"...Better after the baby comes..."

"... The belt is fairly soft and has Velcro tabs on both sides for easy adjustment and a good fit. The front of it goes underneath your tummy to support the growing baby, and it did a pretty good job of that until around my 8th month. Also, initially I did notice a bit of improvement with the pain in my back, but again, it was sadly short-lived.

The belt is machine washable in cold water. The instructions said no bleach, but the manufacturer did not have to smell the thing after a woman gigantic with the next Barbarian Warlord had sweated in it, so I did use bleach on it, with no apparent ill effects. Just make sure you dilute the bleach well, wash it in cold water, and air it dry. Not only will it last longer, but also the dryer tended to get lint in the little teeth of the Velcro and impaired its ability to stick. Heck, I forget, but it probably was not supposed to be machine dried anyway.

This belt is probably best for women who are in their second trimester and on their feet a lot, but don't expect the miracle that I did. If you are really HUGE, it may cause more discomfort than comfort.

Truthfully, I got the most use from this belt AFTER the baby came. He was my fourth C-section (I can carry them fine, they just WON'T come out!) and I found the belt offered a great deal of support over the stapled area, especially when coughing or sitting. If you have ever had a C-section, you know how it feels to cough and wonder if your insides are going to be on your outside the next moment. Of course it won't happen, but it feels that way! I think it would be great for any type of birth, because even after a vaginal birth your stomach muscles are weak, the ligaments in your hips have been stretched, and your back is sore. A little extra support would not hurt in the slightest.

All in all, I would recommend this belt if you have a bit of extra money."

Annie, San Diego, CA