Lots of people look for pregnancy support belts as their bump grows and gets heavier. However - what do you buy? and how do you know what you need? For a support you can wear for sitting and standing, which gives support to the abdomen and core - or if you have concerns about diastasis or tummy separation a Tubi Grip may be the best option for you. Remember to also contact a physio, GP or midwife if you are experience pain as this is common but not normal and there is so much that can be done to help :)
Using a Tubigrip Abdominal Support in Pregnancy
A Tubigrip support is a safe and comfortable way to give your growing abdomen support during pregnancy. It is however unfortunately itchy and rather ugly!!! Despite that I found it really supportive and would wear it in the day once my bump felt heavy.
It is best to use the abdominal support for when you are active and on your feet as it’s not routinely recommended to wear whilst you are asleep.
(Some patients in severe pain have been given permission by their midwife but this has to be decided on a case by case basis)
To ensure you are wearing it correctly and so you get maximum support then follow the instructions below. It can be quite a work out the first few time you put it on and it can feel quite tight - but I promise it does get easier. The fabric does also begin to stretch after a few wears – I tend to compare it to putting on a new pair of tights or leggings!
How to put on your Tubi Grip.
A Tubigrip support is a safe and comfortable way to give your growing abdomen support during pregnancy. It is however unfortunately itchy and rather ugly!!! Despite that - once my bump got heavier - I found them really supportive and would wear it during the to support my abdomen. The tubi grip is to be worn in the day when you are active and on your feet - it’s not routinely recommended to wear whilst you are asleep.
(Some patients in severe pain have been given permission by their midwife to wear during the night but this has to be decided on a case by case basis.)
To ensure you are wearing it correctly and so you get maximum support then follow the instructions below. It can be quite a work out the first few time and can feel quite tight - but I promise it does get easier. The fabric does also begin to stretch after a few wears – I tend to compare it to putting on a new pair of tights or leggings!
How to put on your Tubi Grip:
1. Sit down - it is so easy to lose your balance whilst putting on tubigrip!
2. Place your feet into the tubigrip support
3. Pull (or wriggle) the tubigrip up above your knees
4. Stand up. Have something close by to lean on for balance.
5. Pull one end of the tubigrip up to your rib cage (it will take some wriggling) just below your bra strap. The rest of the Tubigrip will still be down near your knees.
6. Then pull the bottom end of the tubigrip up to meet the top end.
7. You should now have a double layer of tubigrip. It should cover all of your tummy - starting from under your bra to the top of your hips and pubic bone.
8. FINAL STEP - Take the top single layer and fold the end down to the bottom of the tubigrip. Now you will have three layers below your belly button and one layer above the belly button. This should give you some lift as well as support
I hope this is useful. Please do get in touch to purchase your tubigrip if you think it may be useful. We always have some in stock which we can post out or you can pop into clinic and we can help fit it. If you feel you may need more support around the pelvis maybe you would benefit from a pregnancy support belt - which are to be used for standing, walking and usually more suitable for pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
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