Final answer:
Strengthening the pubococcygeus muscle supports the pelvic viscera, aids in childbirth by facilitating the baby's passage, and helps maintain sphincter control to prevent incontinence. It also compensates for increased pelvic laxity caused by pregnancy hormones like relaxin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pregnant women may strengthen their pubococcygeus muscle, which is part of the larger levator ani muscle group, for several reasons. These muscles are considered the most important part of the pelvic floor because they support the pelvic viscera and resist intra-abdominal pressure, which can become significantly higher during pregnancy due to the growing fetus. During childbirth, a well-toned pubococcygeus muscle can aid in the birthing process by providing better control over the muscles involved and facilitating the passage of the baby through the pelvic outlet. Furthermore, these muscles work as sphincters for the urethra, rectum, and vagina, and their strength can prevent issues such as urinary incontinence, which is common during and after pregnancy. Hormones like relaxin increase the elasticity of the pelvic ligaments to accommodate the growing fetus, so strengthening the surrounding muscles can also help compensate for this increased laxity, potentially reducing the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction.