I refuse to do my Kegels.

jenny11.9 Posted: Sep 05, 2003 08:18 AM

I refuse to do my Kegels.

Like a stubborn child I DON'T WANT TO DO THEM!

My yoga teacher says I should be doing 150 a DAY! (but you know these loopy yoga types) - although I have read you should do about 100....

Maybe TMI here, but do these excercises make anybody else really anxious? When I am holding it, I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin! I know it's probably all in my head...but it makes me a wreck!

Any advice to make these more do-able?

michele31 Posted: Sep 05, 2003 08:58 AM

Re: I refuse to do my Kegels.

I don't have a problem doing those...but I am NOT looking forward to the perinal massage at ALL. So I guess we all have to just do what is best for us. If you cannot do 150, then do 50 and work your way up Jenny. There is NO award for Most Kegels in A Day

Cira Posted: Sep 05, 2003 09:02 AM

Re: I refuse to do my Kegels.

I hate doing these and I don't have to. I feel for you Jenny ... just keep telling yourself that it is important for the baby and your body. Maybe you can do them in increments instead of a full 100.

ddunne23 Posted: Sep 05, 2003 09:55 AM

Re: I refuse to do my Kegels.

I'm scared to ask, but what is the perinal massage???

Claud2001 Posted: Sep 05, 2003 04:26 PM

Re: I refuse to do my Kegels.

DO YOUR KEGELS - they are VERY important!! Take your time with them, and try doing them when you are distracted by something else - watching TV or driving. Also, if you really don't like them, than you can start off by practicing while you're on the 'throne' Just wait until your bladder is empty to do them, b/c you'll give yourself a UTI if you continually stop your urine stream (not a good idea!)

Doreen (read through your fingers for this!)
Here's some info on perineal massage, which I believe is an important and helpful part of childbirth prep:

What is perineal massage?

Perineal massage involves gently stretching the tissues that surround the opening to the ******.

What is the perineum?

The perineum is the area of skin between your ****** and rectum.

What are the benefits of perineal massage?

Perineal massage may . . .

make you less likely to tear or get an episiotomy
cause you to experience less stinging sensation during crowning
familiarize you with the stretching sensations of birth so you can more easily relax these muscles at birth

Does research support perineal massage?

Labrecque and colleagues reported that 24.3% of women from the massage group delivered ******lly without tears compared to only 15.1% from the group who did not use massage.

Are there any cautions when performing perineal massage?

Avoid pressure on the urethra (at the top of the ******l opening).
Massage gently! Vigorous massage could cause bruising or swelling.
Do not massage if you have an active ******l infection or herpes lesions.

Can my partner help me perform perineal massage?

Yes. Your partner may use their thumbs or index fingers (initially it may only be possible to use one finger). Be sensitive to your body and your feedback on the amount of pressure to use.