The pelvic floor muscles are attached to the insides of the pelvic bones and act like a hammock to support your abdominal and pelvic organs. During pregnancy, these muscles may sag in response to the increased weight of your uterus and the relaxing effect of the hormones produced by your body. Regular exercise of the pelvic floor muscles maintains tone and improves circulation, which can reduce the heavy, throbbing feeling that you might experience during pregnancy or post partum. Since the pelvic floor muscles are stretched during birth and their condition is of life-long importance, regular exercise of the pelvic floor is essential during pregnancy and throughout your lifetime.
The pelvic floor muscles form a figure-8 pattern around the urethra, vagina and anus. During childbirth, the circle of muscles around the vagina stretches to allow the birth of the baby. When they are in good tone, they are elastic, which means they can stretch but also return to their original length. Birth is quicker, more comfortable and easier if these muscles are in good tone and you relax them rather than tighten them. Pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy will help prepare for this process. Regular exercise of these muscles may also enhance sexual enjoyment for you and your partner. Problems such as leaking urine and relaxation of the rectal wall may be prevented or reduced if the muscle tone of the pelvic floor is maintained.
To check the strength f your pelvic floor muscles, try to stop the flow of urine in mid stream. If you cannot, it's a sign of weakness, but not despair. These muscles respond quickly to exercise. You may also check by inserting one finger in the vagina and tightening your pelvic floor muscle around it. You should feel the grip of the muscles on your finger. If you do not feel the gripping sensation, it is probably a sign of weakness. During intercourse, check by tightening your pelvic floor muscles around your partner's penis; he can help evaluate your progress.
