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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Should I buy a "pelvic floor stimulator" machine...

13 replies

G1nger · 30/03/2011 14:26

like this one: www.boots.com/en/SensaTONE-Pelvic-Floor-Stimulator-by-Body-Clock_1114803/

or just keep going with squeezing manually? (and is it the perfectionist in me, or am I right to always feel I could/should be squeezing tighter?)

Anyone got any experience of this decision, please?

OP posts:

lilly13 · 30/03/2011 14:32

I bought Epi-no, but haven't tried it yet. It is expensive, but I am hoping it can minimize/prevent tearing. My consultant said it is not scientifically proven to work, but worth a try. So I figured I'd give it a go.

Original poster

G1nger · 30/03/2011 15:45

Thanks, Lilly. If you remember, can you let me know what you make of it? Not in terms of the tearing issue, but if you find it useful before then? Thanks :)

OP posts:

MrsBloomingTroll · 30/03/2011 17:56

Can you use them in pregnancy?

camdancer · 30/03/2011 18:17

I bought www.boots.com/en/Aquaflex-Pelvic-Floor-Exercise-Cones_2135/ after DD was born but was told that I was not to use them at all during pregnancy. I thought you weren't allowed to use anything like it while you were pregnant. Will definitely start using them again as sson after the birth as I can though. For now I'm just doing lots of kegels but they aren't the same at all.

pingulingo · 30/03/2011 20:31

I checked out the epi-no website & I think it seems a really good idea - then i saw the price - my other half would think i'm crazy for paying out £90 for an inflatable balloon!! Altho maybe what he doesnt know wont hurt him :)

lilly13 · 30/03/2011 21:17

sure, i will let you know. plan to start next week ... i hope it works bc it was too much money for a balloon... can you pls remind me later and i'll let you know...

PipPipPip · 30/03/2011 22:13

I'm also trying Epi-No. Will let you know how I go! I agree with Lilly - damn expensive for a balloon!

Original poster

G1nger · 30/03/2011 22:15

In the meantime, while I continue to think about this, the physiotherapy seminar at the hospital tonight taught us all how to do pelvic floor exercises properly. Who knew we have to squeeze the sphincter too?

OP posts:

MrsBloomingTroll · 31/03/2011 07:31

I suppose squeezing the sphincter makes sense, in the context of the other current thread about piles!

BrigitBigKnickers · 31/03/2011 08:21

I would say no- don't waste your money. I bought an Athena Spirit and just can't get on with it. The problem I have is that it's very difficult to get into the right place (even though the instructions seem to suggest you just pop it in and sit back and relax ).

Sometimes I feel it really working and I then just have to cough and the stimulator moves away from there the muscle is and I feel nothing. I also find if it is not positioned correctly it can be very painful.

I definitely think the manual ones (where you have to do the work) are more effective.

toomuchtimeonline · 31/03/2011 08:57

Just as a warning I bought the epi no when pregnant with ds. Used it at 36 + 6 and promptly went into labour the next day. Ds was fine so maybe he was just ready to come but guess I'll never know...

lilly13 · 31/03/2011 21:15

Wow, Toomuchtime, this is pretty scary -- are you sure this was as a result of using Epi-no?

toomuchtimeonline · 31/03/2011 23:24

Not sure at all. Could just have been he was ready. As i said he was small but fully developed at 37 weeks. Was probably just a coincidence but thought I'd mention it.

Sorry didn't want to scare anyone!

Also used it to stretch perineum rather than exercise pelvic floor which was what i thought it was mainly for during pregnancy..

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