What exercise should the nurse recommend to a pregnant woman to strengthen her perineal floor muscles?

Kegel exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which include the muscles of the perineum. During pregnancy, these muscles support the growing uterus and play a crucial role during labor and delivery. Strengthening the pelvic floor can help reduce the risk of incontinence after childbirth and promote better recovery postpartum.

Kegel exercises can be performed discreetly and do not require special equipment, making them a highly accessible option for pregnant women. The technique involves contracting and relaxing the muscles that control urination, which is effective in enhancing muscle tone in the pelvic area.

Walking, yoga stretches, and swimming can provide overall fitness benefits and help the pregnant woman stay active, but they do not specifically target the perineal muscles in the same way Kegel exercises do. Thus, recommending Kegel exercises is the most effective approach for strengthening the perineal floor muscles during pregnancy.