Prenatal exercises

And so i started with prenatal exercises. Walking is a part of my life. I love to walk...in the malls, around the village, while doing some grocery shopping so i'm confident i always reach the needed walking exercise everyday. Here are some exercises i considered. I'm not the type who sticks to a routine but better have some than nothing. :)

Kegel Exercises
I did'nt do this (well, none that i'm aware of) in my first pregnancy so i'm decided to try this as this will help me with my labor and birthing as well.  To explain furthere, here's a link to help you do Kegels the right way :)

Prenatal yoga
I bought a mommy yoga video because I can't seem to find the right time to do yoga in Urban Ashram since their prenatal yogas are during Saturdays only.  My husband downloaded a prenatal yoga.  Since i don't do yoga regularly, I chose the poses which are safer for me for the first few sessions then later on, maybe I can complete the whole session effortlessly. Tip: make sure to rest if you feel tired or stressed. do not force yourself to do the poses since every body is different.  Here's a picture to give you an idea of what the poses look like

Perineal massage
I have'nt started with this one since i read in the VBAC Companion book that this should be done on the last month of pregnancy.  Here's a part of the article i got for more info:

When can you start?

You can start perineal massage in the third trimester, or around week 34 or 35 of pregnancy. Try doing the massage for five to ten minutes daily, twice a day, washing your hands before and afterwards.

How do you do it?

Perineal massage can be done by you or your partner. If you've never tried it before, take a mirror and look at your perineum first, as this will make it easier when you begin massaging. Also make sure there are no rough edges on your fingernails.

Next, find a comfortable position. This might be lying on a sofa or bed, adopting a semi-sitting position or standing with one foot on the edge of the bath or a chair. You can also do perineal massage in the shower.

What's a good technique?

Lubricate your fingers with a special massage oil or KY jelly. You can also use vegetable oils, such as olive oil, but don't use mineral oil or petroleum jelly. Rub enough oil into the perineum so your fingers can move smoothly over the perineum and vaginal wall.

If you're doing the massage yourself, try using your thumb (although it might be easier for your partner to use his index fingers). Put the fingers or thumb well inside the vagina, moving them from side to side along the sides of the vagina in a U-shaped movement, to stretch the skin and muscles surrounding the vagina and the perineum.

Next, rub the skin of your vagina and perineum between the thumb and forefinger (putting your thumb on the inside, and your finger on the outside, or vice versa). After a few days of doing this, the muscles should relax and the tissue will start to stretch. Always remember to try and relax your muscles as you apply pressure.

As you become more comfortable massaging, increase the pressure just enough to make the perineum begin to sting from the stretching. This is the same stinging you will experience when your baby's head is about to crown during childbirth

Happy exercising! :)