Kinesiology taping (KT) for pregnancy has many benefits. It’s a great alternative to belts, bands and braces. It’s also great for pregnant runners, as well as non-runners alike to help alleviate discomfort and afford mom as much mobility for as long as possible!
Background on Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology taping or KT was developed in the 1970’s by a Japanese chiropractor named Dr. Kenzo Kase. He originally developed it to help with decreasing pain and to help with promoting soft tissue healing. Many athletes now use this taping to help with injury recovery, muscle performance and pain. It’s also used by athletic trainers and physical therapists to help patients with various injuries.
KT is a stretchy, cotton-mesh fabric tape that is latex free, breathable and waterproof. The tape was designed to mimic the properties of the skin. The glue itself has a wavelike pattern that is meant to imitate the pattern of a fingerprint. The glue is body heat activated, and the tape allows the skin to breathe and moisture to evaporate.
Benefits of Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy
The benefits of kinesiology taping are many, and not exclusive to pregnancy alone:
- Decrease muscle fatigue
- Improve muscle facilitation (activation)
- Inhibit muscle activation (help decrease activity in a spasming or injured muscle)
- Decrease pain
- Decrease edema or swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage
- Support painful joints, such as after a sprain
- Support strained ligaments or tendons
- Postural support by providing proprioceptive input/awareness
KT can be used for any of the reasons mentioned above. It can also be used for specific pregnancy complaints such as:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- low back pain
- sacroiliac joint pain
- swelling in the hands or feet
- shoulder and neck pain (i.e. postural support)
Using KT Directly on the Belly
Additionally, KT can be used directly on the belly to provide support as Baby grows. There are numerous taping techniques that can help alleviate complaints associated with a growing belly. Some of these overlap with the above, but include:
- low back or SI joint pain
- pain that occurs as a result of SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction, also known as PGP or Pelvic Girdle Pain)
- lower abdominal pain, pressure or discomfort
- pain or discomfort in the front of the belly, as occurs when the abdominals separate (remember, this is NORMAL, the abs need to separate some)
- relief for shortness of breath by helping to support the diaphragm
- decrease pressure on the bladder/pelvic floor
- decrease weight or heaviness of the belly
These taping techniques are great for runners, and non-runners alike, as a lot of the belly taping techniques help alleviate discomfort when mom is up and moving.
Runners tend to decrease the amount of running they do as their belly gets bigger because of the sheer weight of the Baby. Toward the end of pregnancy, even walking can be somewhat uncomfortable.
This is why taping is a great option for runners and non-runners who are trying to continue to run, walk, or keep up after their other children, work and house obligations.
Taping vs. Other Supports
Taping is a good alternative to using a belly band or support belt as it is much less cumbersome.
No need to worry about adding another layer of clothing or “gear” which some moms just can’t tolerate. This can be sensory in nature, or it could just be too hot to add another layer!
Tape can be worn for several days, decreasing the need to take a belly band off and on throughout the day. A belly band or belt can be especially annoying if you need all-day support and have to take it off every time you need to use the bathroom! This makes KT a great alternative option. You just put it on, and forget about it!
Disclaimer: Although I am a physical therapist by profession, I am not YOUR physical therapist. This video is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of therapist-patient relationship with me. I am not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information.
Where Can I Buy Kinesiology Tape?
I like the KT brand as well as RockTape. I actually think RockTape (and the black color, for whatever reason) seems to stick better and last a bit longer, but that’s just my opinion. You can find rolls of tape, either cut or uncut on Amazon:
Affiliate Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.
There are other less main-stream brands available as well, but I can’t vouch for how well they work as I haven’t used any of them myself.
Some pharmacies, grocery stores and even Wal-mart carry KT. They’re typically in the section with all the shoe inserts and braces and such.
Background and Basics on KT
If you’re looking for more information on how to apply, benefits, background and contraindications, see this article HERE.
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #1: Belly Band Technique Using a Single Strip
This technique uses just a single “I” strip under the belly to provide lift and support to unweight the belly and decrease low back or sacroiliac discomfort.
How to do it:
- Cut a piece of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #2: Belly Band with 2 Strips
This technique uses two “I” strips under the belly to provide lift and support to unweight the belly and decrease low back or sacroiliac discomfort. If you feel like 2 strips is not enough, you can even add a third strip.
How to do it:
- Cut two to three pieces of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Apply each strip starting at the same mid-point and then pull up at varying angles on the sides of the belly
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #3: Rectus Abdominus Front Support with 2 Strips
This technique uses two KT strips along the sides of the belly to support the rectus abdominus (or RA). The RA has to separate some to accommodate a growing belly during pregnancy. For some women, this can develop into a diastasis. For others, the stretch is just so intense that it feels like the abs are coming apart.
This technique will help provide frontal support for the two halves of the RA for increased comfort and decreased pain.
How to do it:
- Cut two pieces of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape at the end of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly and to the side of the centerline (or belly button), rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Repeat with second strip on the other side of the belly
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #4: Belly Belt Cross Pattern from Hip Across Belly
This technique uses two KT strips. Start at the hip bone, or ASIS, and pull the tape across the belly. Repeat on the other side, forming an X with the two strips that meet at the belly button.
This technique helps to not only provide lift to the belly to help unweight it (which in effect can help decrease low back pain or SI joint pain), but can also help if you feel like you’re carrying all in the front. It will help minimize the sensation of a “protruding” belly.
It can also help if you’re having discomfort from the rectus abdominus (the “six pack” muscle) stretching over your growing Baby, by pulling the two halves of the muscle closer together.
How to do it:
- Cut two pieces of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape at the end of each strip
- Apply the tape at the hip bone, or ASIS, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull up and across the belly button with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Repeat with the other strip, creating an X at the belly button
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #5: Belly Band Plus Center Rectus Abdominus Support
This technique uses a single “I” strip under the belly (see video #1) to provide lift and support to unweight the belly and decrease low back or sacroiliac discomfort.
The second strip is placed at the center of the low belly and then pulled up and over the belly button, ending just under the xiphoid process (bottom of the sternum or breast bone).
This second strip will help alleviate anterior or front abdominal discomfort as well as lower abdominal discomfort along the center line of the two halves of the rectus abdominus.
How to do it:
- Cut a piece of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- For the second strip, measure the amount of tape you need
- Tear the tape at the end of the strip
- Apply at the center under the belly and over your first piece of tape, rub it to adhere
- Pull the tape up the center of the belly and over the belly button with some tension, rub to provide heat activation
- Lay down the end of the tape without any tension
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #6: Diaphragm Support for Relief of Shortness of Breath
This technique uses just a single “I” strip over the top of the belly to provide support for the diaphragm. Often as the belly gets bigger through the second and third trimesters, moms feel like they are short of breath with simple activities like climbing the stairs or walking short distances. Sometimes, this feeling is present even at rest!
That’s because Baby is taking up more and more room, squishing all the internal organs, including the diaphragm and the lungs.
Placing a strip over the top of the belly and pulling it downward on either side will help position baby and uterus down a bit to give mom a little more breathing room!
How to do it:
- Cut a piece of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the center of the tape over the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Take a deep breath in and pull one side of the tape downward with some tension, rub again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Repeat with the other side of the tape, so that you create a “C” over the top of the belly
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #7: Belly Band and Belly Belt Combo for More Support
This technique combines the Belly Band (videos #1 and #2) and the Belly Belt (video#4) techniques together to give the belly, the low back and the abdominals extra support.
How to do it:
- Cut a piece of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Then, (for the Belly Belt application) cut two pieces of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape at the end of each strip
- Apply the tape at the hip bone, or ASIS, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull up and across the belly button with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Repeat with the other strip, creating an X at the belly button
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #8: Belly Band Plus Rectus Abdominus Front Support
This technique combines the Belly Band technique (videos #1 and #2) with the 2 strip technique for rectus abdominus support (video #3) for increased overall belly, back and abdominal support and discomfort relief.
How to do it:
- Cut a piece of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Then, (for the Rectus Abdominus Front Support), cut two pieces of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape at the end of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly and to the side of the centerline (or belly button), rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Repeat with second strip on the other side of the belly
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #9: Max Support Belly Band + Belly Belt + Center Support
This application combines the Belly Band (videos #1 and #2), Belly Belt (video #4) and center rectus abdominus support (video #5) techniques to give the belly, back and abdominals maximum support and pain/discomfort relief.
How to do it:
- Cut a piece of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Then, (for the Belly Belt) cut two pieces of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape at the end of each strip
- Apply the tape at the hip bone, or ASIS, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull up and across the belly button with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Repeat with the other strip, creating an X at the belly button
- Finally, (for Rectus Abdominus Front Support) measure the amount of tape you need
- Tear the tape at the end of the strip
- Apply at the center under the belly and over your first piece of tape, rub it to adhere
- Pull the tape up the center of the belly and over the belly button with some tension, rub to provide heat activation
- Lay down the end of the tape without any tension
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy #10: Belly Band Plus Cross Rectus Abdominus Support
This technique uses the Belly Band Technique (videos #1 and #2) as well as a variation on the Belly Belt (video #3) technique in combination for more support and relief.
When crossing the two strips from the hip bone across the belly, draw the tape along side the belly button instead of directly across it. The two pieces should cross under the belly button and then pull upwards toward the top of the belly.
How to do it:
- Cut a piece of tape to desired length
- Tear the tape in the middle of the strip
- Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
- Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension
- Then (for the Belly Belt variation), cut two pieces of tape to desired length
- Tear from the end of the tape
- Apply under the belly, rub to adhere
- Cross under the belly button and then with tension pull up alongside the belly button
- Lay down the last bit without any tension
- Repeat with second piece of tape
How Do I Choose the Best Technique for Me?
It depends on where your discomfort is and how much support you need. Read the descriptions to match up your needs with what the technique provides.
Earlier in your pregnancy, such as the late first or into the second trimester, you may only need one of the more minimal techniques (less pieces of tape). As your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets bigger, you will likely find that you need more support and so one of the combination techniques might work better for you.
Ultimately, you need to experiment and see what you like and what works best for you and your symptoms.
Questions/Comments?
I’d love to hear from you. Drop your questions or comments below. What techniques have you tried that work for you?
Other Articles of Interest
FREE Guide: Strengthening for Pregnant Runners
Kinesiology Taping: A How to Primer
How Pregnancy Affects Running Posture
FAQs
Can you use kinesiology tape on pregnant belly? ›
Kinesiology tape is typically used to help support muscles and joints, and alleviate pain in athletes. It can also be applied to a pregnant belly, usually in the third trimester, in order to lift it and alleviate pressure.
What are the 5 main physiological effects of Kinesio tape? ›There are five main physiological effects of Kinesio tape: skin, circulatory/lymphatic, fascia, muscle, and joint.
How does taping improve proprioception? ›Kinesio taping, which is one of the methods that promotes the proprioceptive sense, limits excessive movement of the joints and improves proprioceptive feedback mechanisms to decrease muscle mobilization time5).
What are the three basic taping methods? ›- Kinesio Taping.
- Mulligan Taping.
- McConnell Taping.
- Cut two pieces of tape to desired length.
- Tear the tape at the end of the strip.
- Apply the tape under the belly and to the side of the centerline (or belly button), rub it to provide heat activation.
- Pull up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere.
- Apply the last inch or two without any tension.
Otherwise, you can position yourself with pillows so you are slightly on your side, or use a massage chair. However, massage of the tummy or breasts can cause contractions of the womb.
What do the different colors of KT tape mean? ›There is no physical or chemical difference between the colors. The colors were developed to be compatible with color therapy. The beige was created for minimal visibility and the black was created after many requests. Color choice is a matter of individual preference.
When should you not use kinesiology tape? ›You should avoid using Kinesiology if you are allergic to adhesives. You should also avoid Kinesio if you have diabetes, have open wounds, DVT, Active Cancer, and or any infections in the injured area. You may also have issues using Kinesio if you have thin skin, sensitive skin, or had a lymph node removed.
How long should you wear kinesiology tape? ›K-Tape is designed to stay on for an average of 3-4 days. The adhesive is heat sensitive, so your doctor will rub the tape to make sure it properly adheres to your skin. After 1-2 hours of normal activity, the K-Tape should be properly bonded to the treated area.
What are the five importance of proprioceptors? ›To put it simply, proprioception is the sense that tells the body where it is in space. Proprioception is very important to the brain as it plays a big role in self-regulation, coordination, posture, body awareness, the ability to attend and focus, and speech.
What are proprioceptive stimulation techniques? ›
- Weightbearing activities e.g. crawling, push-ups.
- Resistance activities e.g. pushing/pulling.
- Heavy lifting e.g. carrying books.
- Cardiovascular activities e.g.running, jumping on a trampoline.
- Oral activities e.g. chewing, blowing bubbles.
- Deep pressure e.g. tight hugs.
- Can be bulky (particularly if using a bracing option)
- Can be harmful if not performed correctly (e.g. further injury, skin damage, etc.)
- Can restrict movement and therefore performance.
- Could increase risk of injury to other joints.
- Can be costly.
The tape can usually stay in place for three or four days even while showering or exercising. Positive results are reported to be felt within 24 hours for many users of kinesiology tape.
What are the 5 common supplies used in taping? ›Common supplies used in taping include athletic tape, tape underwrap, spray adherent, heel and lace pads, and tape-removing tools.
What are some general rules for tape application? ›The most fundamental rule is that the skin of the taping subject must be clean, without any dirt, oils, or sweat [3]. Also, longer body hairs, which could hinder proper adhesion of the tape to the skin, must be shaved prior to taping [3].
Where should you not put KT tape on? ›Open wounds: If you have an open wound or surgical incision that is not fully healed, do not use kinesiology tape. 2 The tape could produce a situation where bacteria is introduced into the wound. Presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A DVT is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the arm or leg.
Can you leave KT Tape on overnight? ›Kinesiology tape can be worn for up to five days, if necessary, allowing the wearer to protect an injury without having to take complete rest.
Can you use KT tape while sleeping? ›I believe the best benefit is actually cumulative; the more (not just during sports activities) and longer (even at night during sleep) you wear the tape, the better the benefits of healing and support it offers.
Do babies in the womb feel when you shower? ›Your baby's developing sense of touch
But this isn't the case for his sense of touch — a fetus can't feel anything in the outside world before birth!
Researchers in Scotland compared fetal responses when pregnant women spoke to their babies or rubbed their bellies. “Overall results suggest that maternal touch of the abdomen was a powerful stimulus, producing a range of fetal behavioural responses,” the researchers write.
Why can't you rub a pregnant woman's feet? ›
While a foot massage sounds tempting, you might wonder if it's safe during pregnancy. There are concerns about pregnant women who've developed blood clots in their legs. Changes to your blood flow put you more at risk of them during pregnancy.
Does direction of KT Tape matter? ›Our results show that kinesiology tape application direction is not associated with significant changes in quadriceps EMG output, isokinetic performance, jump height, or hop distance.
What is the difference between KT Tape and KT Tape Pro? ›KT Tape Pro is made with synthetic fibers instead of cotton, which essentially means stronger support for a greater amount of time. KT Tape Pro can be worn for 4-7 days, whereas KT Tape cotton can be worn for 1-3 days.
Which colour kinesiology tape is best? ›Black is a very popular colour for treatment. It should symbolise strength and power. On the one hand black is a good contrast to other colours and on the other hand it reminds some people of war paint.
Can KT tape cause blood clots? ›Kinesiology tape is not suitable in certain situations.
Open wounds – Applying tape to an open wound may cause infection or damage to the skin. Thrombosis or clotting of the deep veins – Blood clots can become dislodged through increased fluid flow, which could be fatal.
One of the best things about Kinesio Tape is that the negative side effects are minimal and generally not severe. Patients with poor skin integrity, skin that tears easily, open sores or skin allergies to adhesives are not great candidates for the tape, but all other skin types are fair game.
Can I put kinesiology tape by myself? ›You can apply Kinesiology Tape yourself at home, or under guidance from your Physio or Sports Therapist.
Can I use KT tape as boob tape? ›Lucky for us, thousands of Amazon shoppers have found an unconventional solution through using kinesiology tape, or 'sports tape,' as their boob-boosting tape of choice.
What does kinesiology tape actually do? ›Kinesio tape, as it's often called, got its name because it is used to aid muscle movement. It's a thin, flexible tape that is meant to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and provide support to joints and muscles. K-tape was originally developed as a way to enhance athletic performance.
What are examples of proprioceptive? ›Examples of proprioception include being able to walk or kick without looking at your feet or being able touch your nose with your eyes closed.
What are the 4 proprioceptors? ›
The most common types of proprioceptors are: muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs (junction between muscle and tendon), joint receptors, vestibular system, and skin.
What are the 3 proprioceptors? ›Most vertebrates possess three basic types of proprioceptors: muscle spindles, which are embedded in skeletal muscles, Golgi tendon organs, which lie at the interface of muscles and tendons, and joint receptors, which are low-threshold mechanoreceptors embedded in joint capsules.
What is deep pressure proprioceptive technique? ›Deep pressure or deep touch pressure therapy (DTP) is firm tactile sensory input that provides proprioceptive input to the whole body. This can consist of firm hugs, firm strokings, cuddling, hugging, squeezing, compression, or swaddling.
What are proprioceptive movements? ›Proprioception, otherwise known as kinesthesia, is your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location. It's present in every muscle movement you have. Without proprioception, you wouldn't be able to move without thinking about your next step.
What is proprioceptive Stimming? ›Common forms of stimming may include hand flapping for increased proprioceptive (body awareness) input, rocking back and forth for increased vestibular (movement) input, lining up toys or staring at spinning objects for increased visual input, and humming or making other repetitive noises for increased auditory input.
Why is my KT tape itchy? ›The majority of 'allergic reactions' are actually skin irritations caused by over-stretching the tape when applying, or excessive friction on the skin. All SPORTTAPE products are hypoallergenic and latex free.
What are the pros and cons of taping? ›| Advantages of taping | Disadvantages of taping |
|---|---|
| Generally more comfortable in the short term | Higher risk of skin irritation, especially with longer term use |
| Cheaper in the short term | Requires someone else to apply (or a lot of practice to effectively do it yourself |
Care of Kinesio Tape®
Kinesio Tape® is water resistant. You may shower, bathe and swim with Kinesio Tape® on the skin. Let the tape air dry, or pat dry with a towel (do not use a hair dryer to dry). Avoid sun/excessive heat on the tape.
Pregnancy Spider Tape is an ideal option for expectant mothers seeking pregnancy belly support and relief while simultaneously providing pregnancy belly support. This product is a one piece pre-cut tape and can be easily applied by yourself.
What are the three types of tapes? ›The most common types of tape include masking tape, flooring tape, duct tape, electrical tape, packing tape, painter's tape and double sided or mounting tape. Other types of tape have specialized applications, such as surgical tape, hazard tape and gaffer's tape.
Who benefits from Kinesio taping? ›
Kinesio tape is meant to be a temporary solution (lasting 3-5 days for a single use) for athletes and patients when dealing with an acute injury – they cannot 100% rely on it to get them to their goal. Our bodies need to stress our systems; constant protection does not let us adapt and will not solve our injuries.
What is the difference between athletic tape and Kinesio tape? ›Kinesiology tape also is useful in oedema management, bruise mitigation, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Sports tape is stronger, stickier, and reduces the available range of motion available at a joint more than K tape. It is the best choice for hypermobile joints or active injuries.
Can you ice over KT tape? ›Yes! You can ice while wearing KT Tape. If you're having stick issues, email us at support@kttape.com - we can help.
What are some of the disadvantages of preventative taping? ›Long term taping can also decrease stabilising muscle strength and weaken the joint. For this reason taping should be used as a short term prophylactic (preventative) measure. Other issues with taping include irritating the skin and reducing the athlete's proprioception.
When should we take off KT tape after applications? ›Removing your tape
While many brands will stress that kinesiology tape can be worn for several days at a time, we recommend wearing kinesiology tape for no longer than three days, with one day break in-between wears. This allows your skin some time to breathe.
After a diagnosis has been made, you can use KT Tape to relieve the symptoms of abdominal pain and provide support to the muscular structure*.
How can I tighten my belly during pregnancy? ›- drink a tall glass of water and stay hydrated.
- move your body to see if a change in positions helps relax your stomach.
- avoid getting up too quickly from bed or other positions.
- consider getting a pregnancy massage to relax tired muscles.
- use a warm water bottle or heat pad, or take a warm bath or shower.
Belly binding has been done for centuries.
A long cloth is used to wrap the belly in the lower pelvic area up to the belly button. The wrapping is typically done daily, for 6 weeks, to provide physical support for the new mother. Many women describe it feeling like a big hug, which provides emotional support as well.
You should avoid using Kinesiology if you are allergic to adhesives. You should also avoid Kinesio if you have diabetes, have open wounds, DVT, Active Cancer, and or any infections in the injured area. You may also have issues using Kinesio if you have thin skin, sensitive skin, or had a lymph node removed.
How long can you leave KT tape on your body? ›K-Tape is designed to stay on for an average of 3-4 days. The adhesive is heat sensitive, so your doctor will rub the tape to make sure it properly adheres to your skin.
When do I have to stop lying on my back during pregnancy? ›
From 28 weeks of pregnancy, women should settle to sleep on their side for any episode of sleep, including: Going to sleep at night.
When do you stop bending during pregnancy? ›Even in your third trimester of pregnancy, bending is still considered safe for your baby. You'll probably find it becomes increasingly difficult for you, though, if not impossible. Apart from your extra body weight, the size of your belly is increasing.
When do pregnant bellies start getting hard? ›Most women start to feel their uterus contract and periodically tighten some time during the second trimester, the point in their pregnancy between 14 to 28 weeks. These are known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, false labor, or practice contractions.
How can I prevent my belly from separating during pregnancy? ›Strengthening your core muscles before you get pregnant or in the early stages of pregnancy might help prevent abdominal separation. It's best to avoid putting excess strain on your abdominal muscles while pregnant. Avoid sit-ups or planks. Try to avoid constipation and if you have a cough, get it treated.
Is it too late to belly bind? ›A: The short answer is no. You can still receive benefits belly binding after 8 weeks postpartum. For more details on how to do it safely and effectively, see this blog post “Am I too late to Belly Bind?”
When should I start belly binding? ›We've found the best belly binding length to be 8-10 hours at a time over the first 40 days. Q: When do I start belly binding? A: 4-7 days postpartum after a vaginal birth and 4-6 weeks postpartum after a c-section.
How long does it take kinesiology tape to work? ›The tape can usually stay in place for three or four days even while showering or exercising. Positive results are reported to be felt within 24 hours for many users of kinesiology tape.