I’ve been given the grim news that not only do I have diastasis recti this pregnancy (ab muscles separating) but I also have actual muscle tearing happening as well which has been very painful and limiting. Due to having pregnancies very close together & breastfeeding, the relaxin hormone is not working in my favor this time! I was recommended to get a pregnancy splint or “girdle” to keep the muscles closer together for support and prevent further damage as I am in my third trimester with a very low baby - problem is, I have a previous back injury from when I was a teenager that leaves me with two vertebrae fused together and frequent back pain.
As an alternative to a splint that could cause my back problems to get worse in my last 8 weeks or so, I’ve been told kinesio tape can get the job done just as well. I’ve researched a bit and would just like to hear from any mom’s that may have tried this for pregnancy support or even for other reasons and get some honest feedback before investing my money into trying something. **my midwife (she is also a doctor) is in full support of me figuring out what works best for me as my situation is unique from my back fracture, so no worries about asking a doctor first
Any help would be wonderful! [name_f]TIA[/name_f].
Sorry you’re having to deal with that. Sounds painful.
Didn’t have it happen personally, but my cousin had twins and if I remember correctly she used some kind of girdle-type device. Might have been after the girls were born, though.
I think it’s more common w/ a multiples pregnancy–maybe try posting on a specialty twins birth board somewhere like thebump?
A friend of mine is twenty - something weeks pregnant with twins and was having lots of pain and trouble because she’s tiny and the babies were getting heavy. Her chiropractor did kinesio taping for her and it helped so much. She could stand and function without all the pain and discomfort. If you think the brace/girdle will bother your back injury, I would say kinesio tape might be worth a try, although you’d be best off getting it put on by a professional. I would imagine a number of chiropractors and physical therapists should know how to do it. [name_f]Hope[/name_f] you find something that works for you.
Thanks for responding, guys!!
I have a fantastic postpartum splint that I used last time that I’ll be using again after delivery, however I’m looking for an option during pregnancy to accommodate everything as best I can. The suggestion of going to a twins board is helpful! I know with multiples this condition is more common.
It’s nice to hear of someone that used the take successfully!! I would definitely have a professional do it the first time but I wanted to see if the cost would be justified before doing it. I’m quite small as well and the baby is measuring larger - I think I’m actually further along than we were told but oh well - so maybe the tape would indeed be a good fit
I haven’t tried using kinesio tape for pregnancy support, but I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] it and use it all the time for other stuff (old sports injuries). I was actually really surprised how well it works when I first tried it. It’s pretty easy to put on if you get a professional to show you and your partner how to do it first time. I feel really stupid now for not thinking about using it for pregnancy support haha. I’ll definitely have to keep this in mind.
