Bearing Down (movements or exercise that places extreme pressure on your abdominal wall and pelvic floor).What exercises should I avoid during pregnancy? This includes most abdominal exercises you were doing pre-pregnancy (with some modifications as needed, especially if you’re coming into pregnancy with existing diastasis recti). In general, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says it’s safe to continue regular exercise during pregnancy. It’s also important during pregnancy to strengthen your oblique muscles that run along the sides of your midsection, your glutes, and all the stabilizing muscles along your spine and pelvis. Īnd during pregnancy you want to focus on safe prenatal core exercises that strengthen the deepest abdominals your transverse abs which wrap around your body like a natural corset. Your abs are so much more than the rectus abdominus (six-pack abdominal muscles). Kneeling or Quadruped Core Exercises (like cat/cow and bird dog).Transverse Abdominal Breathing (core breathing).What kind of ab exercises are safe during pregnancy? Most women shy away from doing abs during pregnancy because they think they’re not safe.īUT keeping your core strong during pregnancy is important! It can help you avoid common pregnancy aches and pains, as well as assist with labor, delivery and postpartum recovery. Jump to 5 BEST Ab Exercises That Are Safe For Pregnancy (First + Second Trimesters) While you’re there, SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to get all the newest workouts! *You also can view this 10-Minute First + Second Trimester Ab Workout on Youtube. These are the five BEST abdominal exercises that are safe to perform during pregnancy (specifically during the first and second trimesters). Can I do ab exercises while pregnant? Yes! Avoid sit ups and crunches and focus on pregnancy-safe ab exercises that strengthen the deepest abdominal muscles (transverse abdominals), core and pelvic floor.