also: ふくたい
In period dramas, you often see samurai wearing a bellyband.
maternity belt; pregnancy support band
Only with reading ふくたい
A supportive band worn during pregnancy to ease back strain and support the abdomen. Usually read ふくたい in this context.
Wearing a maternity belt during pregnancy reduces strain on the lower back.
saddle girth; cinch
Only with reading はらおび
The strap that secures a saddle on a horse. This sense is specific to the reading はらおび.
Before riding, check that the saddle girth is securely fastened.
Standard kanji spelling for the general sense of a bellyband or maternity belt.
Reading ふくたい is usual for the maternity belt sense.
A compound of 腹, “belly,” and 帯, “belt or sash,” read はらおび.