Is It Safe to Wear Spanx During Pregnancy?
15 Apr 2025
If you love Spanx or shapewear, you might be wondering: Can I wear them while pregnant?
Yes, but only if they’re pregnancy-safe and not too tight.
Wearing regular, restrictive shapewear can put pressure on your belly, reduce circulation, and cause discomfort. Let’s explore the safety of Spanx and shapewear during pregnancy, potential risks, and better alternatives for support and comfort.
Regular (non-maternity) Spanx may be too tight and restrictive, especially in the second and third trimesters. If wearing shapewear, make sure it allows your belly to grow comfortably and doesn’t restrict circulation!
Increased heartburn & reflux – Tight clothing can push stomach acid upward, making heartburn worse.
Discomfort & breathing difficulties – Compression on the belly and ribs can make it harder to breathe, especially in late pregnancy.
Pelvic floor pressure – Too much compression can add strain to the pelvic muscles, increasing the risk of incontinence after birth. If you feel any discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath, remove your shapewear immediately!
Features a stretchy belly panel for comfort.
Helps smooth under dresses without restricting movement.
Reduce pelvic pain and pressure without compression.
Improve circulation & reduce swelling. Look for options labeled "maternity" or "pregnancy-safe" to ensure comfort and safety!
Experience shortness of breath or discomfort while wearing it.
Have pregnancy complications (like placenta previa or high-risk pregnancy).
Wearing regular, restrictive shapewear can put pressure on your belly, reduce circulation, and cause discomfort. Let’s explore the safety of Spanx and shapewear during pregnancy, potential risks, and better alternatives for support and comfort.
Can You Wear Spanx While Pregnant?
Maternity Spanx (or pregnancy-safe shapewear) is designed to be stretchy and supportive without squeezing your belly.Regular (non-maternity) Spanx may be too tight and restrictive, especially in the second and third trimesters. If wearing shapewear, make sure it allows your belly to grow comfortably and doesn’t restrict circulation!
Potential Risks of Wearing Tight Shapewear During Pregnancy
While pregnancy-safe Spanx is generally fine, regular or overly tight shapewear can cause: Reduced circulation – Too much compression can restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of swelling and varicose veins.Increased heartburn & reflux – Tight clothing can push stomach acid upward, making heartburn worse.
Discomfort & breathing difficulties – Compression on the belly and ribs can make it harder to breathe, especially in late pregnancy.
Pelvic floor pressure – Too much compression can add strain to the pelvic muscles, increasing the risk of incontinence after birth. If you feel any discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath, remove your shapewear immediately!
Pregnancy-Safe Shapewear Options
If you want support without risks, try these pregnancy-friendly options:1. Maternity Spanx or Pregnancy Shapewear
Designed to support, not squeeze.Features a stretchy belly panel for comfort.
Helps smooth under dresses without restricting movement.
2. Pregnancy Belly Bands & Support Belts
Provide gentle belly & lower back support.Reduce pelvic pain and pressure without compression.
3. Maternity Compression Leggings
Offer light support for legs & belly.Improve circulation & reduce swelling. Look for options labeled "maternity" or "pregnancy-safe" to ensure comfort and safety!
When to Avoid Shapewear Entirely
Talk to your doctor before wearing Spanx if you: Have circulation problems, varicose veins, or swelling.Experience shortness of breath or discomfort while wearing it.
Have pregnancy complications (like placenta previa or high-risk pregnancy).
