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Should I stop doing my tummy exercises
during pregnancy?
Doing abdominal exercises while you’re harbouring a fugitive
inside your tummy can seem like the ultimate twist of irony.
You may not be rewarded with a perfect six pack but tummy-
strengthening exercises can greatly improve your ability to push
during labour, as well as help keep your belly in shape for an
easier road back to a trim middle. Another major benefit to strong
abs during pregnancy that is they can help to alleviate some
of that godawful back pain you might find yourself with whilst
carrying around a baby in your belly.
Strengthening your core during pregnancy does require some
modifications though. You should not be doing the same
crunches you did at the gym prior to getting pregnant. Laying flat
on your back, especially after the first trimester, is not a good idea
as your enlarged uterus could possibly interfere with the vena
cava, the vein that brings blood to your heart. Try using a pillow
or something to prop your head above your heart while doing
your core work.
Another thing to look out for is abdominal separation, which is a
widening gap between the left and right sides of your abdominal
muscle, that sometimes happens when your baby grows. While
abdominal separation is typically not anything to get overly
concerned about, it could put potential tension on the entire area
and might require even further modifications on your exercise
routine. Ask your doctor about this and they’ll be able to tell if you
do indeed have it.
Here are some top pregnancy-friendly ab exercises. As always,
speak to your doctor or midwife before embarking on a new
exercise routine.
Standing Crunches:
•
Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
•
Draw your belly button into your spine, tuck your pelvis slightly
under and bring your fingertips to your ears.
•
Crunch forward and squeeze your abdominal muscles ( just like
you would if you were lying on your back) .
•
Release with control.
Heel Slides:
•
Lie on your back with your upper back, neck and head propped
up above your heart.
•
Place your palms on the ground along your sides for support.
•
Bend both knees and bring your feet in toward your bum.
•
Remain with the heel hovering above the ground and extend
one leg at a time.
•
Bring it back in to starting position.
•
Repeat with alternate sides.
FITNESS
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