Kegel Exercises during Pregnancy

Kegel Exercises During Pregnancy

Kegel exercises are a type of pelvic floor exercises which are performed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy. Kegel Exercises also strengthen vaginal muscles. These exercises also tone the pelvic floor muscles which reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and decreased bladder control that are very common complications faced by many pregnant women during pregnancy. Staying physically fit and active is very essential during pregnancy period. Exercises play an important role in keeping you fit and active throughout your pregnancy. Kegel Exercises can be done anywhere and are very beneficial throughout your pregnancy. 

Benefits of Kegel Exercises During Pregnancy

Kegel exercises provide amazing benefits during pregnancy. Some of the benefits of Kegel Exercises during pregnancy are:

• Kegel Exercises strengthen those muscles which support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. By strengthening these muscles you develop the ability to control your muscles during labor and childbirth. 

• Kegel Exercises helps women to cope with bladder problems during pregnancy.

• Kegel Exercises tones and strengthens pelvic floor muscles hence reduces the risk of prolapse. 

• Your uterus starts to expand and put a strain on the pelvic floor during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. If the pelvic floor muscles are weak then a pregnant woman may begin to suffer Urinary Incontinence or Urine Leakage. By practicing Kegel Exercises regularly you can control or prevent such complications.

(Also read: What are the signs of labor?)

• Kegel Exercises improve bladder and bowel movements hence prevent complications such as constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

• These exercises lessen the chances of urinary leakage while laughing, sneezing or coughing. 

• Kegel Exercises strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and a strengthened pelvic floor helps to ease childbirth.

• Practicing Pelvic Floor Exercises on a regular basis provides better support to the increasing weight of the growing baby.

(Also read: Best exercises to induce labor naturally)

• Doing Kegel Exercises regularly also helps in improving blood circulation in the pelvic region and reduces the chances of having hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

• Kegel Exercises tones the pelvic floor muscles and makes the whole process of labor and childbirth easier, faster and less painful.

• Kegel Exercises are proved beneficial in the last month of pregnancy as it relaxes the pelvic region and also shortens the time of labor.

• Practicing Kegel Exercises on a daily basis maximizes the chances of having a normal vaginal delivery.

Best Kegel Exercises for Pregnancy

Kegel Exercises prepares the pelvic floor muscles for easy delivery. Kegel Exercises which are considered safe and beneficial to ease labor and childbirth are:

• Tailor Sit

• Pelvic Stretches

• Pelvic Tilt

• Kegel Ball Exercise

• Cobbler Pose

(Also read: Pregnancy Yoga Poses and their benefits)

Tips to remember while doing Kegel Exercises during pregnancy

There are some tips which you have to keep in mind while doing Kegel Exercises during pregnancy. Tips to remember while doing Kegel Exercises during pregnancy are:

• Keep your bladder empty before doing Kegel Exercises.

• Don't squeeze your abdominal and buttock muscles while doing Kegel Exercises.

• Avoid moving legs while performing Kegel Exercises.

• Avoid holding your breath while doing Kegel Exercises.

• Don't practice Kegel Exercises while urinating as it can lead to the risk of urinary infections.

• Refrain from overdoing Kegel Exercises.

Kegel Ball Exercises during pregnancy

Practicing Kegel Ball Exercises improves bladder control, strengthen vaginal muscles and also increases sex drive. Kegel Balls are also known as Pleasure Balls. Don't insert kegel ball in your vagina while pregnant as it can cause bacterial infections in your intimate area. If you want to use them during your pregnancy then consult with your doctor first about the same.

When should I do Kegel Exercises during pregnancy?

You can practice Kegel Exercises throughout your pregnancy.

(Also read: Pregnancy at 4 weeks)

When to do Kegel Exercises during pregnancy?

You can do Kegel Exercises anytime and anywhere.

Before starting any exercises consult to your health care provider. Your health care provider will tell you about the exercise guidelines based on your medical history. Have a happy and safe pregnancy. 


Also, read other health-related articles :

• Best Pregnancy Diet Chart for all the three trimesters

• Benefits of eating Strawberry during pregnancy

• Top 10 best books to read during pregnancy

• Sex during pregnancy - Is it safe?

• Spotting during pregnancy

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