Crunches vs Sit Ups During Pregnancy: Experts Advice!

Pregnancy is a thrilling period in a woman’s life and staying active during pregnancy is a solution. Nowadays new moms & moms-to-be are striving to follow a healthy balanced lifestyle that helps them to cope with pregnancy difficulties during as well as after pregnancy. 

As we are aware pregnancy weight is stubborn and shredding pounds has become easier if you opt for ways to stay active during pregnancy. However, here’s the question that pops out, Which kind of abdominal exercise to perform? Sit Ups & crunches are easier to follow at home but is it safe to perform during pregnancy? So here is the answer you’re looking for, have an in-depth look!

Can I do Sit Ups During Pregnancy:

In answer, can you do sit-ups during pregnancy? Well, sit-ups during the first trimester of pregnancy is considered safe, but it is essential to speak to a health provider before you get into abdominal core exercise during pregnancy. As there are some concerns, that implicates. If you’re going through pregnancy complications, it’s better to avoid such core abs exercises during pregnancy. 

Moreover, if you are in the 2nd-3rd trimester, sit-ups during pregnancy could cause you a Diastasis Recti Separation also known as Abdominal Separation which all triggers complications during pregnancy. Hence, there are some following things to take care of before you start sit-ups during pregnancy.

Pros Of Sit Ups During Early Pregnancy:

– Reduces Backpain 

– Improves Posture 

– Boost Stability

– Increases Flexibility

– Strong Abdominal Muscles

Cons Of Sit Ups During Pregnancy:

– Diastasis Recti or Abdominal Separation

– Uterine Prolapse

– Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

– Dizziness & Fatigue

– Bloating & Constipation

When To Start Sit Ups During Pregnancy:

Sit Ups during pregnancy are eventually safe in the first trimester and not prone to any risk but make sure to consult a doctor before you start any exercise that pressurizes the abdominal or pelvic area like crunches or situps during pregnancy.

When To Stop Sit Ups During Pregnancy:

So, Once you hit the second trimester of pregnancy, take a pause and completely avoid supine exercises like sit-ups or crunches during pregnancy.

Can I do Crunches During Pregnancy:

Asking google, can you do crunches during pregnancy? Here’s the short answer: if you’re in your first trimester of pregnancy and want to try crunches, you can; but consult your doctor first and back off once you hit the second trimester. 

Furthermore, if you’re in your second-third trimester of pregnancy, performing crunches during pregnancy could be prone to pregnancy complications. Hence, after you’ve reached the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, avoiding exercise that involves lying flat or face-up on your back is the best you can do to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.

Pros Of Crunches During Early Pregnancy:

– Alleviates Back Pressure 

– Promotes Proper Posture 

– Stronger Abs

– Improves Overall Strength

– Supports Pelvic Muscles

Cons Of Crunches During Pregnancy:

– Ashen Skin

– Vomiting 

– Fainting & Dizziness

– Abdominal Sepration 

– Pelvic floor Dysfunction

When To Start Sit-Ups During Pregnancy?

Crunches during pregnancy are eventually safe in the first trimester and not prone to any risk but make sure to consult a doctor before you start any exercise that pressurizes the abdominal or pelvic area like crunches or situps during pregnancy.

When To Stop Sit-Ups During Pregnancy?

So, Once you hit the second trimester of pregnancy, take a pause and completely avoid supine exercises like sit-ups or crunches during pregnancy.

What do Experts Have to Say? 

Physical activities don’t actually trigger any problem until you’ve pregnant without any complications, hence it’s better to speak to your doctor before you choose any activity if you’re dealing with pregnancy problems. In addition, moms-to-be if you’re into situps or crunches, stop immediately at the end of 1st trimester of pregnancy. 

In addition, Continuing Supine or abdominal exercise like situps and crunches during the 2nd/3rd trimester of pregnancy might produce problematic effects. This occurs when foetus size increases and such activities during pregnancy can exert pressure on the vena cava; the large vein which supplies blood & oxygen to the heart, when this process gets slower you can face several difficulties. Therefore, if there are better & effective ways to stay active during pregnancy like yoga then why opt for situps or crunches?

Moreover, if you’re looking for the best pregnancy yoga classes near me, Divine Mother has got your back. Enrol in pregnancy-friendly activities & embrace your pregnancy in a safer & healthier way.

Alternatives for Sit Ups & Crunches:

The following are some alternatives to performing situps or crunches during pregnancy that will not jeopardize your and your child’s health and fitness. 

– 15-30 Min Walk

– Belly Breathing 

– Yoga During Pregnancy

– Strength Training 

– Squats & Side Planks