If you've started shopping for pregnancy support, you've probably run into two very different-looking products claiming to solve the same ‘pregnancy discomfort’ problem: a maternity belly band and maternity compression leggings. Both promise relief. Both show up on every "pregnancy must-haves" list. So which one do you actually need?
The honest answer is that it depends on your body, your stage of pregnancy, and the kind of discomfort you're trying to ease. The good news: once you know what each one is designed to solve, the choice becomes simple. Here's how to tell them apart and how to know whether you need one or both.
The Maternity Belly Band
For the aching back and the heavy, unsupported bump.
The problem: As your bump grows, its weight pulls forward and down. Your lower back and hips end up carrying the load, which is why so many mums feel that deep lower-back ache, or the sharp, pulling round ligament pain that tends to arrive in the second trimester as the uterus stretches. On top of that, your regular pants stop doing up long before you're ready to buy a whole new wardrobe.
The solution: A belly band — like our Relief maternity belly band — is a wide, soft, stretchy support worn around your lower belly, hips and lower back. It doesn't cover your legs; its whole job is to take the weight of your bump so your body doesn't have to. It's designed to:
● Lift and support the weight of your growing belly, so your back muscles aren't absorbing all of it
● Ease round ligament pain — that sharp, pulling sensation many mums feel as the uterus stretches
● Hold up unbuttoned or looser bottoms, so you get more wear out of your regular clothes
● Give gentle, targeted support exactly where the weight sits, without compressing your legs
A belly band earns its place from the second trimester onward, when your bump really starts pulling on your back and hips and it's lovely to have right through the third trimester for long days on your feet.
Maternity Compression Leggings
For the tired, heavy, swollen legs at the end of the day.
The problem: Pregnancy asks a lot of your circulation. Your blood volume rises, your growing uterus presses on the veins returning blood from your legs, and the result is often swelling, aching, heaviness and tired legs, especially by the end of a long day or after time on your feet. Swollen ankles and varicose veins are common companions too.
The solution: Maternity compression leggings, like our Saviour maternity compression leggings, take a different approach. Instead of targeting the bump, they wrap your whole lower body in full-length, graduated compression from ankle to torso: firmest at the ankle and easing as it moves up, gently encouraging blood flow back up towards your heart for reoxygenation. A soft, stretchy belly panel grows with your bump. They're designed to:
● Support healthy circulation and venous return, so blood doesn't pool in tired legs
● Ease swelling and heaviness, especially at the end of a long day or after standing
● Help manage the symptoms of existing varicose veins, and may help slow their worsening as your pregnancy progresses
● Support your whole lower body which is helpful for staying active, walking or light exercise
● Double as comfortable, flattering everyday wear you can happily leave the house in
Because they support your circulation rather than your bump, compression leggings tend to earn their keep across all three trimesters and many mums keep reaching for them well into postpartum recovery.
Belly Band vs Compression Leggings: At a Glance
Different problems, different solutions. Here's the quick version:
|
|
The Relief Maternity Belly Band | |
|
Best for |
Lower back ache, round ligament pain, an unsupported bump |
Heavy, swollen, aching legs and tired circulation |
|
Covers |
Belly, hips and lower back |
Full leg & torso — waist to ankle |
|
How it helps |
Lifts and supports the weight of your bump |
Graduated compression that supports circulation and venous return with targeted compression panels to support your back, pelvis, and under-bump |
|
When to wear |
Second trimester onward or when your bump starts causing discomfort and long days on your feet |
From the earliest weeks right through into gentle postpartum recovery |
|
Worn |
Under or over your clothes |
As a standalone legging you can wear anywhere or layered beneath work clothing |
So, Which One Do You Need?
A simple way to think about it:
● If your back and belly alone are what's bothering you, start with a belly band.
● If your legs feel heavy, swollen or achy by the end of the day, reach for compression leggings.
● If you're dealing with both — very common in the third trimester — many mums wear a belly band over their leggings for full support from waist to ankle.
There's no wrong answer here. Your body changes throughout pregnancy, and what feels supportive at four months might not be enough by eight. It's less about picking one product for good and more about listening to where you need support right now.
Shop the Support That Fits You
Ready to feel more comfortable in your body? Explore both collections and find what works for your stage of pregnancy.
[Shop Belly Bands →] [Shop Maternity Leggings →]
Not sure where to start? Our team is always happy to help you find the right fit — reach out any time.
This blog is general information and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about swelling, pain or your circulation during pregnancy, please chat with your GP, midwife or obstetrician.