Question about Kegel Exercises??

Question

Okay so the general consensus I am getting is that women should do kegel exercises during and after pregnancy to prevent urinary incontinence and help with strength to push during labor. It's not that I don't want to do them, it's that I can't figure out how! I have read every pamphlet, book, etc. and talked to my doctor about it, but I just don't think I'm doing it right! I can't feel those muscles contracting. My question is, what muscles should I feel contracting when I do kegels? Any other muscles (abdominal, leg, butt, etc.?) I'm just trying to get a feel for what I should be looking for to know if I'm doing it right. thanks!!

Answer 1

While you're in the middle of peeing, just stop.  That's how you know if you're doing it right. Good luck! =]

Answer 2

clinch your butt cheeks, that will work out the same muscle group, good luck with your labor, and maintain a tight ship. Pun intended.

Answer 3

the same muscles you would use to stop peeing mid stream.

Answer 4

The next time you have to go to the restroom and urinate, just wait...and wait...and wait.  The thing you do when you hold the urine in while you are praying that you don't pee on yourself...that's a kegel exercise!

Answer 5

practicing squatting also helps the muscles.  look into pregnancy yoga. it's a life saver.

Answer 6

It's easy. :) You just act like you're peeing, and it's the same muscles you use to pee & to stop in the middle of peeing. It gets annoying, but I've heard it really does help a lot.

Answer 7

Kegels are when you stop your pee. You can do them anywhere just sit there and act like you are going to stop your pee. But dont do them on the toilet beause you want all of the urine to come out to stay away from infections. Do them while watching tv! lol. But, the only muscle you will feel is in the crotch area. Thats why nobody can even see you doing them because nothing else contracts except your vaginal muscles. Good luck I hope I helped! By the way, Braden is a beautiful name and good luck with him he'll be here soon!!! :)

Answer 8

Just clench up your butt, as if you are "stopping" a f**t.  The muscles clenched are your vaginal and anal muscles (so you should feel it in that entire area, from the bum through the perenium to the privates).  They do help with urinary incontinence.

Answer 9

Pretend you're urinating, and then trying to hold it in.

Practice while you're actually using the bathroom to see what the muscles should feel like.

In the beginning you might fee your abs constricting as well, but that doesn't always happen.