How to kinesio tape pregnant belly? [and when to start]

Pregnancy can be one of the most amazing experiences a woman can have in her life. However, along with all of the amazing things that are taking place, there are some unpleasant things that are taking place as well.

Fortunately, there are several medical applications that might provide relief from some of these symptoms. 

How to kinesio tape pregnant belly

Is kinesiology tape safe during pregnancy?

Yes, kinesiology tape (KT tape) is considered safe for managing discomfort during pregnancy, especially for lower back pain. As a non-medical, drug-free option, it offers a preferable alternative for expectant mothers who wish to minimize medication intake. KT tape helps by supporting and relieving pressure in the back, adapting to the body’s changes during pregnancy without restricting movement.

Because you must watch what you consume when you are pregnant, the majority of expectant mothers want to avoid using pain relievers or other medications because they are harmful to the baby’s development.

Alternatively, you might choose treatments that are free of drugs. Kinesiology tape can provide natural pain relief, which can be beneficial for people suffering from aches and pains. Those who are expecting a baby will find this to be a great solution.

What is kinesiology tape?

In the treatment of muscle injuries, kinesiology tape is an elastic therapeutic tape that helps in the circulation and recovery process. It is used by many athletes, and it has also been shown to be beneficial to others, such as the elderly and pregnant women. In addition to aiding with injuries, it can also be used to improve one’s overall posture.

What are the benefits of kinesio tape?

There are numerous advantages to using kinesiology taping (KT) during pregnancy. It’s an excellent substitute for belts, bands, and braces. It’s also wonderful for pregnant runners and non-runners to assist relieve discomfort and provide mom as much movement as possible for as long as feasible!

Kinesiology assists you by offering support and stability to your muscles and joints, allowing your body to heal naturally. Kinesiology tape can also improve range of motion, blood flow, pain and swelling reduction, and inflammation control in your body.

When it comes to dealing with pregnancy discomfort, kinesiology tape is a safe and efficient technique to help yourself. It gently lifts the skin surrounding your belly, enabling any extra fluid to drain and easing pressure on any painful areas.

Below are few general benefits of kinesio tape:

  • Optimized performance
  • Treat injuries / rehabilitation
  • Able to shower and sleep with it
  • Almost immediate treatment
  • Posture correction
  • Promotes blood circulation
  • Stays on up to 3-5 days throughout treatment
  • Prevent injuries

Some of the frequent postural aches and pains associated with a developing baby bump can be relieved by placing a few strategically placed strips of the colourful tape on the back or belly. With the tapes around, it truly helps to disperse the weight of the extra pounds equally. It can also help to alleviate fatigue.

How to Kinesio tape pregnant belly?

At initially, using kinesio tape might be difficult and time-consuming. Allow your physician, chiropractor, or physical therapist to demonstrate how to apply and use the take before attempting it on your own. You may need to cut the strips in half for some of the techniques—all it’s a matter of experience, but find what works best for you and your pregnant body. To make it stay longer, make sure your skin is dry and clean before application. To remove the strips, carefully remove the adhesions using baby oil.

For optimal support, these are the top 5 strategies for putting this tape to your back and belly:

Belly Band Plus Rectus Abdominus Front Support

This approach improves overall belly, back, and abdominal support while also relieving discomfort:

How to do it:

  • Cut a length of tape to the proper length.
  • Tear the tape down the centre of the strip.
  • Apply the tape under the belly and rub it to activate the heat.
  • Pull each side up with some force, rubbing again to ensure adhesion.
  • Apply the final inch or two with no pressure.
  • Then, cut two pieces of tape to the necessary length (for the Rectus Abdominus Front Support).
  • Tear the tape at the strip’s end.
  • Rub the tape under the belly and to the side of the centerline (or belly button) to activate the heat.
  • Pull up with some force, rubbing again to ensure adhesion.
  • Apply the final inch or two with no strain.
  • Repeat with the second strip on the opposite side of the belly.

Belly Band and Belly Belt Combo for More Support

This technique provides additional support to the belly, low back, and abdominals.

How to do it:

  • Cut a length of tape to the required length.
  • Tear the tape down the centre of the strip.
  • Apply the tape under the belly and rub it to activate the heat.
  • Pull each side up with some force, rubbing again to ensure adhesion.
  • Apply the final inch or two with no strain.
  • Then, cut two pieces of tape to the necessary length (for the Belly Belt application).
  • At the end of each strip, tear the tape.
  • Place the tape to the hip bone, or ASIS, and rub it to activate the heat.
  • Pull with some tension up and across the belly button, massaging again to adhere.
  • Apply the final inch or two with no strain.
  • Repeat with the second strip, making an X at the belly button.

Diaphragm Support for Relief of Shortness of Breath

To give support for the diaphragm, a single “I” strip is wrapped around the top of the belly. As the belly grows larger during the second and third trimesters, moms frequently experience shortness of breath when performing simple activities such as walking up the stairs or walking short distances. This sensation can occur even when you are at rest!

This is due to Baby taking up more and more space, squeezing all of the internal organs, including the diaphragm and lungs.

Laying a strip over the top of the belly and pushing it downward on either side will assist move the baby and uterus lower, giving mom some breathing room!

How to do it:

  • Cut a length of tape to the required length.
  • Tear the tape down the centre of the strip.
  • Rub the centre of the tape over the tummy to activate the heat.
  • Take a deep breath in and pull one side of the tape downward with some strain, then rub again to attach.
  • Apply the final inch or two without any tension.
  • Repeat with the opposite side of the tape to form a “C” across the top of the belly.

Belly Band Plus Center Rectus Abdominus Support

This method uses a single “I” strip beneath the abdomen to offer lift and support in order to unweight the belly and alleviate low back or sacroiliac symptoms.

The second strip is wrapped around the low belly and drawn up and over the belly button, ending just below the xiphoid process (bottom of the sternum or breast bone).

This second strip will assist relieve anterior or front abdominal discomfort as well as lower abdominal discomfort along the central line of the rectus abdominus’s two halves.

How to do it:

  • Cut a length of tape to the proper length.
  • Tear the tape down the centre of the strip.
  • Apply the tape under the belly and rub it to activate the heat.
  • Pull each side up with some force, rubbing again to ensure adhesion.
  • Apply the final inch or two with no pressure.
  • Measure the amount of tape required for the second strip.
  • Tear the tape at the strip’s end.
  • Apply in the centre, beneath the belly, and over the first piece of tape, and rub to adhere.
  • Pull the tape with some strain up the middle of the belly and over the belly button, then rub to activate the heat.
  • Lay the end of the tape down without any strain.

Belly Belt Cross Pattern from Hip Across Belly

Two KT strips are used in this technique. Begin by pulling the tape across the belly, beginning at the hip bone, or ASIS. Repeat the process on the other side, creating an X with the two strips that meet at the belly button.

This method not only works to lift the belly to assist unweight it (which in turn can help reduce low back discomfort or SI joint pain), but it can also help if you feel like you’re carrying everything in the front. It will assist to reduce the sensation of a “protruding” belly.

It can also help if the rectus abdominus (the “six pack” muscle) is stretching over your expanding Baby by pushing the two parts of the muscle closer together.

How to do it:

  • Cut two pieces of tape to the length you need.
  • Tear the tape at the end of each strip, then apply it to the hip bone, or ASIS, and rub it to activate the heat.
  • With moderate tension, pull up and across the belly button, rubbing to adhere.
  • Put the remaining inch or two without putting any pressure on it.
  • Form an X at the belly button with the other strip.

Final words:

Kinesiology taping, despite its many benefits, should be discussed with your Chiropractor or healthcare professional. In addition, be sure to tell your doctor if you have sensitive skin, or better yet, test the tape adhesive on a small area of skin to make sure you aren’t allergic.

It is important to follow your practitioner’s advice for showering and bathing so that the quality of your kinesiology tape is not affected. If you’ve never used kinesio tape before, don’t risk your health by experimenting at home. Allow a physical therapist or chiropractor to demonstrate how to apply the tape at home.

While learning how to kinesio tape your pregnant belly can provide support as your belly grows, you might also be wondering about when you will start showing in pregnancy.

3D Ultrasound - A Date With Baby

We hope you found these suggestions useful, and we look forward to seeing you for your 3D ultrasound session. Meanwhile, we'll be pleased to advise you on the ideal time to come in for your private 3D ultrasound scan. For further information, please contact us.
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