Ab work during pregnancy?

sunshine507

Has anyone been told to not do ab work during pregnancy? 
I made it to the gym today (and managed not to throw up on anything there!), and my trainer said he's going to stop doing specific ab work with me, although my core will still be somewhat strengthened by the standing and compound exercises I'll be doing. I had been using a handful of different ab machines twice a week, never any regular crunches or sit-ups. 
My doc didn't mention it as something to stop, although she listed a number of other things (biking, standup paddleboarding, climbing, etc) I do need to stop doing. 

emmaknits

You don't need to stop doing core
exercises. There may be less desirable exercises like crunches but ab work is still beneficial. There are several sites out there with safe core work like Purey Twins and Lnoxked up Mama. Of course, refer to your doc for your specific restrictions but here is what the American College of Obstetrics says https://m.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Exercise-During-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=true#safe 

afbaby0715

There's some research that shows that some ab exercises should be avoided to help prevent diastasis recti, but other than that, you aren't going to harm the baby by doing them.

FrancesGrace630

If you want good core exercises that are safe during pregnancy go to birthfit.com they have  functional progression videos that demonstrate good core exercises.