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Doing Sit-ups or Crunches While Pregnant
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 Strong
stomach muscles are a definite bonus during pregnancy. They can
help you to maintain good posture and minimize back pain during
labor. If you did a lot of stomach exercises before you got pregnant,
good for you! You’ve got a head start. But, you may be wondering
if it is safe to continue doing sit-ups and crunches while expecting.
Some doctors will tell you to avoid sit-ups because
they fear that the crunching movement may cause trauma to the abdomen
or uterus. Most, however, agree that sit-ups are safe for pregnant
women up until the 20th week of pregnancy. After that it is best
to avoid lying on your back for more than five or ten minutes at
a time. Doctors warn that lying on your back any longer than that
allows the uterus to put too much pressure on a major artery, the
vena cava, and can cause low blood pressure.
If you decide that you want to continue doing
sit-ups anyway, just be sure to only do them for 5 to 10 minute
intervals. Either way, it is important to discuss any exercise program
with your doctor before beginning it. Your individual circumstances
may warrant a change from the norm.
Even after getting the green light from your
doctor, always listen to your body while exercising. If you start
to feel fatigued or out of breath, your body is telling you to stop.
Pregnancy is not the time to push through the pain and exhaustion.
Exercise is highly beneficial before, during and after pregnancy.
When you take the right precautions, you are sure to reap all of
the benefits of a strong, fit body and a healthy, happy baby.
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here to see our selection of Baby products.
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