All about Kegels

What they are and why you need to do them



What is a Kegel?

Your pelvic-floor muscles act as a sling for the bladder, uterus and rectum. One of the most important long-term health recommendations for healing and recovering after birth is to do Kegel exercises. Kegels help keep your pelvic-floor muscles strong during pregnancy, help get them back in shape after delivery and possibly prevent urinary incontinence.

How to do a Kegel:

Stop the flow of urine the next time you're emptying your bladder. To do a Kegel, squeeze and hold those same vaginal muscles for 10 seconds and then slowly release. Squeeze again and release quickly. Do 20 10-second holds 5 times a day.
February/March 2008

User Comments:

  1. I know how to start a kegel but some reason I can't feel if I'm holding it. Is this normal? What can I do to find out? plevreault@live.com
    — Patrycja Levreault