Ab workouts while pregnant

bastephens05 · October 2013

I'm trying to stay fit throughout this pregnancy and right now I'm doing a lot of cardio. I was wondering if I should be doing ab workouts? I read somewhere that its not good to stress those muscles any while pregnant. Did any of you hear that or talk to your doc about it? I am planning on asking the doc this week. Thanks!

blu-eyedwife · October 2013

I didn't do ab workouts per se, but I did do core strengthening, which is really more for my back than belly. Carry that extra weight on the front puts added stress on the back. No situps or anything, but side planks, cat/cow stretches, arm and leg extensions, squats, etc.

Lindsaym5! · October 2013

After first trimester I stopped ab workouts which is recommended. You can damage your abdominal muscles if you strain them. Plus it will start to feel really uncomfortable.

zbeesma86 · October 2013

I wouldn't do sit ups or anything. I don't think that would do any good.

Like PPs said- core exercises- squats, lunges, even power walking on a treadmill.

Luv2Run1st · October 2013

You can continue exercises like plank poses on knees or toes. Side planks are not advised until postpartum. The other ab exercise that is is hands and knees lifting the opposite arm and leg.

I'm a physical therapist and have done these exercises through both pregnancies. It is sit ups and crunches that will further separate the rectus abdominis but the exercises I mentioned are isometric contractions and help to draw the muscles together versus separate....so completely safe if you are already use to doing them prior to being pregnant.

LiveNLove44 · October 2013

My doctor encouraged me to continue with my resistance training as I had pre-preg, and she emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen my core, INCLUDING abdominal workouts. As I got further along, lying on my back was not an option, and not all exercises were comfortable, but I continue the ones that were comfortable. She encouraged me to go with what felt good and when it started to feel uncomfortable, to switch it up. I had to discontinue a lot of my core work by 35 weeks because my reflux was pretty bad and core work made it worse due to my position, but I am now 8 weeks PP and my core strength has increased much faster and my belly recovered much more quickly than I anticipated. My doctor attributed it to my activity during pregnancy. I wish you the best!

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