TRICARE Coverage for Pregnancy Support Bands
Maternity Belts for Support, Stability and Comfort
Back, hip and pelvic pain. Abdominal discomfort. Instability. No wonder it’s difficult for pregnant women to maintain a normal routine! And for military moms on active duty or with a deployed spouse, the physical demands of pregnancy can be greater than most expecting moms feel.
A pregnancy support band - sometimes called a belly band, support belt or maternity belt - is a go to item for women who want to find some relief and aid mobility as their belly grows. A pregnancy support band can help to alleviate these aches and pains, provide stability and get you moving again. Even better? It’s covered by TRICARE as a maternity benefit!
Benefits of wearing a pregnancy support band during pregnancy:
- Alleviates pain and discomfort by reducing pressure and strain on the abdomen, lower back, hips, and pelvis.
- Provides compression that helps muscles and ligaments take on extra weight, stabilizes the joints, and promotes better posture.
- Reduces painful sciatica in the back, hip, and leg.
- Enhances the stability of the abdomen and reinforces the body’s core.
Features
- Adjustable elastic straps allow you to choose the level of support and compression, as well as the lift.
- Ergonomic shape promotes a better fit.
- Velcro straps accommodate women’s unique shapes and sizes and allow the band to be easily adjusted as baby grows.
- Fits discreetly under clothing or comfortably over clothing.
- Machine washable and made with a soft, breathable fabric in a neutral white color.
- FDA-listed medical device.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy Support Bands
What is the right way to wear the Motif support band for pregnancy back support?
For the support band we offer, we suggest that you put it on and adjust it as follows:
- Position the band with the padded inside and outer elastic straps on your lower back.
- Secure the front of the band like a cradle, typically below your belly button.
- Adjust the level of support and compression using the side tension straps.
How tight should the pregnancy band be once I have it on?
Key to remember is this: Using a pregnancy support band should NOT cause discomfort or pain. If you feel pain in your stomach or experience restricted breathing, you’ve made the band too tight.
A properly fitting pregnancy band should feel like a hug. In other words, you feel the support around you, but it isn’t hurting. Remember - the band is supposed to make you feel better!
Is a pregnancy band the same as a maternity belt, pregnancy belt and belly band?
When searching on the internet or reading articles, it seems that these terms are often used interchangeably. We find that “belly band” is often used to describe an accessory that is cosmetic in nature (reduces how much the tummy shows), while “support bands” and pregnancy or maternity “belts” are designed to provide relief from pain and discomfort.
If you are looking for a band or belt to relieve pressure and offer support and stability, remember that you should be seeking a medical device that is FDA-listed. AND it is very important that you speak to your doctor before you begin wearing any kind of band or belt.
Why is a prescription required to receive a pregnancy support band through insurance?
The main reason that a prescription is required to receive an insurance-covered pregnancy band is that your insurance company requires that the item is medically necessary - and a prescription shows that it is.
Obtaining a prescription also gives your health care provider the opportunity to determine if a pregnancy support band is right for you.