To Kegel, or Not to Kegel?

 

…this is the question!

Pregnant and Postpartum mothers are often recommended to “do some kegels” to strengthen their pelvic floor or in case they have certain symptoms. Is it always the case?

  • First and foremost, do you know how to correctly activate your pelvic floor? Often, women think that doing kegels is just pretending to stop the urine and release (and sometimes they do it on the toilet which could cause bladder dysfunction). Sometimes, focusing on just that action can cause more harm than good. Find a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist or a Pelvic Floor Specialist, like myself, who can help you learn how to engage it correctly with both CLOSING & LIFTING actions;

  • If you have an OVERACTIVE pelvic floor (pelvic floor muscles too tight), contracting it over and over with Kegels, could make your symptoms worse.

  • How do you know if you have an overactive pelvic floor? Watch out for symptoms such as strong urinary urgency, painful sex, constipation, difficulty emptying bladder or bowels, vaginal or rectal pain, and tailbone pain.

  • In this case you might need to first RELAX and LENGTHEN your pelvic floor before addressing any underlying weakness.

Your pelvic floor’s health is crucial for the wellbeing of any mother. That is why it is part of the Core Fundamentals that I teach at the beginning of any of my programs. Inquire for more info!

ciao, Laura

 
Laura Cornago