Even after delivery either normal vaginal delivery or c-section, some mothers may look like they are pregnant with a big abdomen belly. The reason is that the uterus growth and the abdominal stretch make the belly bigger. So, doctors, moms, and friends may suggest using the post-pregnancy or maternity belt. 

Though science does not guarantee the benefits of using such pregnancy belts, you may wear them for the convenient purpose of supporting your back. Tying a cotton cloth around the stomach is another practice encouraged widely. 

Tying the Stomach After Delivery

Tying your stomach using a cloth, a tummy binder, or a maternity belt after delivery may help to reduce your tummy belly. When you are pregnant, a lot of changes happen in your body from head to toe. Especially your abdomen may undergo extreme flexibility as the uterus and abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate the growing baby. Fat gets accumulated in this area easily. 

Once you deliver your baby, these muscles may not contract and the fat does not reduce immediately. As your doctor knows your health and delivery conditions, you should consult with them before starting to use the abdominal belt. If you have had a normal delivery, you can start tying your stomach even after a few hours of birth. However, if you have had a C-section, it is recommended to wait a couple of weeks or more depending on your recovery. Generally, C-section mothers should slow down wearing the belt because the pressure on the abdomen may impact the healing of the deeper layers of the stomach. 

Types of Post Pregnancy Belt

There are different types of post-pregnancy belts available.

1. Belts or Splints

Allows adjusting the abdominal region pressure.

2. Wraps

Generally, cotton cloth is used. It can be used within a few hours after delivery. It is considered to be the most popular and safe maternity belt after delivery.

3. Corsets

This is the type of abdominal belt worn under dresses. It may put a lot of pressure on the pelvic region and hence, it is not recommended for long-term use.

What Does a Maternity Belt Do?

Cotton cloth tying or abdominal belts wearing may be used mostly by every mother and it is believed that it helps in reducing tummy. Additionally, the maternity belt does the work listed below:

• Reduces the fat in the abdominal area
• Supports better posture
• Tones abdominal muscles
• Position of the womb
• Reduces back pains
• Tummy tuck look
• Instant healing

Risk Factors Involved in Using a Maternity Belt

Using a maternity belt or cotton cloth may make your tummy appear slim, like any other shaping inners. However, many experts advise there is risk involved in using the maternity belt that includes:

• Applying too much pressure on the uterus may cause bleeding
• Itching and rashes on the skin
• Inconvenience and pain may occur due to the long use
• C-section delivery complications as the recovery time would be 6-8 weeks
• Excessive pressure may result in causing Hernia

Hence, it is recommended to wear the maternity belt for 30-60 days after delivery to reduce the loose and sagging belly. But still, make sure to tie the cotton cloth or maternity belt not too tight around your abdomen for a few earlier days post delivery.

Other Options to Reduce My Belly After Delivery?

Losing belly fat depends on the woman's condition. As every woman is different, the time may differ. Doing regular exercises along with wearing the belt may give you the best benefit and accelerate the process of reducing pregnancy belly.

Experts says you should get your doctor’s advice and precautions to be followed before wearing the maternity belt and also starting to do exercises post delivery. 

Related: Early Weeks of a New Mom