Is It Safe To Do Sit-Ups During Pregnancy?

Women who have been regular at workouts may wonder about its safety during pregnancy. So if you are curious about sit-ups during pregnancy, continue reading to find the answer.

Pregnancy is when women go through different physical changes, weight gain being the most common one. Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy pregnancy body and mind. But certain workouts may not be appropriate during this time. For example, although sit-ups can benefit pregnancy, it may not be advisable to continue the workout towards the later trimesters.

This post will help you understand more about sit-ups while pregnant, including their safety and complications.

Is It Safe To Do Sit Ups While Pregnant?

Exercising depends on the fitness level you had before and during pregnancy. If you were a gym regular, you might continue to follow a mild fitness regime. Mild exercises for about half an hour per day can benefit you and your baby during pregnancy.

Practicing prenatal exercises does not only prepare your body for smooth labor but will also help you beat the blues. Sit-ups help strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve your chances of undergoing a normal delivery. However, it is advisable that before you start exercising during pregnancy, you seek a go-ahead from your gynecologist.

Things To Remember While Doing Sit-Ups During Pregnancy

Here are a few important things you should keep in mind while performing sit-ups when pregnant:

• When practicing sit-ups, it is important to stay hydrated to avoid painful muscle cramps.

• Wear comfortable clothing and avoid exposing yourself too much to the sun.

• Remember, it is not important to maintain a strict exercise regime during pregnancy. Do not try to peak your fitness level during this delicate period by sweating it out in the gym. (1)

• During pregnancy, it is important to avoid raising the body temperature too high. Therefore, a strenuous workout is a strict no-no while you are pregnant.

• It is advisable to quit exercising if you suffer from an illness or complication during your pregnancy.

• Most importantly listen to your body, if you don’t feel like working out on a particular day- DON’T. Also, avoid doing the sit-ups when you are feeling ill or weak.

• Do not try sit-ups if you are pregnant with twins or more.
•  Do not perform more than 20 sit-ups at a stretch. Take a short break and then start the next set.

When To Stop Doing Sit-Ups During Pregnancy?

Here are a few situations that indicate that you should immediately stop doing sit-ups:

• If you experience any abdominal pain or discomfort

• If there is an episode of vaginal bleeding or discharge

• If you experience dizziness

• If you are facing any difficulty in breathing
• If you are suffering from a headache or contractions

The Risks Associated With Doing Sit-Ups During Pregnancy

Working on the lower back while doing sit-ups in the first trimester will do wonders to your pregnancy. However, it is not advisable to lie on your back when your second trimester starts as it will increase the stress on your uterus and adversely affect the blood circulation and oxygen supply to the fetus.

Sit-ups also involve the risk of losing balance and suffering a fall. Therefore, you should practice sit-ups in pregnancy only under the supervision of a fitness trainer.

References

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