The belly band is to add the stretch needed for the expanding pregnant belly. There is no give in normal jeans for this, but women can still wear their favorite look and feel with the jeans material this way. The addition of this band also raises the top edge of the jeans to the high waist where it is less stressful for the pregnant body. The spandex belly band also gives support to the stomach and lower back muscles to help with the comfort level. This band will expand as you need it, as the pregnancy advances. These jeans can even be worn in the last few months of pregnancy.