Are there any exercises that can help tone stomach whilst pregnant?

[foxy1]

Hi

Are there any stomach exercises that can help keep stomach toned/strong whilst pregnant. I am 17.5 week pregnant and have not done any stomach exercises at all whilst pregnant. I know it helps support your back if you have strong stomach muscles - obviously don't want to risk anything!!!

not an expert but sitting/doing other things on a birthing ball is meant to be good for this i think.

birthing ball general page

I'm not sure you can do 'stomach exercises' when you're pregnant! if you were toned before you were pg that will help as you get bigger but the whole point is that your muscles will stretch and slacken as you get bigger - you're not sposed to be keeping them taut and tight! general exercise will help all round - things like walking, swimming, yoga or pilates for pregnancy would be excellent ones too.

hi thanks for feedback. I think tone is the wrong word - I really mean just to keep my stomach mucles strong to support my pregnancy/back. I know you can't do sit ups or anything like that. I have ordered pilates during pregnancy so this should have some tips I hope.

Pregnancy-suitable pilates is good for general back strength, other than that just do your pelvic floor exercises everyday. I wouldn't recommend any stomach-based exercises until after the birth and you're given the ok to do them.

I saw an obstetric physiotherapist during my first pregnancy. She recommended 2 excercises during pregnancy. Pelvic floors (obviously). And a pelvic tilt to strengthen back and lower abdominals to carry the baby. Google "pelvis tilt" & pregnancy for more variations the instructions for this excercise, but below is a reasonable explaination. I used to do it laying down though.

Pelvic tilting can help to minimise the strain placed on your back by prolonged standing. Try this exercise: stand with your back against a wall. Position your feet a few centimetres away from the wall and allow your knees to bend very slightly. Slide your hand into the hollow of your back and tilt your pelvis backwards so that your back squashes your hand. Now tilt your pelvis the opposite way so that the pressure from your back is removed from your hand. Continue to tilt forwards and backwards in a rhythmical fashion. Once you are confident with this exercise, you can perform it away from the wall. This exercise works best if you do it regularly and before any pain begins.

My midwife recommended an exercise like the cat position in yoga.

demonstrated here

Having said that, she is always telling me off for my abdominals, she says the baby will get uncomfortable as he grows unless they loosen up...

I would definately recommend finding a swimming group run by midwife. my aquanatal class was great, helped me keep fit and no fears about 'damaging' self or baby as there was someone trained on hand at all times. plus made lots of friends!

I would definately recommend finding a swimming group run by midwife. my aquanatal class was great, helped me keep fit and no fears about 'damaging' self or baby as there was someone trained on hand at all times. plus made lots of friends!

oops twice and poor spelling