Kinesio Tape Takes the Pressure Off During Pregnancy

More than two-thirds of pregnant women experience low back pain, lumbar pain, pelvic girdle pain and other joint-related discomforts that can manifest during pregnancy. While some over-the-counter medications are deemed safe for pregnant women, most mothers try to stay away from anything that could have a negative effect on their unborn child. Therefore, many women need to find another way to carry the burden of their expanding belly.

Kinesio tape is a drug-free elastic therapeutic tape used by many professional athletes. This colorful tape, made from cotton and acrylic adhesive, can be used to support injured muscle groups, improve joint and muscle function, increase stability, improve the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, and decrease pain.

Kinesio tape, or k-tape, is more flexible than athletic tape, and can stay put for up to two or three days if used correctly. Strategically applied to the abdomen and/or back, it can be especially helpful in relieving round ligament pain, that sharp jab in the lower abdomen or groin. There are a wide variety of taping applications, but here are a few of the more common ways to tape up. Keep in mind that you’ll need a buddy to help you.

Baby Belt

Cut two pieces of tape about three feet long. Anchor the tape at the front of the hip. Raise one arm and apply the tape in a spiral pattern under the belly and around to the opposite shoulder. Repeat the pattern on the other side.

Front Sling with Baby Belt

Cut two strips about 15 inches long. With your arms above your head, attach strips at the pelvis and carefully run over the middle of the stomach, up to the rib cage. Then, follow the above instructions to apply the Baby Belt.

Lower Back

First, bend at the waist and anchor the tape at the glute and run two strips vertically on each side of the spine. Don’t stretch the tape. Next, apply a strip of tape over any pain areas on the lower back. Stretch the tape 50 percent in the middle.

Make sure that tape is always applied on clean, dry skin approximately 10 minutes before activity. Only stretch the middle of the tape (if any) and keep unused tape in a cool, dry place.