Pregnancy tape, commonly known as kinesiology tape, is an elastic, adhesive strip designed to provide external support and pain relief without restricting movement. This cotton and acrylic tape works by gently lifting the skin, which may help improve circulation and reduce pressure on underlying muscles and ligaments strained by a growing belly. The tape offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional support belts for managing common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and pelvic pressure. Strategic application provides a sensation of lift, easing the burden of a heavy abdomen and encouraging better posture. This technique is safe and effective when applied correctly, offering a way to maintain mobility and comfort throughout pregnancy.
Preparing the Skin and the Tape
Proper preparation of the skin and the tape ensures the application remains effective for the intended three to five days. The skin must be cleaned thoroughly using rubbing alcohol or a specialized skin cleanser to remove all lotions, oils, and natural residue, as these interfere with the adhesive’s ability to stick. The area should be completely dry before application to prevent premature peeling. If there is significant hair, trim it to approximately one-eighth of an inch to allow the tape to adhere properly.
The tape needs to be prepared by cutting the corners of each strip into a rounded shape. Rounding the edges reduces the chance of the tape catching on clothing or peeling up prematurely, which helps extend the wear time. Taping techniques use various shapes, such as the single-line I-strip for support, or the Y-cut for surrounding a painful area. When applying any shape, the first and last two inches of the tape, known as the anchors, must always be laid onto the skin without any stretch to ensure a secure bond.
Taping Techniques for Abdominal Support
The most common application for managing the weight of the growing uterus is the “Belly Lift” or “Hammock” technique, designed to offload pressure from the pelvis. This application typically uses a long I-strip anchored without tension just below the belly, often crossing the pubic area. The strip is then pulled upward on both sides to lift the abdomen in a U-shape, providing gentle upward support. The tension applied through the middle of the strip is light, ranging from zero to 25%, to create a subtle mechanical lift without causing skin irritation.
A more comprehensive lift uses two separate strips that anchor near the hips and cross diagonally under the abdomen. These strips are applied with 30 to 40% tension, creating an “X” pattern below the navel that acts like a supportive sling. The ends continue diagonally up and around the sides of the belly, finishing near the bottom of the rib cage with zero tension. This dual-strip method provides broader support and helps reduce strain on the abdominal wall as the pregnancy progresses. After application, rubbing the tape vigorously activates the heat-sensitive adhesive, improving adhesion and longevity.
Taping Techniques for Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain
For discomfort localized in the lower back or sacroiliac (SI) joint, a stabilization technique offers relief by limiting excessive movement. This method involves applying two vertical I-strips without stretch along the muscles on either side of the spine, extending from the upper glutes to the lower back. A third strip is then applied horizontally across the painful area, stretching the middle section approximately 50% before anchoring the ends without tension. This cross-pattern provides targeted compression and stability to the lumbar region, which is often strained by altered posture and weight distribution.
Round ligament pain, characterized by sharp sensations in the lower abdomen or groin, is addressed with an approach focused on gentle support. This technique uses two Y-strips anchored at the midline just above the pubic bone, or two separate I-strips anchored near the hip bone. The strips are applied with 30 to 40% tension and fan upward, following the path of the round ligaments toward the center of the abdomen or the rib cage. This upward pull helps take the weight off the ligaments, reducing discomfort and providing a sense of security.
Safety Guidelines and Proper Removal
While generally considered safe, there are specific situations where pregnancy tape should not be used, known as contraindications. The tape should never be applied directly over broken skin, including:
- Open wounds, cuts, or abrasions.
- Areas with active skin infections.
Individuals with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), congestive heart failure, or active cancer should consult a healthcare professional before use, as the tape’s effects on circulation may complicate these conditions. A small patch test is always recommended before a full application to check for any allergic reaction to the adhesive, especially since skin sensitivity can increase during pregnancy.
Signs of an adverse reaction include persistent itching, significant redness, increased swelling, numbness, or a tingling sensation under the tape. If any of these occur, the tape must be removed immediately. The tape can typically be worn for three to five days, but it should be removed once the edges start to peel or if discomfort arises. For proper removal, avoid quickly tearing the tape off, which can irritate the skin. Instead, peel it back slowly in the direction of hair growth while holding the adjacent skin taut. Applying baby oil or soaking the tape thoroughly with water in the shower can help dissolve the adhesive and make the removal process gentler on the skin.