Shreya Bose Shreya Bose Asked 5 months ago

Can you do ab exercises during pregnancy?

I'm in my second trimester and want to stay active. Before pregnancy, I used to do a lot of core exercises. Are ab exercises still safe to do during pregnancy, or should I avoid them completely now?

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10 answers

Shweta Tiwari Shweta Tiwari Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago
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I completely understand being anxious about what is safe and what isn't during this crucial time. In my first trimester, I was terrified of doing even basic stretches. It is very natural to feel this way, so always talk to your doctor before starting any ab routine.

Priyanka Patil Priyanka Patil Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Haan na, during pregnancy we have to be so careful about core pressure. Heavy ab exercises are a big no, ho na. Better to do simple walking or light stretching that keeps the body active without straining the tummy.

Rohan Gupta Rohan Gupta Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Forget six-pack abs during pregnancy, it's the time to enjoy your parathas and laddoos! Jokes aside, my wife's doctor told her to avoid heavy core workouts completely. Better to focus on light walks and enjoying good food in moderation.

Simran Kaur Simran Kaur Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

I am in my second trimester and even doing basic stretching makes me feel a bit paranoid. Did anyone else feel a slight pull in their lower belly while doing light exercises? I ended up stopping everything out of fear.

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Consult a obstetrics and gynaecologist

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Since I have PCOS, my pregnancy was already considered sensitive, so I was extremely cautious. I didn't dare do any standard ab workouts without my gynecologist's green light. Every body is different, so please don't take any chances and ask your doctor first.

Savitri Devi Savitri Devi Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

Beta, in our days, we did plenty of household chores like sweeping and sitting on the floor, which naturally kept the body strong. Do not do these modern gym exercises that strain your belly. Just stick to gentle walking and eating wholesome homemade food.

Arjun Das Arjun Das Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

I was just reading an article on maternal health, and it said traditional crunches or sit-ups should be avoided after the first trimester. Apparently, lying flat on your back can restrict blood flow to the baby. Better to check safe alternatives like prenatal yoga.

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Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined May 2026 5 months ago

My wife is currently pregnant, and our trainer told her to absolutely avoid any standard crunches or leg raises. He said it can cause diastasis recti, which is basically stomach muscle separation. She only does light, safe exercises approved by her doc.

Sunita Sharma Sunita Sharma Joined May 2026 5 months ago

During my pregnancy, I avoided heavy crunches completely and stuck to gentle pelvic tilts on the floor. Traditional elders always warn against straining the stomach, which is actually very practical advice. Safe, light movements are always better than intense core exercises.

Karan Johar Karan Johar Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Traditional core crunches are not recommended during this sacred phase. Instead, you can focus on gentle breathing exercises like pranayama and light pelvic floor strengthening. This helps prepare your body for delivery naturally without putting pressure on the womb.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.