Being physically active throughout your nine months of pregnancy is safe and can actually assist during labor and during your recovery afterward. Many women walk or swim to stay physically active, but it's also beneficial to incorporate regular strength training. There are some considerations a mother to be should take into account when participating in an abdominal exercise program; speak with your doctor about your pregnancy exercise regimen.
Time
Doing sit-ups and crunches during your first trimester is safe, but you should avoid abdominal exercises that require you to lie on your back, obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Jeanne-Marie Guise writes for the BabyCenter website. As your uterus develops and increases in size, the increase in weight can place pressure on blood vessels, preventing flow back to your heart and to your baby.
Benefits
A woman get better address the increased stress that carrying a baby can cause if she has an adequate level of strength. A strong abdominal and core will prevent some lower-back discomfort during pregnancy, and may ease the delivery process, the Better Health Channel website explains, because you'll be better prepared for the physical demands and potentially speed up recovery time following childbirth.
Exercises
During the first trimester, you can typically perform abdominal exercises completed on a mat. This includes your basic crunch, straight-leg crunches and bicycle crunches. Once you enter the second trimester, incorporate abdominal exercises such as abdominal tightening while in a seated position, standing pelvis tilts, oblique crunches and side planks. To build or maintain strength, complete abdominal exercises three days per week, with a day of rest between sessions.
Considerations
Whether pregnant or not, performing abdominal exercises has a tendency to increase core temperature and blood pressure. Preventing the womb from becoming too hot is essential, the Better Health Channel advises, so while abdominal exercises shouldn't raise the temperature too much on their own, alone, take precautions if you're exercising in a warm environment. To prevent your blood pressure from rising to unsafe levels, do not hold your breath as you're completing the movements.
Warning
Visit your doctor prior to starting any exercise program. The situations that can arise during pregnancy may cause your doctor to recommend not exercising for fear of hurting you or your fetus.
