how do you do your kegels?

I really got to get on this... I can't seem to figure them out-- they tell you to hold them for like 10 secs, but I can't! Do I need to wait til I am stronger to be able to hold it??

I am like so afraid that I have not been doing them!!!

Re: how do you do your kegels?

I don't do them at all!!!

Re: how do you do your kegels?

ok-- at least I am not the only one!

Re: how do you do your kegels?

I only do them at yoga because it's part of class. I should do them all the time, I just forget. Best way to figure it out is practice when you pee. While you're peeing, hold it it midstream...that is the muscle you need to contract.

My yoga teacher has us do what she calls "elevators". You tighten 4 times up the elevator and release 4 times down---meaning, get tighter and tighter and tighter, then release a bit, then a bit more, then a bit more.

Re: how do you do your kegels?

randi, i didn't do them during my last pregnancy. not one. at least not consciously (i'm sure i held in my pee quite a bit in the middle of the night without realizing it, orelse i never would have actually gotten any sleep). i am totally fine.

your pelvic floor muscles (which you use to kegel) will be weak and sore after birth and it will be hard to do things like get up from a seated position for a few days. then it goes away.

i wouldn't worry about this too much. if you are really concerned, start now and your muscles will be tighter by the time you give birth - you've got plenty of time!

Re: how do you do your kegels?

Posted by pickles16

I don't do them at all!!!

Re: how do you do your kegels?

I just did one...now i'm exhausted...maybe I'll do another one next month

Re: how do you do your kegels?

Hope this helps! Good luck!
What are Kegels?

Kegels are exercises that strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor — the ones that support your urethra, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. Kegels help prevent urine leaks during and after pregnancy and may even help you in the second stage of labor. What's more, Kegels increase circulation to your rectal and vaginal area, so they may help keep hemorrhoids at bay and speed healing after childbirth if you receive stitches.

Here's how to do them:
• Tighten the muscles around your vagina as if trying to interrupt the flow of urine when going to the bathroom. Use a "squeeze and lift" technique, working only your pelvic floor muscles while keeping your abdominal and leg muscles relaxed. And be sure not to hold your breath.
• Hold for about eight to ten seconds, then release. Do them in sets of ten, and try to work up to three or four sets a day.