Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the Pelvic Health Support Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of Pelvic Health Support subscriptions at any time.
Compression Garments for Pregnancy, Postpartum & POTS: Why Abdominal and Pelvic Support Matters
Walking, standing, caring for a baby or returning to everyday activities can feel very different when your abdomen and pelvis need additional support. During pregnancy and postpartum recovery, changes in how the body carries and distributes load can affect the pelvis, abdomen, lower back and surrounding muscles.
For people living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), being upright can create a different challenge, as blood pooling may occur not only in the legs, but also in the abdomen.
Although compression garments are often associated with the lower legs, some garments extend compression and support through the abdomen, pelvis and core. Understanding the difference between compression and targeted support—and where each is applied—can help you and your healthcare professional determine which type of garment may be appropriate for your needs.
What Do Medical-Grade Compression Garments Do?
Compression garments apply controlled external pressure to specific areas of the body to help support circulation and manage symptoms. With graduated lower-limb compression, pressure is typically strongest at the lower part of the limb and gradually decreases higher up.
However, not all tight-fitting garments provide medical-grade compression. The amount of pressure, where it is applied, the garment’s coverage and proper fit all play an important role.
The appropriate level of compression depends on your individual needs and why you are using it. A properly fitted garment should feel supportive while still allowing comfortable movement, without causing pain or excessive restriction. When it comes to compression, more pressure does not necessarily mean better results.
Pregnancy & Pelvic Support
Pregnancy changes how the body carries and distributes weight through the abdomen, pelvis and surrounding muscles. As your body adapts, additional strain on the pelvis can contribute to discomfort or pelvic girdle pain (PGP), which may make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, turning over in bed or standing on one leg more difficult.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, speak with your healthcare practitioner to help you determine which of the following approaches would be most appropriate for your symptoms. Guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) includes options such as physiotherapy, individualized exercises, activity modifications and, for some people, a pelvic support belt. [1]Â
It is also important to understand that compression and pelvic support serve different purposes. Compression applies controlled pressure to the areas covered by the garment, while targeted support is designed to provide additional stability and support around the pelvis and core during movement.
For some people, a well-fitted supportive garment may be a helpful addition to a broader pregnancy care plan alongside an appropriate assessment and individually guided activity.
Waist-high coverage during movement. Select a garment appropriate for your intended use.
Â
Support After Birth
The postpartum period brings significant changes to the pelvis and pelvic floor as the body gradually recovers from pregnancy and birth. Everyday activities such as feeding your baby, lifting and carrying, getting in and out of bed, and returning to walking or exercise can place new demands on these areas.
For some people, a well-fitted postpartum support or compression garment may provide additional comfort and a feeling of support around the abdomen, pelvis and core during daily activities. However, these garments should complement—not replace—rest, gradual rehabilitation and appropriate postpartum care.
Compression garments do not strengthen the pelvic floor or resolve pelvic pain or instability on their own. If you experience persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, heaviness or concerns about your recovery, speak with your healthcare practitioner before increasing your activity.
Following a caesarean birth, ask your healthcare practitioner when it is appropriate to begin wearing a support garment and make sure the waistband does not place uncomfortable pressure on your incision.
Why Abdominal Coverage Matters in POTS
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a form of chronic orthostatic intolerance that can make standing and remaining upright difficult. When you stand, gravity naturally causes blood to shift toward the lower body. In people with POTS, changes in circulation and the body’s cardiovascular response can contribute to blood pooling, an increased heart rate, lightheadedness, palpitations and fatigue.
While compression is often associated with the legs, blood can also pool in the abdomen. This is why abdominal coverage may be an important consideration when compression garments are used as part of POTS management.
A 2021 randomized crossover study involving 30 adults with POTS found that compression covering the abdomen and thighs or the abdomen and legs reduced heart rate and symptoms during head-up tilt testing. More recently, a 2026 study evaluating commercially available abdominal compression garments also reported improvements in standing heart rate and orthostatic symptoms. [2,3]
Together, these findings support the potential role of abdominal compression in POTS management. However, the studies did not specifically evaluate Supacore or Coretech® garments, and individual responses to compression can vary.
How Supacore Combines Compression and Support
Supacore’s Coretech® range combines medical-grade lower-body compression with patented knitted support through the abdomen, pelvis, lower back and core. Rather than using a separate rigid brace, the supportive structure is knitted directly into the garment, allowing compression and targeted support to be incorporated into a single design.
Coverage varies between styles, including differences in waist height and leg length, so choosing a garment should be based on where compression or support is needed and why it is being worn.
Garments designed for pregnancy, postpartum recovery and POTS should be selected specifically for their intended use and are not necessarily interchangeable. Supacore’s postpartum shorts and leggings, for example, are not suitable for use during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and also living with POTS, speak with your maternity and POTS healthcare teams about the type of garment, areas of coverage and level of compression that are appropriate for you. [4]
Â
Choosing the Right Compression & Support Garment
The right garment depends on why you need support, where you need it and how it feels during everyday activities. Before choosing a compression or support garment, consider these three questions with your healthcare professional:
1. Where do I need compression or support?
Consider whether you need pelvic and core support, abdominal compression, lower-limb compression or a combination. The appropriate coverage will depend on your symptoms, intended use and, for pregnancy or postpartum recovery, your stage of recovery.
2. What level of compression and fit is right for me?
The appropriate compression level can vary depending on your health history and reason for wearing the garment. Proper fit is equally important. Follow the manufacturer’s sizing guidance rather than relying on your usual clothing size. Supacore sizing is based on height and weight. [4]
3. Is it comfortable and practical for everyday use?
Think about how the garment feels while sitting, standing, walking, feeding or caring for a baby, as well as how easy it is to put on and take off. A well-fitted garment should provide support while still allowing comfortable breathing and movement.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to compression and support. The right garment should address the areas where you need support, feel comfortable during daily activities and be appropriate for your individual needs and health circumstances.
Explore FAQs about Supacore Compression & Support Options
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. Speak with an appropriate healthcare professional about whether compression is suitable for you, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum recovery or when managing POTS or dysautonomia.Â
ReferencesÂ
[1] Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Pelvic girdle pain and pregnancy.Â
[2] Bourne KM et al. Compression Garment Reduces Orthostatic Tachycardia and Symptoms in Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2021;77(3):285-296.Â
[3] Abdominal-only Compression Garments Reduce Orthostatic Tachycardia and Improve Symptoms in Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 2026;42(6):1320-1328.Â
[4] Supacore. Frequently Asked Questions. Product suitability and sizing guidance.Â
