Kinesio Taping For Pregnancy Pain & Aches + 7 Taping Techniques That WORK!

When I first wrote about Kinesio taping during my last pregnancy, my blog post went viral. I decided to use these methods with my current pregnancy since they worked so well last time. If you are aching during pregnancy from carrying extra weight, your back and belly will love these taping methods. I even included a kinesio taping technique for your diaphram to help you breath when baby is pushed to the top!

So first things first-what is kinesio tape? Kinesiology tape, also known as KT tape, is a therapeutic elastic tape used to support muscles, joints, and tendons. It is commonly used by athletes and during injury recovery, but anyone can use it… especially pregnant women! You can find some on Amazon here.

How does this help you to feel better exactly, though? This tape facilitates the body’s natural healing process and range of motion by providing support and stability to muscles and joints, improving blood flow, reducing pain and swelling and controlling inflammation. Think of it as a drug-free pain alternative.

So it works for pregnancy pains? When it comes to pregnancy, KT tape can actually work a lot of wonders. First and foremost, it can help hold up a heavy belly which eases back, belly, and pelvic discomforts. You can also tape your belly for diaphram relief allowing you to finally breath better in the late stages of pregnancy. It works similarly to how belly bands work-just a fraction of the cost. However, over time. KT tape can add up, but it does stay on for a good while luckily.

Here are 7 techniques for applying or using KT tape or kinesio tape during pregnancy for the ultimate relief. Using kinesio tape is very tricky at first and hard to apply. Please allow your physican, chiropractor, or PT to show you how to apply and use the take before attempting it yourself. For some of the techniques, you may have to cut the strips in half-it is very trial and error, but find what best works for you and your pregnant body. Make sure your skin is dry and clean before applying so that it lasts longer. To remove, use baby oil on the strips to gently loosen the adhesions.

KT Tape Technique #1: BELLY BELT

This kinesio taping technique helps in lifting the lower belly. It is useful when you’re having round ligament pain due to the pressure applied on the pelvic floor or if you are having lightning crotch pain.

Measure and cut a single strip. Round the edges of the tape.
Anchor the tape in the middle of the lower belly.
Next, pull both ends of the tape upwards to lift your belly. Then, attach the ends and the rest of the tape securely.
Rub the tape to activate the adhesive.
If you need to, you can get a second strip and repeat.

KT Tape Technique #2: FRONT SLING

The front sling kinesiology taping protocol is great in giving your belly frontal support. If you feel as if your abdominal muscles are about to split, its a good one to try.

Prepare, measure, and cut two strips of kinesiology tape.
Anchor the two strips at the bottom. Then, pull the two strips upward before applying the rest of the tape on the skin, and securing it under the breasts.

KT Tape Technique #3: BABY BELT

This method is great for ladies who feel their lower belly is sticking out quite a bit, making them feel front heavy. This will help lift the baby part of your bump upward.

You will need two strips of tape.
You are going to form an “X” at your belly button, starting at the bottom above your hip bones.
While pulling the tape across your belly, you are going to make sure you pull firmly in order for the tape to hold your belly in place securely.

KT Tape Technique #4: MAXIMUM SUPPORT

This is moreso a late stage of pregnancy technique from when you are feeling discomforts from all over and your bump is getting quite large. it does assist in most pains-back, belly, and pelvis.

You will use 4 strips for this fix.
Start at one hip – you will apply your tape and pull diagonally across your belly button up to the opposite ribcage.
With a second strip, you will do the opposite side the same way.
Next, you will take a strip and apply from bottom up on each side of your navel. Remember, you want to firmly attach at the bottom and pull upward to anchor at the top above your diaphram.

KT Tape Technique #5: BACK & BELLY SUPPORT

As indicated in the name, this kinesiology taping protocol is meant to give support to your belly and lower back.

*You need another person to help you with this application since it is a hard-to-reach area.

Prepare, measure, and cut two strips of kinesiology tape.
Take the first strip and have someone anchor it to one side of your lower back. Then, stretch the rest of the tape before applying the rest of it to the lower back.
Take the second strip and stretch the middle of the tape without any stretch on the ends. Apply the middle part of the tape first then firmly pull each of the ends upwards before securing the tape in place. After doing so, your belly should feel like it’s being “lifted”.

KT Tape Technique #6: FRONTAL BELLY SUPPORT

This fix is perfect for the ladies who feel like they’re about to “burst” open, only feeling discomfort in the front and lower abdominal regions.

You will use two strips.
With your first strip, you will start at your pubic line and pull upward, attaching the end of the tape right under your diaphram.
With the second strip, you will start at one end of your lower belly, above your pubic line, and stretch it across. With smaller ladies, you might need to cut your strips in half for this one.

KT Tape Technique #7: DIAPHRAM SUPPORT

This is perfect for when baby gets so big that they push up into your diaphram and you feel like you can hardly breath!

For this fix, you will use one strip (some of you smaller ladies might have to cut a strip in half) and firmly attach and hold at one end while pulling across to the other side, focusing on pulling downward. The point is to bring the top of your belly down to ease your diaphram.

And there you have it! Which kinesio taping technique helped you the most during your pregnancy? Feel free to share that or any other taping methods not listed here that can help other pregnant ladies.

Important: Please talk to your Chiropractor or healthcare provider to discuss if kinesiology taping is appropriate for you. Also, be sure to notify your practitioner if you have sensitive skin, or better yet, test it on a small patch of skin to ensure you aren’t reactive to the tape adhesive. Once your kinesiology tape has been applied, your practitioner will give you instructions on how to preserve the integrity of the tape while showering, bathing and dressing.

Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem. If you are not experienced with using kinesio tape, do not try this at home. Instead, allow a physical therapist, chiropractor, or medical doctor show you how to apply the tape for use at home.