Moderate exercise during pregnancy holds a number of benefits for pregnant women, such as alleviating back pain, boosting energy levels and keeping pregnancy weight gain in check. Exercising too hard during pregnancy, however, can potentially harm you or your unborn baby. In women prone to lower back, pelvic or leg pain, working the inner thighs during pregnancy might exacerbate sciatica or contribute to symphysis pubic dysfunction -- pregnancy conditions that can potentially affect your mobility and comfort. Always consult with you primary care provider before doing any type of exercise during pregnancy.
Sciatica
Sciatica results from a herniated or bulging disc in the lower part of the spine. True sciatica occurs in less than 1 percent of pregnant women, according to the Babycenter website, which indicates that many pregnant women confuse lower back pain with sciatica. The pain from sciatica causes lower back pain that often radiates all the way down your leg to your feet and toes. Exercising your inner thigh while experiencing sciatica can increase the pain in your legs and hips.
Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction
This condition occurs when relaxin -- a hormone released during pregnancy to loosen your ligaments so that you can deliver your baby -- causes the ligaments of your pelvis to become too relaxed and stretchy. The overly loose ligaments then cause instability in your pelvic joint, which can cause pain and the sensation of your legs moving in opposite directions. If you experience symptoms of symphysis pubic dysfunction -- or had the condition in a previous pregnancy -- Alexandra Allred, the author of "Entering the Mother Zone: Balancing Self, Health & Family," suggests avoiding exercises that work the inner thigh.
Safe Exercises
Instead of doing exercises that target the inner thighs, Allred recommends jogging, using the treadmill and elliptical and working your upper body using kettle bells and light weights. Other safe types of exercise for pregnant women, according to the American Pregnancy Association, include swimming, low-impact aerobics, prenatal yoga, brisk walking and dancing. Kegel exercises and tailor sitting -- in which you sit cross-legged -- can keep your thighs and pelvic area strong without the risks associated with squats and other inner thigh exercises.
Safety Precautions
Wearing a pelvic support belt that keeps your pelvic bones in place can help stabilize your pelvic ligaments and keep symphysis pubic dysfunction from getting worse. The What to Expect website also suggests avoiding heavy lifting and pushing during pregnancy. No types of exercise should cause pain or discomfort during pregnancy. If you experience pain in your inner thighs or lower back, stop exercising and consult your doctor.
