Pelvic Fitness: An Easy Deliver and Faster Recovery
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Photo Credit: Mo Riza
It’s Pregnancy Day at WHF Blog! We talked about how to plan for your pregnancy this morning. And now a closer look at pelvic health and fitness when it comes to delivery and recovery.
Whether you are planning to have a natural childbirth or rely on the support of pain medications, simple pelvic floor exercises are one of the best things you can do to prepare your body for the big event.
It has often been said that “Childbirth is the Boston Marathon of the pelvis.” If we were running the Boston Marathon, we would do a lot of training to get our bodies in shape, including exercise, stretching and good nutrition, for months before the big day. Yet it’s surprising how many of us neglect to do the same for what is undoubtedly the most important and strenuous event on our bodies: childbirth.
There are a variety of great exercises every woman should do during pregnancy to strengthen and stretch our bodies, including prenatal yoga, Pilates, squats, hip stretches, etc. However, if we can do just ONE thing, here it is: kegels. Why are they so important, especially during and after pregnancy?
Kegels help the pelvic muscles stretch and expand during birth. They reduce the incidence of tearing, improve elasticity/recovery of the muscles after birth, improve quality and sensation of lovemaking, and reduce the risk of incontinence (leaking urine). The best part is that you can do kegels anytime, anywhere: in the shower, on the way to work, during that weekly staff meeting, while watching TV at night, anytime is a good time. I am doing them right now as I write this!
It’s very easy to forget to do them, so I have a sticker on my steering wheel that says “KEGEL.” That way, anytime I am driving, I am working out my pelvic floor.
For a great guide on HOW to do kegel/pelvic floor exercises, visit the Women’s Health Foundation website, at www.womenshealthfoundation.org.
Liz Myslik is the founder of The Zam Group in Denver, CO.
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[...] There are a variety of great exercises every woman should do during pregnancy to strengthen and stretch our bodies, including prenatal yoga, Pilates, squats, hip stretches, etc. However, if we can do just ONE thing, here it is: kegels . …This Post [...]