Pelvic floor exercises is the most common English term for knibeøvelser (pelvic floor exercises). You may also encounter the term Kegel exercises, especially in American English. Both terms refer to exercises that train the muscles of the pelvic floor.

It can be helpful to know the English terms if you are reading a foreign pregnancy app, following an exercise video, or need to speak with a healthcare professional in English. And dear, you are not alone if pelvic floor training feels a bit difficult to navigate. The most important thing is not to know all the words, but to get a calm sense of what your body needs.

What are knibeøvelser (pelvic floor exercises) called in English?

The most precise and common translation is pelvic floor exercises. Directly translated, it means exercises for the pelvic floor.

You can use these formulations:

• Pelvic floor exercises - knibeøvelser or bækkenbundsøvelser (pelvic floor exercises).
• Pelvic floor muscle training - bækkenbundstræning (pelvic floor training).
• Kegel exercises - knibeøvelser (pelvic floor exercises), especially a very common term in the USA.
• To do pelvic floor exercises - at lave knibeøvelser (to do pelvic floor exercises).
• To contract the pelvic floor muscles - at spænde bækkenbundsmusklerne (to contract the pelvic floor muscles).

 

Are Kegel exercises and knibeøvelser the same?

Yes, in common use, Kegel exercises are used for knibeøvelser (pelvic floor exercises). The term refers to contracting and releasing the muscles of the pelvic floor in a controlled manner.

If you want to be completely clear, especially in a professional context, pelvic floor exercises or pelvic floor muscle training are often the best terms. They precisely indicate which part of the body the training is about.

Why are pelvic floor exercises relevant during and after pregnancy?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis. It helps support the bladder, uterus, and intestines, among other things. During pregnancy, the body changes a lot, and during a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor also undergoes significant work.

For some, it feels natural to start or continue with pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy. For others, it makes more sense to get individual guidance, especially if they experience pain, a feeling of heaviness, problems with urinary incontinence, or have difficulty feeling the muscles. This is not a sign that you are doing something wrong. It's just a good time to reach out to your midwife, doctor, or a physiotherapist specializing in the pelvic floor.

How to talk about pelvic floor exercises in English

Here are some simple phrases you can use in practice:

• I am doing pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy.
  Jeg laver knibeøvelser under graviditeten.
• Can you show me how to do Kegel exercises correctly?
  Kan du vise mig, hvordan jeg laver knibeøvelser korrekt?
• I find it difficult to feel my pelvic floor muscles.
  Jeg har svært ved at mærke mine bækkenbundsmuskler.
• I would like advice about pelvic floor recovery after birth.
  Jeg vil gerne have råd om genoptræning af bækkenbunden efter fødslen.

 

How does a proper squeeze feel?

A squeeze is often described as a feeling of lifting and gathering the muscles around the vagina, urethra, and rectum. You should ideally not hold your breath, clench your buttocks tightly, or push your stomach out. Many people need a little time to get to know the sensation, and that is completely normal.

Try to let your shoulders drop and breathe calmly. Squeeze gently, lift inwards and upwards, and then release completely again. Being able to relax between squeezes is just as important as the tension itself. If the exercises cause pain or discomfort, take a break and seek guidance from a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Are knibeøvelser called pelvic floor exercises in English?

Yes. Pelvic floor exercises is the most common and precise English term for knibeøvelser.

What do Kegel exercises mean?

Kegel exercises is an English term for exercises that train the pelvic floor muscles. It is particularly often used in American English.

What is bækkenbund called in English?

Bækkenbund is called pelvic floor in English. Bækkenbundsmuskler (pelvic floor muscles) is called pelvic floor muscles.

Can I get help if I can't feel my squeeze?

Yes. If you are pregnant, have just given birth, or are unsure about the technique, your midwife, doctor, or a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you further. You don't have to deal with it alone.