Kegel question

[galadriel]

Are kegels actually useful in pushing the baby out, or are they solely to prevent incontinence?

I have a hell of a time remembering to do them, and I'm worried, because I already leak a little when I sneeze!

[saharasky]

I think the answer is *a bit of both*.

kegels help you to identify the muscles involved in childbirth ...get you an awareness of your parts that many women in our patriarchal world may not have otherwise... so you know which muscles need to relax and which need to push.

They help prevent pre and post partum incontinence and also help your vaginal walls return to 'normal' a bit faster after being stretched to push a baby through.

Overall they don't hurt and do help ...but I wouldn't worry about being militant about them ...just do them whenever you remember ...it's not like anyone can tell you're doing them.