Shapewear is a garment often worn to smooth and contour the body’s silhouette. Whether these garments are safe during pregnancy requires careful distinction. Traditional shapewear, designed for heavy compression and slimming, is generally not recommended for expectant mothers. Conversely, garments specifically engineered for maternity support, which utilize gentle or graduated compression, can be safe and beneficial when worn correctly. The primary concern is ensuring that no garment restricts the natural expansion of the uterus or interferes with maternal circulation.
The Difference Between Shapewear and Maternity Support
Traditional shapewear focuses on aesthetic compression, using firm, often unyielding fabrics to flatten and minimize the midsection. These garments are counterproductive to the natural changes occurring during pregnancy, particularly the growth of the abdomen. Applying this restrictive pressure to an expanding uterus can cause discomfort and potential issues.
Maternity support garments, such as specialized leggings or belly bands, emphasize musculoskeletal support rather than slimming. These items often feature graduated compression, which is tightest around the legs and looser over the bump. They incorporate a soft, stretchy panel to accommodate the growing belly without applying compressive force to the uterus. Their design helps to lift the weight of the belly, improve posture, and alleviate common pregnancy-related back pain and pelvic pressure.
Safety Guidelines for Wearing Non-Maternity Garments
If a pregnant person chooses to wear existing, non-maternity garments, specific modifications are necessary. The rule is to avoid any item designed for high-density or “waist-cinching” compression, such as waist trainers or corsets, as these constrict the torso. Only garments offering light, smoothing compression—typically focusing on the thighs and posterior—should be considered, and only if they do not include a restrictive abdominal panel.
The most important step is to size up significantly from the pre-pregnancy size to ensure a comfortably loose fit. The garment must feel completely non-restrictive, especially around the abdomen and diaphragm. Wearing time should be strictly limited to short periods, such as for a specific event, and never while sleeping. Prolonged wear increases the risk of circulation and digestive issues, and synthetic, high-compression fabrics can cause overheating.
Medical Concerns and When to Stop
Wearing overly tight or restrictive garments can trigger or exacerbate several physiological issues during pregnancy. Increased pressure on the stomach and gastrointestinal tract can worsen common pregnancy-related acid reflux and heartburn. Since pregnancy hormones already slow digestion, external compression can further aggravate constipation and digestive discomfort.
Circulation is another area of risk, as tight clothing can restrict blood flow, potentially exacerbating existing varicose veins or contributing to dizziness. While graduated compression in the lower extremities is often recommended to prevent blood pooling and swelling, excessive pressure around the trunk can hinder the return of blood to the heart. Any garment that causes severe maternal discomfort or restricts the feeling of fetal movement should be immediately removed.
Red flags that necessitate immediate removal and consultation with a healthcare provider include persistent or sharp abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or a noticeable decrease in fetal movement. Sudden swelling in the lower legs or a feeling of numbness or tingling are indicators of potentially compromised circulation that require professional evaluation. Pregnant individuals should prioritize comfort and never wear anything that causes continuous pressure or distress.