Pregnancy

All women should keep their pelvic floor muscles trim via pelvic floor exercises but this is especially useful for pregnant women.

It will help you during birth as you can control the relaxation of these muscles but may also help after birth with stress incontinence and possibly with perineal pain.

Before birth

Really try to get into the habit of doing your exercises regularly. Lots of people associate their exercises with things they do in everyday life and this can be a great way of forming habits that will last you a lifetime.

• When you stand up
• When you go to the loo
• When you get out of the car
• etc.

For details on how to perform your exercises click here.

After birth

Pelvic exercises can help immediately after childbirth by improving bloodflow through your bruised bits! Start exercising your muscles gently as soon as you feel able (and always discuss this with a qualified medical professional beforehand) and you'll hopefully find your control returns rapidly.

For details on how to perform your exercises click here.

External Links

• Babyworld Pregnancy Pages
• National Childbirth Trust