When should I start pelvic floor exercises?

[loudee]

Some books say you should strengthen your pelvic floor while pregnant but I've also read a strong pelvic floor can in fact make it harder to deliver your baby and only to start toning after the birth.

Can anyone make sense of it please?

I was at an antenatal class last noght and we had a session with the physio.
Typically you should actually be doing the exercises before you get pregnant
She said that people say you shouldnt strengthen your pelvic floor muscles as it will make labour harder, but she said actually, if you have toned muscles they are more stretchy and can move and react better. Her example was a runner, she said you find they can touch their toes as their muscles have been toned with running but this hasnt tightened them up, its made them more felxible so they stretch better.
Hope that helps!

Now you have reminded me, I am now doing my pelvic floor exercises for the first time today!

Im 31 weeks and have been panicking about this as I haven't bloody done any!!

Agree with CGall.

Sillymillyb don't be scared, but don't stick your head in the sand. Done correctly, pelvic floor exercises can help prevent incontinence in the short and long term.

I was doing pelvic floor muscle exercises regularly before the birth of DD but totally forgot to do any after her birth. Big mistake! So yes, start getting into the habit before, but much more importantly do them after!

Before you even get pregnant?! Uh oh!

Thank you everyone, I shall attempt to locate them and get on with it.

yep, the answer is NOW!

Yup, asap.
Pilates post birth will give good pelvic floor control. But try and do the basic pull in/up whenever you remember. Cleaning your teeth is a good time.
I also fail to see how having a controlled, toned pelvic floor could possibly make labour prolongued or more difficult...surely a well controlled pelvic floor will help as you'll be more aware of what your body's doing!