Kegel exercises help to strengthen the vaginal and perineal area - the area between the vagina and anus. These muscles support the weight of your growing baby and help you control passing urine and stool. Doing Kegel exercises during pregnancy and after the birth will strengthen these muscles and help prevent you from leaking urine when coughing or laughing. Kegel exercises can be done anywhere, any time.

Here’s how:

• Tighten the muscles around your vagina and anus, as if you were stopping the flow of urine. Do not do Kegel exercises by actually stopping your flow of urine when on the toilet. This can cause some urine to stay in your bladder.
• Hold the muscles tight for a count of 5 and work up to a count of 10. Repeat 5 - 10 times.
• Do this exercise often throughout the day.
• Do not hold your breath while tightening your muscles.
• To prevent leaking urine, try tightening your pelvic floor muscles before you cough, sneeze or lift.

Links

Baby’s Best Chance