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Kegel refers to the name of a pelvic floor exercise, discovered by (you guessed it!) Dr. Kegel. The kegel muscles are attached to the pelvic bone and hold the pelvic organs like a hammock. By exercising these muscles, you strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus and bowels. Strengthening these muscles can help you prepare for labor and birth. Postpartum, Kegel exercises can promote the healing of perineal tissue and help the pelvic muscles return to a health state.
To do kegel exercises, imagine you are trying to stop the flow of urine. While you do this, you are contracting these muscles. During these exercises, try not to move your buttock, leg or abdominal muscles. Repeat this over and over, up to as much as 200 times a day. There are other variations on kegels. There are elevator kegels, where you tighten slowly, in increments going in and out, like an elevator stopping on several floors. You can also hold the muscle tightened for five seconds and then release. You can bulge the muscles out at the end, or even come up with your own variation.
| Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor. |
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