Why Do Kegel Exercises?

Filed in archive Childbirth , Post-Natal Issues , Pregnancy Fitness , Third Trimester on September 17, 2008

Having well-toned and strong pelvic floor muscles is very important not only for pregnancy and childbirth, but also beyond. These are the muscles that support the weight of your growing belly, and keeps your pelvic organs - including your uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum- in place. During the last trimester, a lot of pregnant women experience urine leakage due to weak muscles. Kegel exercises can prevent this. During childbirth, they play a very crucial role during labor to open your cervix and push the baby out. After childbirth, you may experience urine leakage especially when you sneeze or cough, until your pelvic floor muscles regain its form and strength. Conditioned pelvic muscles also can also prevent pelvic organ prolapse, in which the pelvic organs fall otu of place due to weakened musculature. Thus, especially from the last trimester until after giving brith, you should strive to do your Kegels regularly!