Why Is Tummy Support So Important During Pregnancy?

Shana is wearing the 'Smoothie Crop Bra' in confetti/black and the 'Classic Maternity Leggings' in black.

Small bump, big bump, showing straight away or only showing in the third trimester -  the preggo belly is different for every mum, and different for each pregnancy too! One thing that never changes though, is the need for proper tummy support during pregnancy and postpartum.

Regardless of the size or shape of ‘bump,’ understanding how to best support it will keep you comfortable, supported and confident.

1. Movement & Exercise.

Whether you’re weight-lifting at eight months pregnant, or pounding the pavement before and after birth, your body will always thank you for it - but it’s essential you do it as safely as possible. Just like you would wear a sports bra for your boobs, you need to give that baby belly some support too.

Alysia is wearing the 'Evolve Bra' and the 'Shine Bright Tights.' 

By choosing the right shape wear you can form a supportive barrier around your tummy and back. By gently compressing your bump you give more support to your uterus and it makes movement easier and safer. Are maternity leggings worth it? Absolutely, if you intend to stay active during pregnancy and want supportive activewear to do it comfortably.

2. Posture.

We all know that our body changes hugely in the third trimester. Extra pressure gets put on the back and shoulders because of the increasing weight.

A lot of mums succumb to this and lean out from their lower back in an attempt to balance. This is generally uncomfortable and, of course, can lead to long-term problems with your lower back.

To combat this you should really invest in maternity support-wear which prompts you into standing and moving correctly. Products with additional support for tummy and back areas like our Classic Maternity Leggings provide uplift for your abdomen and added strength for your leg muscles. 

3. Pain.

The majority of us will end up speaking to our doctors or midwives about some form of muscle, joint or back pain during pregnancy. Good tummy support can help alleviate or prevent these typical aches and pains.

Sacroiliac joint pain is common among pregnant women and can be located in the back and hips due to extra strain on the joints. Supporting the body using maternity activewear is a good preventative, and warm baths can also be used to ease the pain.

Round ligament pain can appear in the form of a sharp jabbing feeling in the lower tummy or groin. The round ligament connects the front of your womb to the groin and often becomes strained at around week 17 and beyond. Giving a helping hand to your bump and easing the pressure on this ligament throughout pregnancy will help reduce straining and pain.  

4. Confidence.

Every day tasks like reaching to a top shelf, carrying your work bag, picking up and holding older children or even extra shopping become more challenging as your bump grows.

First-time mums especially are more inclined to over-think any stresses and strains put on their bodies, which can lead to anxiety or avoiding tasks.  

We’ve found that having additional support around your bump, back and legs providing uplift and compression, helps in two ways:

• Firstly, by giving a feeling of security that there's a protective barrier around your bump.
• And secondly, by making movement feel more supported so you feel ready to lift, lean, reach and crouch...with confidence.

Betsan and Joanna are wearing the 'Smoothie Crop Bra' in confetti/white and the 'Classic Maternity Leggings' in black.

5. Post pregnancy.

Finally meeting bub makes the pains and strains so worth it, but it’s important at this time to still care for your body while it heals. Your muscles and ligaments which were stretched during pregnancy will be in need of rest and your core strength will be vastly reduced.

Continue wearing maternity activewear while you're bouncing back. Something that provides extra support for your abdomen and back will be vital while you’re caring for your little one.

The most important thing is that you're happy and healthy during these first weeks and months, so don’t forget to think about your well-being - however hard that may be at the time!

It’s encouraging to see that maternity activewear is now of a good enough quality that it's given women so much more confidence and freedom to move....so what are you waiting for? Get movin' mama!

Written by Nikki Clarke.