Abstract:

Pelvic floor may negatively affect from mechanical or hormonal effects of pregnancy. But, literature is very limited about the normal physiological changes of pelvic floor during pregnancy. In pregnant women were determined that their fascia tensile strength is less than non-pregnants; even in the early period of pregnancy, downward displacement of pelvic floor and significantly decreased contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, were detected perineal ultrasound, increased mobility of the bladder and urethra which is more recognizeable even late pregnancy period. Pelvic floor exercises provide to support the bladder neck and to develop the paravaginal muscles. The aim of kegel exercises which known as pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises provide to increaed the strength and functionality of weak and worn pelvic floor muscle groups. The main benefits of kegel exercises are to increase pelvic floor muscle strength, to reduce the need of episiotomy and the possibility of pelvic organ prolapse, to prevent hemorrhoids, to improve urinary control, to reduce the increasing sexual problems. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are also useful for women in peripartum period. The aim of this article is to emphasize the importance of pelvic floor muscle exercises in prenatal care services.

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