Can I Wear Spanx During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, many women wonder whether they can maintain their usual clothing choices, including the use of shapewear like Spanx. While these garments provide a smooth and streamlined silhouette, wearing them throughout pregnancy—especially as you approach labour—raises questions about comfort, safety, and overall antenatal health. Is it safe to wear Spanx, or other compression garments, while pregnant? Will wearing Spanx impact your baby’s growth or your health as an expectant mother? This article explores the benefits and potential risks of wearing shapewear during pregnancy, providing guidance on when and how to wear them safely while prioritising your comfort and wellbeing.

The Effects of Pregnancy on Your Body

Understanding how pregnancy impacts your body can help explain why some clothing choices, including shapewear, may require careful consideration. As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes significant changes, including weight gain, shifts in posture, and increased pressure on your circulatory system.

Changes in Weight and Shape

Weight gain during pregnancy is a natural part of the process. The increased weight, combined with a growing baby bump, can cause changes to your body shape, often leading women to seek clothing that offers support or a more comfortable fit. Shapewear, such as Spanx, is often favoured for its ability to smooth out lines and provide gentle support to areas like the hips, thighs, and abdomen.

Impact on Circulation

One major concern during pregnancy is maintaining healthy circulation. As your uterus expands, it can press on the major blood vessels, especially the vena cava, which transports blood from the lower body back to the heart. Tight or restrictive clothing, including some forms of shapewear, can exacerbate circulation issues, contributing to discomfort, swelling, or even conditions like varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Given these bodily changes, expectant mothers often seek antenatal care advice on which clothing choices, including shapewear, are best suited for their evolving bodies.

Is It Safe to Wear Spanx During Pregnancy?

Wearing Spanx or similar compression garments during pregnancy is generally considered safe, provided they are worn correctly and comfortably. However, it’s essential to keep in mind a few key factors when deciding whether or not to wear shapewear during pregnancy, especially in the later stages.

Types of Maternity Shapewear

Many manufacturers now offer maternity shapewear designed specifically for pregnant women. These garments are often more flexible and breathable than traditional shapewear and feature targeted support for the growing belly without placing too much pressure on the abdomen. When choosing shapewear during pregnancy, look for products marketed as “maternity” or “pregnancy-friendly” to ensure they’re designed to accommodate your changing body. These garments are crafted with pregnant women in mind, prioritising comfort and health while offering support.

Compression and Comfort

One of the most important considerations when wearing Spanx during pregnancy is the level of compression. While light to moderate compression can provide support and comfort, especially for the lower back and pelvic region, excessive compression can cause problems. Tight clothing can restrict circulation, leading to swelling or discomfort, and may increase pressure on your abdomen, which can exacerbate issues like heartburn or acid reflux. Before deciding to wear Spanx, it’s essential to check whether the garment fits well and doesn’t create any tightness or discomfort. If the shapewear feels too restrictive or causes shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain, it’s best to remove it immediately.

Shapewear and Your Antenatal Health

Maintaining good antenatal health is a priority throughout pregnancy, and that includes making clothing choices that support your overall wellbeing. Here are a few ways wearing Spanx or similar shapewear might impact your antenatal care and what you should be mindful of when deciding on your pregnancy wardrobe.

Effects on Digestion

Pregnancy often brings about changes in digestion, including increased susceptibility to heartburn, acid reflux, and bloating. Tight-fitting garments like shapewear can place pressure on your abdomen, pushing stomach acid upwards and aggravating these conditions. For women already dealing with heartburn, wearing restrictive Spanx may worsen the discomfort.

Impact on Circulation and Swelling

As mentioned earlier, circulation becomes more challenging during pregnancy. Wearing tight or compressive clothing can impede blood flow, especially in the legs and lower body. This can increase the risk of swelling, varicose veins, or more serious issues like deep vein thrombosis. For expectant mothers who are prone to these conditions, it may be wise to avoid tight shapewear, especially during the third trimester.

Advice from Antenatal Appointments

It’s always a good idea to bring up your clothing concerns during your antenatal appointments. Your healthcare provider can offer personalised advice based on your pregnancy and health status. If you experience any swelling, discomfort, or other issues related to compression clothing, your midwife or doctor can provide guidance on whether it’s safe to continue wearing shapewear.

Comfort and Support: Alternatives to Spanx

If Spanx or other tight-fitting shapewear begins to feel uncomfortable, there are alternative ways to feel supported and confident during pregnancy without compromising your antenatal health. These options offer both comfort and style, allowing you to maintain your personal aesthetic while ensuring that your body is cared for.

Maternity Support Bands

Maternity support bands are a popular choice for pregnant women who want additional support for their lower back and abdomen without the tight compression of traditional shapewear. These bands are typically made of soft, breathable fabric and provide gentle lift and support, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve posture. They’re ideal for daily wear and can be worn under most types of clothing.

Loose-Fitting Maternity Clothing

Another option is to choose looser-fitting maternity clothing that is designed to flatter your changing figure without being restrictive. Flowing dresses, tunics, and stretchy leggings can provide both comfort and style. Many maternity brands now offer a wide range of fashionable options that accommodate your growing bump while ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Comfortable Antenatal Fitness Gear

For those looking for support while staying active during pregnancy, antenatal yoga and fitness wear can offer a comfortable alternative to shapewear. Maternity leggings, designed with flexible waistbands and breathable materials, provide support without restricting movement. Engaging in gentle exercise like prenatal yoga can also help reduce pregnancy discomfort and improve circulation, further reducing the need for tight-fitting shapewear.

Supporting Your Antenatal Health Through Relaxation

In addition to making smart clothing choices, it’s important to focus on relaxation and self-care throughout pregnancy. Activities like prenatal massage and relaxation during pregnancy can support your overall wellbeing, helping to reduce stress and ease tension in the body. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine can also reduce discomfort and improve circulation, reducing the need for external support from tight garments.

Prenatal Massage Benefits

A prenatal massage is an excellent way to alleviate discomfort and improve circulation, especially in the legs and lower back. Professional massage therapists trained in pregnancy care can use specialised techniques to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation, helping to ease the physical strains of pregnancy. Regular massage for pregnancy can also help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, further enhancing your overall comfort.

Conclusion: Can You Wear Spanx Until Labour?

Ultimately, the decision to wear Spanx or other shapewear throughout your pregnancy is a personal one. While shapewear can offer support and a sense of confidence, it’s essential to prioritise comfort and antenatal health as your body changes. If you choose to wear Spanx, ensure that the garment is specifically designed for maternity wear, provides light to moderate compression, and doesn’t cause discomfort or restrict circulation. For women who experience discomfort or circulation issues, there are plenty of alternatives to Spanx that offer support without the risk of compression-related problems. Maternity support bands, comfortable maternity clothing, and gentle antenatal fitness activities like yoga can provide the support and style you need throughout pregnancy. As always, consult with your healthcare provider during antenatal appointments to discuss any concerns you have about wearing shapewear. By making informed decisions about your wardrobe, you can enjoy a healthy, comfortable pregnancy that supports both your body and your baby’s development.