Belly Bands, Maternity Belts...

Hi J.,
I did not have twins but I had a lot of lower back pain and ligament pain with my first pregnancy. I tried the belly band but it didn't seem to help much. With my second pregnancy I went to a chiropractor from about 12 weeks until 2 weeks before delivering. It was great! My chiropractor would crack my neck and back and he would stretch the muscles every so often when I was feeling like the ligament pain was coming. It made my pregnancy soooo much more comfortable. I would suggest giving it a try. Good luck and congratulations

I used a maternity belt, i had really bad sciatica pain during my pregnancy. I went into Motherhood Maternity and told them what I needed. They found me one, right away. It was basically elastic and velcro and I was pretty sceptical, but darned if it didnt help! It was the best money I spent during my pregnancy. They also gave me a new mom goodie bag with coupons and a pacifier and bottle. I thought that was nice. This was the one I bought: http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=97305011...

It looks like they have another that might be more supportive for you in the front: http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=92200011...

I used a belly band my whole pregnancy and loved it. I probably should have looked at a more supportive maternity belt because I had bad sciatic pain, but I was on a budget. I got the Bella Band, I went online to their website and found a local retailer. It is just a big stretchy circle of strong elastic-y fabric. I got it to be able to wear my real clothes a little longer- you can undo your pants and wear it over them. I also worked in a restaurant and the uniform didn't cover my belly so I used it to cover the gap. :) If I ever skipped wearing it even for a few hours out running around, I could feel the muscles and ligaments stretching and aching. My whole stomach would just feel tired too, and I would end up holding up my stomach all day. But with the band it felt fine. I definitely recommend it.

I had discomfort in my back at the begining of this pregnancy, but it has thankfully subsided. I did have sciatic pain with my first the last 6 weeks or so. I never heard to try the belts though. I thought they were to get more use from your pants. I tried the bella band with this one and returned it. It was still ealry on probably about where you are now. I didn't like the way it made my stomach look. I didn't find it tight, but thought looked funny. I've seen the thick elastic ones the other woman was talking about. I think I'll give that a try if my back starts to bother me. It seems like it would be more supportive. The bella band is very thin lycra. Back pain is tough to deal with and different for everyone. I hope you find some relief.

I used a Maternity Support Belt from Babies R Us when I was pregnant to help ease my lower back pain. My daughter was sitting transverse and my lower back and ciatic were killing me. It did help with the pain, but she absolutely hated when I wore it and squirmed and kicked so much more than usual that that wore me out worse than the pain. Good luck!

I had twins almost 6 years ago and towards the end I did end up getting a maternity belt thing that helped some. I think it went up and over the shoulders so it could really support. I don't remember the name or brand, sorry. I also don't remember when I started wearing it, but 18 weeks seems kind of early. I suggest talking to the doctor about it. Are you using pillows at night? Are you wearing good shoes?

Towards the end (I went full-term w/a scheduled c-section 1 week early), I could only manage to stand for a few minutes at a time (usually w/my hands supporting my giant belly!) I had a seat in the shower and a lot of help for the last month or so. (My girls were 7.11 and 7.9 lbs each)

Good luck!