I had an interesting antenatal class today! The midwife was German and the hospital she works at is Swiss, and she said that while in English speaking countries they encourage the kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) during pregnancy, it really was not normal on the continent and inoitherr contries as it is volunteer intuitive during labour (ie your pelvic floor needs to relax and CD ant be too strong). It's normal to do a course of "re-educating the perinium" after labour here, which should correct pelvic floor issues. Really interesting for the different approaches and means I will stop feeling guilty for forgetting to do mine!
Really like these classes, not really had chance to speak to the other women but really useful information. Had tour of maternity ward as well, and it all looks quite nice! Where I'm gvng birth you aren't allowed to have a pool birth though, but can do some labouring in the tub/pool. Just have to get out when you start to push! I'm OK with that, as didn't have a real idea of what I wanted anyway. Will need to speak to my gynaecologist about birthing positions, apparently a lot of them like you to be in your back. Not sure what mine thinks. Trying not to worry about it too much, as don't have a fixed idea what I will want at the time anyway.