Did you do/not do kegel exercises during pregnancy? What was the outcome?

[Brandi1234]

Curious if you did kegels did you notice it helped post partum?

Or if you didn’t, do you wish you had or found it didn’t make any difference for you?

I’m 16 weeks and want to start but (silly as it may sound) I’m nervous I’ll do it wrong and somehow hurt the baby/pregnancy.

Any input is appreciated!

[Crazy_girl]

I didn’t do the Kegel exercise. I have no regrets. Been okay so far.

I’ve heard that sometimes not doing it can cause trouble post child birth. During pregnancy I did think what if I would have to deal with consequence of not doing it but couldn’t do it and after sometime it stopped bothering me.

[Mcra]

I did. Just the simple exercises with no gadgets. I I got an app on my phone to remind me three times a day. I don't know if it had helped but I've had no issues with incontinence. My physical recovery postpartum was very quick, I was prepared for a long pain, but i was much better after a week and completely fine after another. I think it's definitely worth a try.

[Mcra in reply to Mcra]

I also did pregnancy yoga and that was great, especially in the third trimester.

[Seb9]

I had every intention to do them and then didn't do any, had two children with minimal tears and no real problems with healing or any incontinence now.

I think every pregnancy and birth experience is so different that it's hard to know whether they help that much or not.

I bet there are mums out there who swear by it and mums who it didn't help at all. So if you don't end up doing it religiously than you don't need to feel guilty about it.

[LB1234]

kegels won't hurt the baby and there is lots of info online about doing them correctly but if you are unsure then you could speak to your midwife - they should be able to explain and/or refer you to the physio for support and alternative exercises.

I would recommend doing them - even if people don't experience issues in the immediate postpartum period then they could still have longer term issues.

Please look after your body, pelvic floor muscles take one hell of a beating during pregnancy and labour and need some attention and TLC! Antenatal yoga/ Pilates could also be worth looking into if kegels aren't your thing as they'll have other exercises to help strengthen.

[Brandi1234]

Thanks everyone, appreciate the input 🙏