Abs and pregnancy

gnarlymama · February 2013

Does anyone know if there are some ab exercises that are contraindicated for pregnancy. I know that some things. like crunches, can aggravate abdominal separation when you are trying to get back after birth, but does that apply during pregnancy too and if so, at what point? Are there ab exercises that are particularly good during pregnancy?

huntjul · February 2013

I look forward to hearing others' answers also, since I have an incomplete understanding. I do know that you're not supposed to do any exercises on your back, such as crunches, once you're in the 2nd trimester because it can decrease blood flow.

creativeaim · February 2013

I do a lot of front and side planks at this point. Yoga has been great for core stability, too.

Here are some great pregnancy ab exercise options! https://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/2012/02/ab-exercises-for-pregancy/

BabeDebolt · February 2013

I recommend you focus on the forward and side planks. They work your core muscle groups all together and are safe. Don't hold the position until you are too uncomfortable with them if you are new to the exercise. Crunches are a waste of time always. Best to use muscle groups togetherit is more functional.

Angela814 · February 2013

creativeaim:
I do a lot of front and side planks at this point. Yoga has been great for core stability, too.
Here are some great pregnancy ab exercise options! https://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/2012/02/ab-exercises-for-pregancy/

I've been using this link for ideas too. Any ideas why it says not to do planks in the 3rd trimester?

I've found that a lot of my normal back workout uses quite a bit of ab strength for stability. I use a lot of abs for the lat pull down and especially for assisted pull ups.

JG362009 · February 2013

I did a ton of planks during pregnancy and after about 20 weeks or so I just did my normal ab work out on the ball so I wasn't lying on my back (even though I usually felt fine lying on my back). I'm an avid ab person and did them all through pregnancy and started up again about 3 weeks pp. It was all good.

jglenn4 · February 2013

JG362009:
I did a ton of planks during pregnancy and after about 20 weeks or so I just did my normal ab work out on the ball so I wasn't lying on my back (even though I usually felt fine lying on my back). I'm an avid ab person and did them all through pregnancy and started up again about 3 weeks pp. It was all good.

This. Still doing core work, including planks.

elle_bee · February 2013

I have to do planks and pushups on my knees b/c my abs have started separating again and are weaker. But I do other stuff still on my back and feel fine so far. I think you have to just listen to your body.

LSUnoelle1220 · February 2013

My MW said to avoid any kind of situp or crunch at my very first appointment to confirm pregnancy at 7 weeks.

I think anything where you aren't crunching is good. I just cut abs out of my list and focused more on total core contractions such as the plank, bridge, and bird dog (on hands and knees reaching out opp arm and leg).

creativeaim · February 2013

Angela814:
creativeaim:
I do a lot of front and side planks at this point. Yoga has been great for core stability, too.
Here are some great pregnancy ab exercise options! https://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/2012/02/ab-exercises-for-pregancy/
I've been using this link for ideas too. Any ideas why it says not to do planks in the 3rd trimester?
I've found that a lot of my normal back workout uses quite a bit of ab strength for stability. I use a lot of abs for the lat pull down and especially for assisted pull ups.

I'm not sure why it says not to do planks - I'm still doing them these days and it feels fine. Planks were uncomfortable in the 1st trimester for me, moreso - my ab muscles felt like relaxin-hormone jelly!

misha96 · February 2013

When I asked about exercise, my OB said specifically absolutely no ab exercises. I even asked if I could kayak (open water, not whitewater or anything, lol) and she gave me a definitive no.

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