Of course, we are biased when we talk about just how good our Core Relief Pregnancy Belt is, and the difference it makes for expecting mums to manage day-to-day. So we are really pleased to share the results of a recent study conducted by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, which examined how effective Lola&Lykke’s pregnancy belt actually is for pregnancy.
Researchers said, “The product range of Lola&Lykke consists of award-winning maternity products, such as Core Relief support belts used during pregnancy. Positive user experiences have been reported, although their effects have been studied relatively little.”
“Statistical analysis of the research data and reporting of results were carried out as part of a Master’s thesis in midwifery development and leadership. The study examined the relationship between the use of the Core Relief support belt and pelvic pain as well as everyday functional ability as experienced by pregnant women.”
Did you know?
In 2026, The Independent named our Core Relief Pregnancy Belt the best overall pregnancy support belt on the market - recognition that lines up with what the research below found too.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms from 12 weeks
In early pregnancy, during the first trimester, it is often reported that symptoms like fatigue and nausea occur most often. As the pregnancy progresses, other symptoms start to take effect because the body is rapidly changing and “making space” for your growing baby. In the study, researchers tested women’s pregnancy symptoms with and without wearing the pregnancy belt. Some of these pregnancy symptoms were:
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Fatigue
- Disturbed sleep
- Pubic symphysis pain
- Weight gain/water retention
Researchers started their study by giving context, saying, “In Finland, a total of 43,328 women gave birth in 2024. It is estimated that nearly half of them experienced lower back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, meaning the phenomenon affects up to 20,000 pregnant women annually.
The growth of the uterus, weight gain, and changes in posture during pregnancy can cause pelvic pain, which may reduce work ability, disturb sleep, make daily activities more difficult, and significantly limit physical activity. Exercise during pregnancy is recommended due to its positive effects on well-being, but pain may lead to reducing or stopping physical activity.
Pregnancy-related pain may be alleviated by using a pelvic or core support belt. With the help of such a belt, a pregnant person may be able to maintain a higher level of physical activity and better perform exercises aimed at reducing pelvic pain.”
Lola& Lykke Core Relief Pregnancy Belt
After the reviews started rolling in, and the award nominations kept coming, we can truly say that this pregnancy belt is chosen by mums. And now, we can also say that science backs their positive experiences.
The Core Relief Pregnancy Support Belt allows expecting mums to keep up with their daily routine, without feeling set back by their physical pregnancy symptoms, such as lower back pain. Designed with Finnish physiotherapists, you can feel instant relief and stay active for longer.
What are the health benefits of using a pregnancy support belt?
Whether a pregnancy support belt is used often for short periods of time or less often for longer periods, pregnant women noted that their physical pregnancy symptoms had improved. They could walk more comfortably because the gentle compression alleviated the pressure on their lower back, pelvis, and hips.
Wearing a pregnancy support belt also acts as a gentle reminder to your body to correct your posture and centre your weight evenly. This reduces the risk of losing your balance and reduces pressure on more vulnerable parts of the body when sitting, walking, or standing.
What Does Science Say About the Lola&Lykke Pregnancy Belt?
Participants in the study groups
“A total of 93 participants took part in the study. Based on the data, a typical participant was a 31-year-old educated woman performing physically light work and expecting her first child. At baseline, more than half were at week 19 of pregnancy, and most follow-up measurements were conducted at week 39.”
Throughout the study, there were two groups.
- A control group that didn’t use a pregnancy support belt from approximately 19 weeks of gestation.
- A second group wore a pregnancy support belt from approximately 19 weeks of gestation.
The results
Overall, the “pregnancies in the support belt group had progressed slightly further than in the control group”. Although some of the improvements were slight, the women who wore a pregnancy support band were able to “improve daily functional ability” compared to the control group, who didn’t.
In a nutshell, it was found that “the use of a support belt can be recommended for pregnant women.” Here's what the study found:
| Finding |
Result |
| Pregnancy progression |
Slightly further along at follow-up with belt use |
| Sick leave |
Stayed level with belt use, rather than increasing |
| Physical activity |
Activity levels rose more among belt users as pregnancy progressed |
| Daily functional ability |
Decline was less pronounced among belt users |
Pain management throughout pregnancy
Inevitably, pain and discomfort can increase gradually throughout pregnancy because of uterine growth. It can also depend on other factors, such as pre-existing medical conditions or the way your baby is sitting, etc.
When both groups progressed in their pregnancy, both groups noted that their pain had increased, but the support belt group were able to manage this better by wearing a support band than the control group.
- Lower back pain increased in both groups as pregnancy progressed, which is a normal phenomenon associated with uterine growth. Pain intensity also changed in both groups, but the control group reported significantly stronger lower back pain at follow-up compared to the support belt group (p = 0.02).
- Increased use of the belt was associated with increased pain intensity, suggesting it was used particularly when pain worsened. This indicates that the belt may help in managing lower back pain during pregnancy.
- The use of the support belt was not associated with the occurrence of this pain, but those using the belt reported slightly lower pain intensity compared to the control group.
- Participants reported increased difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, lifting heavy objects, and sleeping in both groups. However, support belt users experienced fewer difficulties, which were mostly mild, while some in the control group reported moderate difficulties.
- A support belt may reduce the occurrence and intensity of pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
The data really speaks for itself, and we are so proud to share these findings with the world! Amongst the researchers' findings, it was also noted that…
“Although no statistically significant differences were found, approximately 75% of participants in both groups felt they received insufficient guidance, especially regarding postnatal exercise and recovery. Greater attention to postnatal care during pregnancy guidance may be beneficial, as after childbirth, focus often shifts primarily to the newborn, potentially neglecting the mother’s needs.”
At Lola&Lykke, we put Mum first. Mums deserve the appropriate care during pregnancy and postpartum so they can heal and care for their baby. We will continue to innovate and design products that support parents to make their journey smoother and feel guided when they need someone to turn to for the answer.
Explore the Lola&Lykke product range, including the Core Relief Pregnancy Support Belt, and let us join you on your journey through parenthood.
