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Bye-bye pain! 7 bump-related issues pregnancy compression shorts and leggings solve for you
It’s no secret that pregnancy is a time of significant physical and emotional change for expecting parents, and while the joy of expecting a baby is undeniable, it often comes with its own set of challenges. From back pain and swelling to pressure and pain in your pelvis, many women experience discomfort in different forms as their bodies adapt to the growing demands of pregnancy.
One solution that’s gaining huge popularity for managing these common issues during pregnancy is compression leggings and shorts, mostly due to the wide variety of issues they can address.
Not sure when your baby is due? Check out our pregnancy due date calculator to get accurate timing for your pregnancy journey.
Here are the 7 Bump-Related Issues During Pregnancy:
Pregnancy-related Mild to Moderate Prolapse
Mild to Moderate Varicose Veins and Vulvar Varicosities
Designed to offer gentle continuous support and enhance circulation, compression shorts and leggings can be a valuable tool for expectant mothers, offering relief from common ailments like pelvic pain, back pain, and even prolapse, while also improving overall comfort during this transformative time.
Enter, SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings
First things first - let’s talk about SRC Pregnancy garments. No doubt you’ve heard of their incredibly popular recovery shorts before, but they’ve actually got a whole range of pregnancy compression shorts and leggings that provide evidence-based pain relief. In fact, 82% of women who wore SRC Pregnancy Compression Leggings and Shorts experienced a reduction in their discomfort.
Now, let’s check out 7 bump-related issues you probably didn’t realise can be alleviated with compression shorts and leggings:
1. Lower back pain, and sciatica:
One of the biggest and most annoying issues to pop up during pregnancy (and if you’re unlucky, long after baby has arrived!) is sciatica. The sciatic nerve is a large, thick nerve that runs from the base of your spine through your buttocks and down each leg. Compression significantly helps support an increased lordosis (increased curvature of the lower back) which creates greater pressure on your lower back. This can result in the sciatic nerve root being pinched which serves up a lingering dull ache in either your legs and or your lower back. Muscles such as Piriformis often go into spasm and this can also compress the sciatic nerve.
SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings are designed to be worn for longer periods, allowing for your body to maintain correct posture more easily. This takes the pressure off your lower back, which is especially important as your bump grows bigger, and your body has to compensate for the extra weight.
2. Pelvic girdle pain
This particular pain is felt in the pelvic joints, (sacro-iliac joints and or the symphysis pubis), and can occur at any time during your pregnancy. An effective approach to managing this joint pain is through targeted compression. The triple-layer compression in SRC Pregnancy garments is designed to engage the surrounding muscles, enhancing their support for the affected joint and, in turn, providing pain relief.
SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings provide targeted support by stabilising the pelvis. This support helps maintain joint alignment and reduces strain and promotes optimal function.
3. Pregnancy related Mild to Moderate Prolapse
Prolapse is one of the most concerning pregnancy-related issues, it is more common after childbirth and with subsequent pregnancies it can create significantly increased pressure. Prolapse occurs when pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues are stretched, weakened or torn during a vaginal birth, this allows the uterus, bladder, or bowel to descend toward the vaginal opening. These conditions can cause immense pressure and discomfort. SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings provide targeted support, by providing a proprioceptive feedback loop to your pelvic floor muscles which promotes strength and reduced symptoms.
4. Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most prevalent form of urinary incontinence during pregnancy, affecting 18–75% of pregnant women. This condition is primarily due to decreased pelvic floor muscle strength and the expanding uterus, which places increased pressure on the bladder.
The patented, evidence-based triple-layer gusset panel in SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings is designed to help maintain pelvic floor muscle strength throughout pregnancy, and together with pelvic floor exercises, promote stability and can reduce symptoms of incontinence.
5. Mild to Moderate Varicose Veins and Vulvar Varicosities
Vulvar varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that can develop in the vulvar region during pregnancy. They occur when increased blood flow, combined with hormonal changes, causes the veins to expand and weaken. Pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone, relax blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to enlargement. As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins, slowing blood flow back to the heart from the lower body which increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and vulva. These veins may appear as bulging, blue or purple areas around the vulva, often accompanied by discomfort, pressure, or a heavy feeling in the pubic area. Vulvar varicosities tend to resolve after childbirth. Supportive measures, such as wearing compression garments will help reduce symptoms by compressing the vein and pushing the blood into the deeper veins, which minimises superficial venous pressure in that vein.
6. C-section recovery
When considering recovery garments, SRC Recovery Shorts are often associated with their initial use for postpartum recovery, particularly for women who have undergone a caesarean section. This remains a key benefit of using SRC Recovery Shorts, helping to support the post-partum body, reduce discomfort, and improve confidence during movement.
SRC Recovery Shorts and Leggings are specifically designed to assist in the recovery process following caesarean wounds, perineal injuries, episiotomy repairs, abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), lower back pain, and pelvic floor muscle weakness. Developed in consultation with an obstetrician, these garments use anti-chafing fabric to prioritise comfort while offering optimal support. By providing gentle sustained compression to the abdominal, back and pelvic areas, they promote healing, enhance mobility, and contribute to a safer recovery during the postpartum period.
7. Vaginal birth recovery
Similar to a caesarean section, vaginal births also require a period of recovery. Your body has undergone a significant physical process, and like an athlete after a major event, it needs proper recovery. Even in the absence of perineal tears or noticeable swelling, wearing recovery garments can help support proper posture, encourage engagement of the core muscles and reduce stress on the hips, pelvis, and back.
SRC Recovery Shorts and Leggings are specifically designed to support recovery after vaginal birth, aiding in the healing of perineal and episiotomy wounds, as well as addressing abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) and pelvic floor muscle weakness – common concerns post vaginal delivery. By providing gentle compression, these garments help stabilise the pelvic and abdominal areas, promoting safer healing and improving overall recovery time.
The number one gift for new and expecting mums:
If it wasn’t clear before, it’s now evident that the SRC pregnancy and recovery garments are an ideal and thoughtful gift for any expectant or postpartum mother. The SRC Pregnancy and Recovery Shorts and Leggings not only provide essential comfort during a time that can often be physically and psychologically challenging, but they also support a safer and more effective recovery post-delivery. These garments help address common pregnancy-related issues and aid in the healing of postpartum wounds, making them hugely valuable throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Most women start to show a small baby bump between 12 to 16 weeks, though this can vary based on body type, fitness level, and whether it’s your first pregnancy. First-time mums may notice a bump later, while those who’ve been pregnant before may show earlier due to stretched abdominal muscles. Don’t worry if your bump seems smaller or larger — every pregnancy is unique. If you’re concerned about growth, your midwife or doctor can check your baby’s development during prenatal visits.
Yes, it’s completely normal for your bump to feel hard or tight at times, especially in the second and third trimesters. This could be Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “practice contractions,” where your uterus tightens in preparation for labour. They’re usually irregular and painless, but if the tightening becomes frequent or painful, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to rule out early labour or dehydration.
A lopsided bump is quite common and usually harmless. The shape of your bump can change depending on your baby’s position, your posture, and how your uterus is shaped. Babies move around often, which can make one side of your belly look fuller than the other. As long as your baby’s growth and movement are normal, there’s no need to worry. However, if you notice a sudden change in shape or movement, it’s always best to get checked by your healthcare provider.
It’s completely normal to notice that your bump looks smaller than someone else’s — and it usually isn’t a cause for concern. Every pregnancy is different, and things like your height, body shape, muscle tone, and the way your baby is positioned can all affect how your belly appears. Some mums naturally carry their babies lower or more compactly, and that’s perfectly fine. At your regular check-ups, your doctor or midwife will measure your fundal height (the space from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) to make sure your baby is growing well. If there’s ever any doubt, they may suggest an ultrasound to take a closer look at your baby’s growth and fluid levels — just to be sure everything’s on track.
Sleeping on your stomach is usually fine in the early stages of pregnancy, as your uterus is still small and well-cushioned by your pelvis. However, as your bump grows, lying on your stomach can become uncomfortable and isn’t advised. Most healthcare professionals recommend sleeping on your left side during the second and third trimesters because it supports healthy blood flow and ensures your baby receives plenty of oxygen and nutrients. To make side-sleeping easier, you can use a pregnancy pillow or extra cushions between your knees and under your belly to reduce strain on your hips and back, helping you rest more comfortably.
