pelvic floor muscle exercises

**Kayangel** · 25-11-2007 12:27

When should a pregnant women start doing there pelvic floor exercises??

also how do you do them?? can anyone explain, i wouldnt have a clue how to??

Thanks!!! in advance.

**monkeytoes** · 25-11-2007 12:56

I think it one of things that we should all be doing every day before, during and after pregnancy. Although I have to admit I never did it before I got pg.

To do them you need to tighten the muscles in your vagina and anus. (Like when you are doing a wee then you stop the flow of your urine by tightening the muscles). Hold it for about 5-10 seconds then relax. I think you're supposed to do 3 sets of 20 each day.

Hope that helps!

**naiwen** · 25-11-2007 13:05

I did them from when I knew I was pregnant but I think they are especially important in the 3rd trimester as they can help prevent urinary incontinance!

**Rianna** · 26-11-2007 08:54

You should really do them all of the time but I have only done them religiously during pregnancy. My physio gave me this factsheet to read
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wc...nfo-pwomen.htm that helped explain it to me but it took a while for me to feel like I was 'doing it right'.

**Tabby** · 26-11-2007 10:16

Yep my physio also explained in more detail.
Youve got to get it up higher as well!
As in start with the vagina and work it upwards, make it like your pulling everything up inside and above, not just outter, bit like pulling your very low stomach muscles upwards, this also helps bladder and not just the vagina.
you should then feel it also on the pubic bone region and above as well as else where

Hope that helps.