Kegels

[Kingwell]

As far as my searches would indicate, kegels haven't had a thread all their own on the BB.

I am pregnant and first, I admit my ignorance about kegels. I know what they are and I know, in theory, they could help me with a bevy of things--muscle control, sexual pleasure, and even childbirth. Hence my request for more information.

My question is this: wives tale or tried and true? Do you do kegels? Do you/did you when pregnant? Did you notice a difference? Should I be doing these whether or not I am with child?

Please, discuss....

[ellery]

Just bumping this up in case anyone else besides me missed it the first time. ;) You may also want to post this question on the pregnancy thread - lots of moms lurk there and give really good advice. :)

[TerriS]

I made an effort to do them while pregnant. Did they help, well, impossible to tell, because I don't know what the results would have been if I hadn't done them. I managed to push out a sunnyside up baby after 22 hours of labor and 2.5 hours of pushing - maybe I should have been able to push her out better, but then again, maybe it's a miracle I was able to push her out after all.

I can say that I'm pleased with the state of things down below post partum. I don't feel like my insides are about to drop out of me or anything like that. So maybe that's a good effect.

Bottom line is it doesn't hurt. I did them on my short bus ride to work each day. Something is always better than nothing.

[Chelle D]

I did them while pg as well and don't know if they would have helped because I ended up with a planned c-section (I hadn't planned on it, but the doctor pushed for it). Both of my doctors encouraged them while pg, but I have also read that it's good to do them for many other reasons.

[mbrogier]

I have a bladder disease, and Kegels were very important when I was doing physical therapy. I practiced contracting and being able to loosen the pelvic floor muscles. (with this disease comes muscle spasms and tightness) I am to the point that I can hold the muscles very tight whenever I want and then relax them.

The kegels do make a huge difference during sex. :D I can control how "tight" I am which drives dh wild. :o :D (hold the kegel as long as you can--it will really improve your and your partner's experience... it's also easier to do when there's um, something that you're squeezing against :o :p instead of just doing them say, in the car or at your desk at work.)

I also don't have as much of an issue with losing urine involuntarily which is also another part of my bladder disease.

Kegels can be done anywhere, so it's an easy exercise to do. I do them all the time. Just squeeze, hold as long as you can, and relax. Repeat.

I've never had to buy one of those Kegel thingys that are sold to help improve your excercise. You can, but dh is a very willing volunteer when I want to practice. :p

[Jessica]

I did a gazillion kegels during my pregnancy. I was able to labor 20 hours and push out my son (no drugs) with only a tiny tear that didn't require stitches (at age 35). I didn't have any bladder issues. I have no idea if these things are related but I definitely would do kegels again if I got pg again.

[Robyn1007]

The kegels do make a huge difference during sex. :D I can control how "tight" I am which drives dh wild. :o :D (hold the kegel as long as you can--it will really improve your and your partner's experience... it's also easier to do when there's um, something that you're squeezing against :o :p instead of just doing them say, in the car or at your desk at work.)

I've never had to buy one of those Kegel thingys that are sold to help improve your excercise. You can, but dh is a very willing volunteer when I want to practice. :p

ROFL! Um, yeah, I'm sure he doesn't mind! ;) :p Thanks for sharing though. :p :D

[Kingwell]

Certainly appear to be no drawbacks mentioned here. ;)

Ok, so experts, how many a day is enough/appropriate? 20x? Maybe I'm just prone to the power of suggestion but after reading in the Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy that you are doing them right if you feel impatient (I think that was the word used) I feel...impatient! Squirmy. Ill at ease, if you will. Am I trying to hold this too long?

(By the way, a quick search revealed a produce company called Kegel's...that kinda made me smile!)

[Jessica]

I did 5-10 sets of ten every day. You can do basic ones and also hold the kegel longer or do "elevators."