Top 10 prenatal cradle to support the growing belly

Imagine you're a woman in the last trimester of your pregnancy. One day, you waddle into a store, say Target, and find a golden lamp in the middle of the parking lot on the way in.  Carefully, you squat down to pick up the lamp, and as your hands make contact, a genie pops out!  As the story goes, this genie tells you that 3 wishes will be granted to you.  

As a pregnant woman in the laster trimester of her pregnancy, likely your three wishes are something along the lines of: 

1. A healthy baby
2. To be more comfortable during these last few weeks
3.  Not to poop on the table during delivery

Unfortunately, there are no genies who grant wishes like this in reality.  However, while wishes 1 and 3 are more difficult to control, the second wish has numerous offerings on the market that may seem like a dream come true to a pregnant woman.  Among these, are prenatal cradles.

A prenatal cradle is a device that a mother-to-be-wears during her everyday life intended to improve her physical comfort and posture.  There are several types of cradles on the market, and each is unique in the way it is worn and the problems it aims to address.

A woman's body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy.  Not only does the obvious growing belly put a strain on a woman's back, but some of the hormonal changes that support the pregnancy and prepare Mom for birth wreak havoc on the body as well.  Sciatica, Bursitis, Round Ligament Pain, and Incontinence are all common complaints from expectant mothers. 

Pregnancy also affects a woman's normal posture.  To accommodate a growing front side, a woman's spine naturally begins curving posteriorly, or backward, to help keep Mom from tipping over too easily.  Hormones make the hips soften and widen in preparation for birth, and breasts become larger, sometimes by multiple cup sizes in a short period of time.  All of these changes cause posture issues and subsequently aches and pains that aren't very enjoyable to deal with. 

A secondary benefit of a prenatal cradle is a smoothing effect under maternity clothes.  They are kind of like Spanx for pregnant women.  Not everyone has a smooth, perky basketball tummy during the pregnancy experience, but the cradles can help lift and smooth for a nicer looking bump.  Some designs even hoist the breast up a little bit.  Perhaps a little lift in the chest can lift Mom's spirit, if only temporarily. 

Cradles are not a required undergarment during pregnancy.  In fact, many women don't prefer to wear them, and that is fine. There are plenty of alternatives to cradles that can promote some of the comfort benefits of a cradle, including but not limited to:

1. Doing yoga
2.  Posture exercises
3.  Adequate rest
4.  Hot and cold therapy

Source: Flickr

Not every pregnant woman requires a prenatal cradle. Some only need to wear one during physical activities, like running, only.  For the women who find themselves wondering if a cradle will help their comfort level though, the answer is a resounding "yes".

A cradle will help with all of the physical, postural, and smoothing aspects as mentioned above.  They also come in a variety of styles and price points.  With online shopping and access to reviews from women who have purchased and used these cradles, it is easy to find exactly what you need.

Prenatal cradles are not necessarily for use during pregnancy only.  Many mothers enjoy using them for support after birth, especially they had a C-Section.  Many experts encourage wearing a compression wrap after childbirth to help smooth and tone the abdominal muscles faster and more efficiently.

This full coverage cradle is the most popular of its kind.  It features a wide belt that goes under the bump and around the back, as well as shoulder straps that crisscross at the chest for maximum support. The size can be adjusted on the belt with hook and eye closures, and the shoulder straps are like traditional bra straps. This cradle, while popular, is on the expensive end of the price spectrum, listed at $75 on itsyoubabe.com.

From the same brand as the aforementioned cradle, the mini cradle is a more minimalist design that includes a belt only. Its made of the same elastic material and adjustable with hook and eye closures like the full cradle of the same brand. Fewer bells and whistles mean a lower price for this style of prenatal cradle, as this is listed on the same site for $30. 

This sturdy belt style prenatal cradle features a wide strap under the belly in addition to a thinner strap over the top. The back of the belt is a mesh fabric that is breathable and stretchy.  The belts and straps are adjustable with velcro. This product sits at a nice price point at $25.99 on amazon.com.

Potentially the product that started it all, the Original Prenatal Cradle is manufactured by a company that has been making maternity wear since 1987.  The design is very similar to the Its You Babe brand cradle, with a few minor differences.  First, the belt and straps are not adjustable.  Second, the belt is not as wide as the other style.  Lastly, there is a difference in price, as the Original is $60 on amazon.com.

A belt/band intended for use both during and after pregnancy.  It receives overwhelmingly positive reviews on amazon.com, and costs only $16.45!

A belt/band style prenatal cradle with additional, removable groin support straps.  This style is particularly helpful for women with bladder, pelvic, or genital prolapse during or after pregnancy.  It can also help to remedy the infamous "lightening crotch" that so many late-term expectant mothers feel as the baby's head moves down into the pelvis.

This thick and wide maternity band is adjustable.  There is velcro in the back to adjust the size.  The fabric is also breathable, and the band goes under the bump and almost covers the navel for support. This one is a good buy for under $20 on amazon.com and has many positive customer reviews.

Different from other cradles, belts, and bands, this style is a kind of a shapewear and belt hybrid.  A stretchy, elastic bodice goes over your bra and underwear.  Additional elastic straps are then secured to the garment to promote support in the areas needed.  The straps are adjustable with hook and eye closures. This particular product is the most expensive belly cradle on the list, listed for $89.95 on amazon.com.

Another popular brand for under the belly cradle support.  Similar to other products listed, this elastic band is adjustable on the front of the body with velcro.  This brand is available online, as well as in stores such as Target. 

An elastic band that goes over both pants and the bump.  It can be worn at full size, covering the entire bump and ending just under the bust.  Or, it can be folded in half and worn under the bump like a support belt.  Perhaps one of the more universal kinds of pregnancy support on the market, one band runs $25 on amazon.com.

How to wear the prenatal cradle depends on the unique style of the device and the overall goal of wearing it. Ensuring that proper sizing measurements have been made according to manufacturer guidelines is important.  Though most prenatal cradles are adjustable in size to accommodate growing bellies, its good to make sure you buy the right size to optimize comfort. 

During pregnancy, women typically wear prenatal cradles that are bands, belts, or cradles. Bands are either elastic only or a combination of elastic and velcro for size and position adjustment.  Belts can go either under the bump, over and under the bump, and many even have detachable shoulder straps that can be worn. Full on cradles are very specific pieces of equipment that include a bra and/or belly contraption meant to maximize support. 

After birth bands, belts, and cradles can be used pretty much the same way as during pregnancy.  There are specially designed post-natal compression wraps, particularly for C-Section Moms.  

This is a corset style post-natal compression device.  If you have a C-Section, chances are something similar to this will be offered to you in the hospital to add support to your belly skin that might be hanging over your incision. Side note: if you're wearing pretty panties and pumps with your corset post-partum, you're definitely doing better than the rest of us!

This pair of post-natal underwear is supportive and comfortable after a C-Section.  They feature a high waist and hook and eye closures down the front ending just above the public bone. This makes the undies both adjustable and much more comfortable to get on and off to go to the bathroom. 

Pregnancy is a time of tremendous joy, but also discomfort.  While every wish of an expecting woman cannot be granted by genies, some of the discomforts of pregnancy can be alleviated with the purchase of a proper fitting prenatal cradle. If you choose a style and fit that is right for you, it just might feel like a dream come true!