“Congratulations on your pregnancy!” A barrage of suggestions invariably follows. Society hands every expecting mother a list of dos and don’ts. While facts back some advice, some is just myth. One of the biggest myths is that you shouldn’t wear pregnancy shapewear.
WHY ARE MORE WOMEN CHOOSING MATERNITY SHAPEWEARS?
From clothes and heels to make-up, everything comes under the radar of an expecting mother. Most women aren’t thrilled about an expanding waistline, swelling, changes in breast size, and skin issues. With an expanding waist during pregnancy, a lot of women feel insecure about their bodies. Maternity support wear gives many women an instant confidence boost. But are they ‘safe’?
MYTH VS FACT: ARE THEY REALLY SAFE?
You will get instant warnings from everyone, “Don’t wear shapewear during pregnancy.” However, this belief is largely based on assumptions rather than evidence. Pregnancy support wear is designed to support the growing belly rather than compress it. Many OBGYNs have approved it and called it good support for your growing belly. According to Dr Tanveer Ahuja, senior consultant at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, “Pregnant women can wear shapewear as long as it is specifically designed for maternity.” But, in India, pregnancy comes with a lot of instructions. While maternity shapewear is widely accepted in Western countries as a supportive undergarment, many people in India associate it with only body shaping.
THE BENEFITS BEYOND BODY SHAPING
Maternity shapewear helps ease swelling and lower back strain and provides crucial post-delivery support. It also helps to improve posture by supporting the back. Body changes during pregnancy come with mixed emotions. Just like a pregnancy pillow provides comfort while sleeping, maternity shapewear offers support and comfort.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIT FOR SAFETY
We fear that it will squeeze our baby, but it’s not the case. Maternity support shapewear is different from other shapewear. They are made for a growing belly. They are very helpful during the in-between stage, when the bump is not fully out but your regular clothes no longer fit comfortably. It’s important to pick the the right maternity shapewear, though. Dr. Meenakshi Ahuja, Principal Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis La Femme, New Delhi, advises wearing comfortable clothing but supports the right maternity shapewear.
WHEN SHOULD YOU AVOID WEARING MATERNITY SHAPEWEAR?
Although it’s completely ok to wear maternity shapewears, they don’t hurt babies in any way. But avoid wearing shapewear if you feel any of the following:
- Red marks or irritation on your skin
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pelvic pain
- Acid reflux
FINAL THOUGHTS: TRUST FACTS, NOT PREGNANCY MYTHS
Pregnancy is a journey filled with physical and emotional changes, and every expecting mother has a different experience. However, you will receive much advice throughout- some helpful, some outdated. You must follow trusted medical guidance. If wearing maternity shapewear makes you feel comfortable, supported, and confident, there is no reason to avoid it. More than a maternity fashion statement, maternity shapewear has become a practical essential for many women. At the end of the day, no one understands your body better than you. Trust your instincts, follow your doctor’s advice, and bust the myths.