can a pregnant woman still work on her abs?

Question

Why or Why not? THANKS

Thanks i didn't think so, but i just wanted to make sure =)

Answer 1

No... because the abdominal muscles split when you become pregnant. If you work on them while you are pregnant, you can tear the muscles.

Answer 2

Absolutely not! There is a muscle right in the middle of your abdomen that can split during pregnancy if you are doing crunches or anything like that. Once the muscle splits, you are at risk for a hernia, plus you will NEVER get your pre-pregnancy tummy back if that happens. Just enjoy being pregnant and worry about the stomach later.

Answer 3

It is not suggested.
The reasoning is prolaxin. It is a hormone that causes your joints and ligaments to relax. This increases possibility of injury.
Also, the growing uterus causes your ab muscles to expand and separate, they are very susceptible to injury during this stage.
You could actually make the separation worse.


My sources were
What to expect when expecting
Dr. Miriam Stoppard's guide to Conception through Pregnancy.


Good luck! And congrats!

Answer 4

Ashley is right. Abdominal muscles are weakened and stretch
when your pregnant. If you try to excersise to much like that you
run the risk of losing the baby. So now is the time to be careful
and excersise moderately. I almost lost my second one, because
my abdominal muscles were very weak. I started to bleed and
had to to ER. Sent home for bed rest...big time. Just be careful.
And best of luck .

Answer 5

Not after ten weeks gestation, because of the separation of the abdominal muscles. Like everyone else said, it could cause further and permanent damage.

Answer 6

Pelvic floor exercises

The pelvic floor muscles are tightly slung between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone, and support the bladder, uterus, vagina and bowel. Weak pelvic floor muscles can't adequately support these organs, which could cause problems including incontinence and prolapsed uterus.

The weight of the growing baby puts excessive strain on the pelvic floor muscles, but you can perform simple exercises to help avoid future problems. Urethral muscles are those that stop urine in mid-flow, and the anal sphincter is responsible for 'holding on' when you need to pass a bowel motion. Exercises include:
•Squeeze your muscles slowly and hold for up to 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
•Perform quick, strong squeezes. Repeat 10 times.
•Squeeze the muscles whenever you sneeze, cough or clear your throat.


Abdominal exercises

Strong abdominal muscles support your spine. It is important to keep your abdominal muscles strong, particularly during the third trimester when the size and weight of your baby are rapidly increasing. Suggestions include:
•Concentrate on drawing your belly button towards your spine.
•Breathe out while pulling in your belly.
•Hold the position and count to 10. Relax, and breathe in.
•Repeat 10 times, as many times per day as you are capable.
•You can perform this exercise sitting, standing, or on your hands and knees.
•Consider doing your abdominal exercises and pelvic floor exercises at the same time.
•Avoid conventional 'crunches' or sit-ups that involve lying on your back and drawing your ribcage and pelvis together.
Warning signs

If you experience any of the following, stop exercising immediately and see your doctor:
•Headache
•Dizziness
•Heart palpitations
•Chest pain
•Swelling of the face, hands or feet
•Calf pain or swelling
•Vaginal bleeding
•Contractions
•Deep back or pubic pain
•Cramping in the lower abdomen
•Walking difficulties
•An unusual change in your baby's movements
•Amniotic fluid leakage.

Deciding against exercise

You may decide against exercise during your pregnancy. Perhaps you are experiencing severe and sustained morning sickness or you may have other problems (such as heart disease, hypertension, pre-eclampsia or increased risk of premature labor) that prevent you from being physically active. Consult with your doctor or health care professional for dietary suggestions on how to keep yourself and your baby healthy.



Things to remember
•Consult with your doctor, physiotherapist or health care professional to make sure your exercise routine won't cause harm to you or your unborn baby.
•If you don't feel like exercising on a particular day - then don't! It is important to listen to your body to avoid depleting your energy reserves.
If you have hypertension, multiple fetuses, increased risk of premature labor, pre-eclampsia or heart disease, it may generally be best to avoid exercise.

Answer 7

In the first trimester it's fine after that you aren't supposed to excercise on your back because it decreases the blood flow to the placenta. Good luck.

Answer 8

abs ??
what is that mean again ??

is that like the 6 pack for woman??

Answer 9

Good luck trying lady.

Answer 10

NO! Can we say, you have a baby growing in there? Come on. Your abs will bounce back after it is born.

You could kill your baby, that's why!