Postpartum abdominal belt should be used with caution

The postpartum figure is indescribable compared to the pre-pregnancy figure. In order to quickly restore health and restore the original figure, many young mothers will try to do a good job of postpartum fitness. The binding belt is produced to adapt to the recovery of postpartum women's health. Because of the restoration of body shape, many women follow suit. However, they do not know that there are requirements for the use of binding belts. They cannot be used casually. Postpartum abdominal belts should be used with caution. Let's talk about it below!

There is indeed a theory that using a belly band can target the muscles of the waist and abdomen as well as the pelvis and pelvic floor to help women recover after childbirth. However, first of all, I have to tell you that this abdominal belt that may be helpful is the abdominal belt used in clinical practice, which is different from the common high-elastic abdominal belt on the market, so everyone must use it with caution.

The abdominal band used clinically extends from below the breast to the pubic bone. This type of abdominal band used in hospitals is generally made of pure cotton cloth, with multiple straps on both sides, extending from below the breasts to the pubic bone. The two sides are alternately overlapped and wrapped, spiraling upwards, and finally fixed with safety pins or knots.

In surgery, patients after abdominal surgery often use abdominal bandages to prevent wound cracking due to increased abdominal pressure during coughing or activity, so as to protect wound healing. In obstetrics and gynecology, abdominal belts are routinely used for several days after cesarean section. This is because using an abdominal belt immediately after cesarean section not only helps prevent wound dehiscence and reduce postpartum hemorrhage, but also helps the recovery of waist and abdominal muscles and prevent sagging of internal organs. The latter benefits can also be obtained by using a belly band for women who give birth naturally.

Improper use may lead to pelvic floor prolapse

However, new mothers have to use the right belly band to reap these benefits, otherwise they may suffer from the opposite effect. British experts believe that using an abdominal belt that is below the pubic symphysis and has appropriate tightness can alleviate the damage to the pelvic floor muscles caused by childbirth to a certain extent. However, if you use an abdominal belt that is no longer than the level of the pubic bone, abdominal pressure will increase when you cough or lift heavy objects. Due to the effect of the abdominal belt, the pressure will be transmitted downward more and concentrated on the pelvic floor, which will make the pelvic floor organs more susceptible to prolapse.

Finally, although the research literature shows that there is no significant difference between exercise and abdominal belts in terms of body restoration, gynecologists' experience based on clinical practice still recommends restoring these muscles and bones through exercise and training.