SubscribeEnjoy This Blog?
Subscribe Now

October 12

Sit Ups While Pregnant?

Posted by admin
Filed under Exercise | 5 Comments

Sit-ups are generally not recommended during pregnancy. This is because the movements involved may traumatize the uterus or abdomen.

Sit-ups are of particular concern after about the 4th month of pregnancy. Any time you are on your back after this point, you run the risk of the uterus compressing the vena cava (a major blood vessel) which in turn would reduce your blood pressure. Generally, any exercise that must be done in the "supine" (on your back) position is not recommended during pregnancy.

You can, however, still perform exercises while you are pregnant, including abdominal exercises. One of the best abdominal exercises you can do is "Mini Sit-ups." Mini Sit-ups will help prepare you for labor by toning your abs. During the second stage of labor your abs will do much of the pushing work. Additionally, your abs provide support for your spine and may help prevent low backache.

To perform Mini Sit-ups, follow these steps:

1. Lie on your back, knees bent, with your feet on the floor.

2. Place a pillow under your hip so you’re not flat on your back.

3. As you exhale, tighten your abs and raise your head and shoulders off the floor while reaching for the sky with your arms.

4. Inhale and return to starting position.

5. Repeat 10 times, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Related posts:

  1. Skipping Rope Fitness Technique
  2. You are only as strong as your weakest links.

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 12th, 2008 at 9:20 am and is filed under Exercise. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

5 Responses to “Sit Ups While Pregnant?”

  1. Jennifer Ellner VigorFit Total on November 4th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

    Great Post! Very informative. Of course before doing any type of exercise while you are pregnant you want to speak to your medical professional. Exercise is just as important as a healthy diet while pregnant. You want to find something safe, and effective. A home gym would be the perfect option. Not only will you have a LARGE variety of work out routines available, but you can also perform these work outs in the comfort of your own home.

  2. Mark on November 20th, 2008 at 2:49 am

    This Article is very useful to me, I dig it into http://www.78365.com.Keep writing.Thanks.

  3. Shu Quinci on December 21st, 2009 at 5:07 am

    I just latterly made a post about this same thing! To be honest though I suspect I liked your article better.

  4. lbird on June 21st, 2010 at 9:33 am

    this is motivating me to get off the couch

  5. Jennifer on October 28th, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    This seems like a no brainer. If any idiot was to put pressure or strain on their belly area while pregnant, then they may consider if they’re qualified to bring a child into this world.

Leave a Reply