[x_author title=”About the Author”]
A supportive belt has no added advantage compared to exercise and advice, as demonstrated in a particular study. To date, there is no study investigating the use of a maternity belt alone compared to other intervention thus its reliability in pain relief remains questionable.
In fact, acupuncture is seen to be the most effective method of reducing PLBP compared to supportive belts or physiotherapy. Even a 30-minute session once a week for 2 months has been proven to be beneficial to PLBP.
Average back pain is decreased by at least 50% in the acupuncture group compared to those who controlled their pain using medication such as paracetamol. However, it is important to find a licensed practitioner to perform acupuncture as certain points that are able to induce labour are to be avoided.
Sources:
Ho, SS. et al. (2009) Effectiveness of maternity support belts in reducing low back pain during pregnancy: a review. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 18(11). Pg.1523-1532.
Guerreiro, J.B. et al. (2004). Acupuncture for low back pain in pregnancy–a prospective, quasi-randomised, controlled study. Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society. 22(2). Pg. 60-67.
