Belly Wrapping: Feeling Supported and Snuggled in Pregnancy

Learn about the benefits of belly-wrapping pregnancy!

Anna Waters

What Is Belly Wrapping?

Belly wrapping involves wrapping fabric around your abdomen to provide needed support. This can be a great alternative to support belts you can buy because they don’t have velcro that will give up on you before your baby makes their entrance into the world. While belly wrapping is often associated with postpartum recovery, many mamas are finding belly wrapping helpful during pregnancy too. In my second pregnancy, my ab muscles had not fully recovered from my first pregnancy which resulted in something called a “pendulous belly”, when the abdomen (and in this case my baby) hangs over the pelvis. Wrapping provided tremendous relief and helped my baby to settle properly into my pelvis instead of sitting atop it.

Why Consider Belly Wrapping During Pregnancy?

Back and Pelvic Support As your baby bump grows, the extra weight can strain your back and pelvis. A belly wrap helps distribute this weight more evenly, reducing stress and providing much-needed support. It can also encourage better posture, helping you avoid slouching and related discomfort.
Ease Pain and Discomfort Pregnancy often brings round ligament pain—that sharp, pulling sensation caused by stretching ligaments. Belly wrapping can provide gentle compression to ease this discomfort. It’s also helpful for conditions like symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which causes pelvic pain.
Improved Mobility The added stability a belly wrap provides allows daily activities to feel more manageable. Whether you’re running errands or doing light exercise, the extra support can make a big difference in how you move.
Encourages Good Posture Maintaining good posture becomes harder as your center of gravity shifts. Belly wrapping offers gentle support to help you stand taller and prevent the discomfort that often comes with poor alignment. Good posture is also important for the positioning of your baby. Maintaining good posture in pregnancy can lead to an easier birth and reduce your risks of complications.
A Calming, Reassuring Touch Many women find the gentle compression of a belly wrap comforting. It can help you feel more connected to your body and your baby, offering emotional, and physical reassurance.

Tips for Safe and Effective Belly Wrapping

If you’re thinking about trying belly wrapping, here are some key tips:

Choose the Right Wrap: Look for a stretchy or woven wrap designed for babywearing. You may also want to look for something breathable if you live somewhere warm.
Avoid Over-Tightening: The wrap should be snug but not restrictive. Too much pressure can interfere with circulation or cause discomfort.
Limit Use: Belly wraps are best used for a few hours at a time. Prolonged use might weaken your abdominal muscles, which are crucial for labor and recovery.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always check with your doctor or midwife before trying a belly wrap, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or medical concerns.

A Practice with Cultural Roots

Belly wrapping isn’t a new trend—it’s a practice steeped in tradition. Cultures around the world, from Malaysian bengkung to Latin American fajas to Japanese sarashi, have embraced belly binding for centuries. By choosing belly wrapping, you’re connecting with a time-honored tradition that has supported countless women.

Wrapping It All Up

Belly wrapping during pregnancy can be a simple yet powerful way to care for yourself. From easing back pain to improving mobility and posture, it offers both practical benefits and emotional comfort. As always, listen to your body, prioritize your safety, and seek guidance from your healthcare provider if needed.

Here’s to a smoother, more supported pregnancy!

Stretchy Wrap

Pendulous Belly

Woven Wrap