Pelvic floor exercises - when to start

Hi

I read conflicting information about when to do pelvic floor exercises .. Some say not to start until after baby is born as it can make birthing harder and some say straight away !

I've now started to wee a little when I throw up or if I don't brace myself before I sneeze
So maybe I need to start now?

when did everyone else start?

I always thought that it was hold for 3 second and release but I've just been told that is wrong .. what is the correct way?

Thank you

You can start anytime. Its much better to start before pregnancy and continuing during and afterwards cause then you are just keeping them toned rather than starting from the begining. They are the muscles that you use if you need to stop your self from peeing. I hold them for about 5 seconds (each to their own), and then release. I do a set of about 5-10..... When i remember that is! Youc an also use balls- i cant remember the name- but they sell them in sex shops- they are really good at helping to tighten up down there after baby- but only use them for 5 minutes at a time to start off with! Anymore and you will feel it the next day.... lol

Thanks ladies!

My MW hasn't said anything about them and I forgot to ask again at my appointment today.

I think I better start doing them now so this doesn't get any worse.

You are meant to do long holds of ten counts (building up to more) and about 5 reps of them at a time, followed by 10 short quick ones. The long holds strengthen the muscle and the quick ones help with bladder weakness when you cough or sneeze. And yea, the physio said to do them all the time (pregnant or not) to our antenatal group.
At this stage, it might just be baby sitting on your bladder thats causing any problems, but it cant hurt to get the area nice and strong before you give birth!!!
(Oh the joys of having babies!!!)
Lol Aethalia... I was at a sex toy party for some hens night or something and they showed us those balls. Everyone was like "whaaaa?!?!?" but apparently having strong PF muscles can have other benefits!