Kegel Exercises After Birth: When, How, and Why

Written By: Nevert Badi
September 11th, 2023

Reading Time : 6 minutes

Kegel Exercises After Birth: When, How, and Why

Introduction

After giving birth, many women experience changes in their bodies, particularly in the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting the uterus, bladder, and rectum. During pregnancy and childbirth, these muscles undergo significant stretching and can become weakened. This weakening can lead to issues such as urinary incontinence, reduced sexual satisfaction, and even pelvic organ prolapse. To address these concerns, healthcare professionals often recommend Kegel exercises. In this article, we will explore when, how, and why to perform Kegel exercises after giving birth.

 

When to Start Kegel Exercises After Birth?

The ideal time to start Kegel exercises varies for each woman. In general, it is safe to begin gentle pelvic floor exercises immediately after giving birth, even in the postpartum recovery room. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider, as they will consider factors such as the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean) and any specific postpartum instructions based on your individual circumstances.

 

For women who have had a vaginal delivery, it is common to start gentle pelvic floor exercises within the first few days after birth. However, it is essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard during the initial postpartum period.

 

For women who have had a cesarean delivery, it is advisable to wait until the incision has healed before starting Kegel exercises. Typically, this healing process takes about six weeks, but your healthcare provider will provide specific guidance based on your recovery progress.

 

 

How to Perform Kegel Exercises After Birth?

Performing Kegel exercises after giving birth involves the following steps:

 

Identify the Muscles: Start by locating your pelvic floor muscles. One way to do this is to imagine stopping the flow of urine midstream. The muscles you engage to do this are the same ones you will be targeting during Kegel exercises. However, it’s important to note that while identifying the muscles, it is not recommended to practice Kegels while actually urinating, as it can disrupt the natural emptying of the bladder and potentially lead to urinary tract infections.

 

Proper Technique: Once you have identified the pelvic floor muscles, focus on contracting and lifting them upward. Imagine squeezing and lifting the muscles as if you are trying to hold back gas or prevent passing urine. It’s important to avoid tensing the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs while performing Kegel exercises.

 

Hold and Release: Squeeze and lift the pelvic floor muscles and hold the contraction for about 3-5 seconds. Then, relax the muscles for an equal amount of time. Start with a few repetitions and gradually increase the duration of the contractions and the number of repetitions over time.

 

Incorporate Variations: As you become more comfortable with the basic Kegel exercises, you can incorporate variations to target different areas of the pelvic floor. This can include quick contractions, slow contractions, and pulsing contractions.

 

Consistency is Key: Like any exercise routine, consistency is crucial for achieving results. Aim to perform Kegel exercises at least three times a day, gradually working your way up to 10-15 repetitions per session.

 

 

Why Perform Kegel Exercises After Birth?

Performing Kegel exercises after giving birth offers numerous benefits for postpartum women:

 

Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles: Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues such as urinary incontinence and reduced sexual satisfaction. Kegel exercises help strengthen these muscles, improving their ability to support the pelvic organs and reducing the risk of developing pelvic floor disorders.

 

Preventing or Reducing Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence, especially stress incontinence (leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing), is a common concern after childbirth. Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, enhancing their ability to support the bladder and control urine flow, thus reducing the likelihood of urinary leakage.

 

Restoring Sexual Function: Pregnancy and childbirth can affect sexual function and satisfaction. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can enhance blood flow to the pelvic region, improve vaginal tone, and increase sexual sensitivity, ultimately enhancing sexual satisfaction and restoring confidence.

 

Preventing Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs (such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum) descend and push against the vaginal walls. Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to this condition. Regular Kegel exercises can strengthen these muscles, reducing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse or minimizing its severity.

 

Enhancing Recovery and Well-being: Engaging in Kegel exercises can promote overall postpartum recovery and well-being. By focusing on rebuilding and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, women can regain a sense of control over their bodies, improve self-esteem, and support their physical and emotional healing process.

 

Conclusion

Kegel exercises are an effective and non-invasive way to address pelvic floor issues that can arise after giving birth. By regularly performing these exercises, women can strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, reduce the risk of urinary incontinence, improve sexual function, and support overall postpartum recovery. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine, and listen to your body throughout the process. With consistency and patience, Kegel exercises can play a significant role in restoring pelvic floor health and enhancing the well-being of postpartum women.

 

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