Preparing for labor

During the final months of pregnancy, a few simple exercises can help prepare your muscles for labor.

For example, Kegel exercises help tone your pelvic floor muscles. Simply tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping your stream of urine. Try it for five seconds at a time, four or five times in a row. Repeat throughout the day.

Various other exercises target the muscles that will receive the most stress during labor and delivery.