I am 23 weeks pregnant with my third child, with having children close together, (2 and 3 year old girls) my bladder isn’t as strong any more. My question is, Sometimes when doing kegel exercises, it feels as if I have to go to the restroom more, is this normal to feel that way, or is it pregnancy related, (the frequent urinating)? This my first time doing the exercises.”
Kegel exercises contract the pubococcygeus muscle, also known as the “PC” muscle. This hammock-shaped lower abdominal muscle supports all of your pelvic organs, including your uterus and bladder. If you stop the flow of urine, you will be able to see and feel it in action. You will be able to feel the contraction of your PC muscle even more while you’re pregnant, because of increased blood flow to your pelvis, which also leaves for less room for your bladder. So needing to go more is pregnancy related, but the feeling of having to go while you’re doing a Kegel is from your muscles tightening on your bladder.
As your baby gets heavier, your bladder and your PC muscle will get pushed down even more. That means more frequent and less-productive trips to the bathroom, and for some women it can mean bladder control issues, too. Practicing regular Kegel exercises will help your PC muscle stay up and in, and that will help prevent urinary incontinence during late pregnancy and after.
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