An inflatable bed which has a belly cavity and designed for pregnant women is being researched through RNSH to see if it alleviates severe pain.

Known as the Belly Bed, the king-single air mattress has been designed by a mother-of-five, who wanted to help other mums not suffer from debilitating pain.
Pregnancy pain is a common problem and researchers estimate that it impacts more than half of pregnancies, which can be incapacitating if untreated or not treated appropriately. 

There are several factors associated with the development of pregnancy pain. As the baby grows, the body’s centre of gravity shifts forward, and this increases the force applied to the sacroiliac joint straining surrounding muscles and joints, causing pain. Normal hormonal changes experienced with pregnancy increase the mobility of the ligaments surrounding the sacroiliac joints which can results in inflammation producing pain.

RNSH obstetrician and principal study investigator Dr Sean Seeho said the bed’s effectiveness in relieving pregnancy pain is being examined as part of the study.

“The potential benefits of the Belly Bed may include, a reduction in pregnancy-related pain, improved quality of sleep and improved quality of life. However, these benefits have not been previously assessed in a clinical trial.”

“Although the Belly Bed has not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a treatment for pregnancy-related pain in Australia,  the device has been available on the commercial market.”