You may have seen it in a pregnancy photo on Facebook or just randomly while browsing the internet. On a photo of a pregnant woman’s bare belly, you may see a piece of tape placed directly over their belly button.
So what’s the reason for this? Why would anyone put tape on their pregnant button? There are a few reasons:
- Because they have an outie and it’s annoying. Every belly button is different – some pop out halfway through pregnancy, others don’t pop out at all. Some women find that a big belly button sticking out is annoying, so they tape it down so it doesn’t look so obvious under clothing.
- Because it hurts. The belly button is a week spot in the abdominal wall, so the pressure and stretching can make it sore and uncomfortable. Some women find taping it helps relieve the pain and discomfort.
- Because they have an umbilical hernia. They occur when part of the intestine protrudes through or against the belly button. Taping the belly button, as well as using a good maternity belt, can relieve some of the symptoms.
If you’re experiencing pain or suspect an umbilical hernia, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
Susannah is a certified Birth Doula through Childbirth International and the founder of Trimester Talk. With a background in journalism and digital strategy, she combines evidence-based research with real-world knowledge to create accessible content about pregnancy and parenting. She’s a mother of two and stepmother of two more, all of them now teenagers.