Being someone who has never given birth, I can only go by what I have heard from others who have. But I was told once that most tearing occurs when the doctor tells you to stop pushing, or push with less force but you keep pushing like crazy anyway. I think that Kegels are supposed to help you control that ability better. But as I said, I have never given birth...
I think they are actually important to do (which is why they are mentioned so much). I think they really help prevent some problems (bladder problems after giving birth, etc.) and speed healing. At least that's what all the nurses say!
Yeah, I do my kegels - more so when I was pregnant and right afterwards. I never had any incontinence (sp?) problems, whether that was a direct cause/effect relationship, I can't say for sure. But I think they were at least part of the reason. I'm not sure that they would help with controlling your pushing, though. That's more of an ab muscle thing. Perinal "stretching" is supposed to help with not tearing. Again, one can never prove either way. And the stretching thing is kinda a pain to do - Jess once told me that she decided after one try at the stretching that she would rather risk a tear than continue those things!
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You know, as soon as I read that I started doing some. Haha
Being someone who has never given birth, I can only go by what I have heard from others who have. But I was told once that most tearing occurs when the doctor tells you to stop pushing, or push with less force but you keep pushing like crazy anyway. I think that Kegels are supposed to help you control that ability better. But as I said, I have never given birth...
Hey Lynette,
I think they are actually important to do (which is why they are mentioned so much). I think they really help prevent some problems (bladder problems after giving birth, etc.) and speed healing. At least that's what all the nurses say!
Jody
i've never really heard of them in relation to pushing/tearing, mostly in terms of bladder control and pelvic floor strength post-baby....????
Yeah, I do my kegels - more so when I was pregnant and right afterwards. I never had any incontinence (sp?) problems, whether that was a direct cause/effect relationship, I can't say for sure. But I think they were at least part of the reason. I'm not sure that they would help with controlling your pushing, though. That's more of an ab muscle thing. Perinal "stretching" is supposed to help with not tearing. Again, one can never prove either way. And the stretching thing is kinda a pain to do - Jess once told me that she decided after one try at the stretching that she would rather risk a tear than continue those things!
my kathy smith 90s pregnancy video has a great exercise:
tighten your abdominals then squeeze your pelvic floor, release your pelvic floor then release your abdominals
i did them while pregnant and after too (esp. while having my MANY baths after the 1st 2 kids)
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