Exercise during pregnancy can offer a host of benefits, from reducing stress to improving recovery post-delivery. However, some of the exercises you used to regularly perform may not be safe for your baby as you advance in your pregnancy. For example, abdominal crunches may be safe in your first trimester. However, crunches can be harmful as you progress during your pregnancy. Always speak to your physician before undertaking any type of exercise routine.
Significance
Abdominal crunches are considered safe to perform during your first trimester because your baby and uterus have not grown too large during this time. As you advance in your pregnancy, abdominal crunches become problematic because you are lying on your back. In this position, the weight of your uterus can begin to press on the vena cava, one of the main arteries to the heart. This can cut off circulation to your and your baby. For this reason, avoid abdominal crunches after your first trimester. By this time, your baby will likely have grown to where you may not be able to continue performing abdominal crunches.
Blood Pressure
Lying on your back when pregnant also can cause your blood pressure to drop. An estimated 6 to 10 percent of women experience a rapid decrease in blood pressure when lying down, which can make you feel faint and dizzy. This is more likely to occur after the 20-week mark, according to Raul Artal, an OB-GYN writing on BabyCenter. However, it is possible your experience this change in blood pressure at any time during your pregnancy.
Modification
You can perform an abdominal crunch modification that takes the pressure of your vena cava somewhat during your first trimester of pregnancy. To accomplish this, place a pillow underneath your right hip or buttock, lifting this area off the ground. This can reduce some of the pressure to the vena cava, allowing you to more comfortably perform the crunches.
Warning Signs
If you are in your first trimester and attempting abdominal crunches, there are some symptoms that can indicate you are losing circulation due to pressure on the vena cava. These include feeling dizzy, nauseated or having trouble catching your breath. If you experience these symptoms, return to an upright position. However, it is possible to lose circulation to the vena cava and not experience symptoms.
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