Pregnancy is notorious for the aches and pains it brings, and SPD (symphysis pubic dysfunction) is one of those fairly common pregnancy complaints that can cause a lot of suffering. A condition where the hormone, relaxin (which is responsible for relaxing all of your joints and ligaments in your pelvis in preparation for birth), gets a little too loose, and can result in making the pelvic joint unstable.
I was one of the unlucky ones to experience SPD during the third trimester in my last pregnancy. Simple everyday moments like turning over in bed, getting dressed or stepping out of the car had me crying out in pain. This time around, I’m well prepared, and know that small tweaks like keeping my knees together whilst turning in bed and sitting down to get dressed will help keep my pelvis aligned and the pain at bay.
Another simple way to ease the symptoms of SPD during pregnancy is to wear a pelvic support belt. I’m not sure why it didn’t occur to me to use one in my previous pregnancies, but since trying the Belly Bandit Upsie Belly, one thing is for certain, this thing is a lifesaver, and I’d list it as one of my pregnancy must haves, regardless of whether SPD is an issue for you.
Not only does it help with SPD by supporting the back, hips and abdomen, it also helps to ease sciatic, back and leg pain (common pregnancy complaints) and relieve bladder discomfort by supporting the weight of the ever growing baby bump.
With each of my pregnancies, I’ve felt the stretch in my ligaments a little more and seeing as I have little downtime these days with two children to run around after, I need all of the extra support I can get. After a long day, this provides instant support by relieving me of the weight of my bump and taking the strain off my back. Now that I’ve hit the third trimester, I’m using it for longer periods to prevent the pain before it begins, and fingers crossed that it stops another round of SPD as I get further along in my pregnancy.
Maternity bands can look pretty intimidating and structured, but I was relieved to discover that this one is ultra-comfortable to wear, being made from super soft breathable bamboo that molds to the body, and 12” of adjustability to grow with the baby bump and give continued support. The soft front Velcro closure means it’s discrete under clothing and allows me to move freely without any discomfort.
One feature which make this support band extra special is the gel pack insert that slips into the back pocket, which can either be heated or cooled to help with those inevitable aches and pains. I also love that after birth, the belt can be turned around and fastened at the back to support the abdomen area and give additional comfort and relief with the hot/cold pack if needed. Perfect for postpartum recovery and healing!
If you’re looking for a maternity support band to help ease your symptoms, the Belly Bandit Upsie Belly is a great one to pick to last you throughout your pregnancy and in your postpartum period.
Thank you to Belly Bandit sponsoring today’s post! While this post is sponsored, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
