tummy-supporting exercises too....and (if UK) and "prescribed" you can get it free on MatEx!

I have one from jojomamanbebe that isn't as supportive as a proper support band the physio would give you but does have more support then the basic elasticated bands you get from new look and such like that are really only useful for covering gaps. I find it really does make a difference if I am wearing a dress or under bump trousers that don't have any other support.

Hi Biscuits! I don't know if I've mentioned that when I visited the physio on Fri she recommended a pelvic support belt for me. My prob is totally different to yours so I don't think the same belt would be helpful for you, I just wanted to pass on her comments about bump bands in general.

In essence she said that the standard bump bands (the really wide ones that cover most of your stomach) essentially "replace" the function of your core muscles in supporting your bump. So it feels like a relief in the short term, but in reality it means that your actual muscles have less work to do and get even weaker than they were to start with. So as your pg progresses and you get bigger/heavier your core muscles simultaneously get weaker, compounding the problem. She said that for someone in the last 2 or 3 weeks of their pg these bands can help them over that last difficult bit, but for someone who's pre 30 weeks (like us!) you'd be far better off doing regular core muscle exercises and enabling your own body to better handle the weight gain.

I hope that helps your decision a little? If I was you I'd be tempted to get a cheap band for the short term relief, just to wear when the bump is already aching not all day. In the mean time I'd perhaps sign up to prenatal pilates, or buy a relevant exercise video, to try to tackle the underlying problem?

See you back on the other thread!

Ah that's a v interesting point Scream - thanks!

Funnily enough I was discussing with my mum yesterday and she said she thought a band that 'hides' the ache might not be good in the long run - if my body is telling me it's too heavy then I should probably just sit down more and avoid standing / walking for too long at one time, so I think I'll not bother with one for now.

That's true, that wearing an external support does the job of your muscles. I think the idea is you use it to control your symptoms, so wear it if you're achey, or know you'll be on your feet a lot, but also do your core stability exercises. I don't have back problems when not pg and the physio was quite happy to give me s support at 22 weeks, but also some core stability exercises. I think as you do still have a while to go, seeing a womens health physio might be a good idea. After all, with a 3 year old, rest is just not possible sometimes. Particularly if you start getting back pain as well as bump ache, as prevention is better than cure!