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How do I tape my pregnant belly? Dealing with a diastasis of the abdominal muscles.

Pregnancy involves many discomforts. An example of this is a bulging belly, especially in the middle (just above or below the navel) or in the entire middle part of your stomach. This phenomenon is called 'a diastasis' and often occurs during pregnancy due to the rapidly growing uterus. It is wise to tape your belly if you notice this is frequently happening.

How do I tape my pregnant belly? Dealing with a diastasis of the abdominal muscles.

How do I tape my pregnant belly? Dealing with a diastasis of the abdominal muscles.

Pregnancy involves many discomforts. An example of this is a bulging belly, especially in the middle (just above or below the navel) or in the entire middle part of your stomach. This phenomenon is called 'a diastasis' and often occurs during pregnancy due to the rapidly growing uterus. This causes the abdominal muscles to be stretched to extreme lengths in a relatively short time during pregnancy. It is wise to tape your belly if you notice this is frequently happening.  

Short lesson anatomy over the abdominal wall

In the middle of the entire abdomen there is a connective tissue sheath through which the abdominal muscles and fascia of the underlying tissues are connected. During the growth of the baby the stomach muscles and especially this fascia become stretched.  The result is that the rectus abdominal muscles, “your six pack” are slowly pushed away to the sides.  

There are two layers: a deep layer and a superficial layer. The deep layer is somewhat thinner and the superficial / outer layer of the sheath is thicker. The deepest layer lies just in front the intestinal wall.

Risks and points for attention

If women are not well informed how they can minimize the pressure on this soft connective tissue and facia in the middle of the abdomen, then they are at a greater risk of possible tearing of this tissue, resulting in a sort “button whole” that can be small or large depending upon the strain. It usually occurs either just above the navel or just under the navel, but if it is severe it can even develop over the entire connective tissue sheath of the abdomen.

First the thinnest layer tears underneath the top layer. This is not an umbilical hernia. If the top layer of the connective tissue sheath also tears, then it refers to the umbilical hernia. At that moment you also see that parts of the intestines can come out when there is pressure.
If you already see a 'bulge' of the abdomen, this does not mean that there is already a tear in it. You currently probably just have a weak spot.  This you can do something about it!

Extra support: Tapen of the pregnant belly and the correct abdominal training! 

It is wise to tap your belly. But you cannot do this alone, so ask someone else to do this for you.

You can do this from the beginning of your pregnancy but probably you will only need it from possibly 3 months and later. This depends on if it your first or second, third child.  Below I have made an instruction video:
 

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Requirements: - Curetape (https://www.fysiosupplies.nl/curetape-5-meter-x-5-cm) - Fixomull (optional) Want to tape your own belly? Or any questions? Feel free to contact me, or visit me in the practice. I'm happy to answer your questions.  

 

Stephanie Leyh (info@mothersinmotion.nl)
Pelvic physiotherapist, Manual therapist, PregnantFit ® / aerobics teacher and owner of Physiomotion / Mothers in Motion.
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