Women who participate in an exercise program before becoming pregnant are typically encouraged to continue their workout throughout the pregnancy. With all of the physical changes that accompany pregnancy, a mother-to-be might be uncertain whether she can do the same exercises or if she needs to modify them. One common concern is whether ab exercises affect the developing fetus, but the answer depends on the specific exercise and the mother's health.
Exercise During Pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy can help a woman maintain her physique and recover her pre-baby shape more quickly after birth. Women who maintain good physical conditioning throughout their pregnancy experience shorter labors, fewer childbirth interventions and a greater sense of well being than women who aren't in shape during pregnancy, according to American Family Physician. Even abdominal exercises can be continued if care is taken to focus on safe versions of these exercise moves.
Safety Concerns
You should completely avoid abdominal exercises that involve lying on your back after the first trimester. Lying flat on your back can cause problems, especially during the latter half of pregnancy when the weight of your belly is heavy enough to press on the blood vessels that bring blood to your baby. This could deprive your baby of needed oxygen and nutrients and slow his growth. Another potential problem with exercises involving lying on your back is the possibility of developing a sudden drop in blood pressure spurred by lying down. This condition only occurs in about 6 to 10 percent of pregnant women, but it can be extremely dangerous for both mother and baby.
Safe Ab Exercises
Safe ab exercises during pregnancy involve core workouts done standing, sitting or on all fours. Try getting on the floor on all fours and repeatedly arching your back, holding it for a few seconds and relaxing it again. Side bends and leg lifts, in which you lie on your side and lift one or both legs a few inches off the floor to tone the sides of the abdominal wall, can be done right up through the third trimester.
Special Circumstances
Some pregnant women have medical conditions that can preclude exercise of any type. Women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta previa, intrauterine growth restriction, incompetent cervix, bleeding during pregnancy, premature rupture of the membranes or a history of preterm labor should avoid all forms of exercise. Women with chronic hypertension, circulatory disease, pulmonary disease or thyroid disorders should consult a doctor about whether exercise is permitted during pregnancy. Even if you are in perfect health, you should avoid any exercise that results in abdominal trauma.
Member Comments