Pelvic floor exercises when preg: helps after the birth?

[Gemmitygem]

Did anyone religiously do pelvic floor exercises before the birth, and did you feel it made a difference in labour and afterwards?

I heard you should do them but need some motivation!

Hmmm... bizarrely enough, I did some 1st and 2nd time round and my pelvic floor was "poor" for the weeks after the birth. Did none with DD this time and it's been fine!! I can't for the life of me imagine why though :o

I use to teach AN yoga and "made" my mums do it.... it really works!
It doesn't hurt to do them, you can do them everywhere... all the motivation you should need is that you won't leak months after the birth when you sneeze or laugh!

I did alot this time (baby no 3)and it did help...don't know if it helped with birth, but definitely afterwards!

It actually helps speed up 2nd stage as women who are more pelvic floor aware tend to relax it more and birth faster!

Makes sense...did have a quick delivery .

Jasnem - 2nd and 3rd babies are usually quick deliveries But I am gald you found it beneficial.
To be honest I find pelvic floor exercises have improved my sex life!

Thanks a lot ladies!

I guess there's no excuse not to now!

Do you think it's worth buying cones, special equipment etc or better to leave that till after the birth?

I'm pretty sure cones etc are a bit of a waste of money tbh, and probably not a good idea while pregnant.
I'd join an antenatal class(yoga or swimming)to get encouragement if yo need it.