Exercise improves muscle tone - that includes strength and elasticity. So, having properly exercised, you are in better shape to tolerate delivery than if you had simply allowed the muscle to be lazy.
As for Kegel exercises after pregnancy it depends upon whether or not an episiotomy had been done. In the US, this is done as a matter of course; in Europe, the cut is generally done later in delivery and is smaller if done at all. You posit that small tears will be all over. If there was no episiotomy and are no tears, you can start vaginal exercises as soon as you feel up to it. If there was a cut or tears, your doctor or midwife should advise when you can resume Kegel exercises.
The nineteenth century Germans had a non-exercise technique to tighten things up. They packed the vagina with rabbit dung. Aside from the likelihood of infection, the alum is astringent and may have had some short term effectiveness. I have not recommended this to any of my patients.
Brandye
Posted: 02 Oct 21:08