When you find out that you're expecting, your abdominal goals flip from keeping your tummy tight and toned to keeping your body strong and healthy for a successful labor.
Moms-to-be should focus on strengthening not only their abdominal muscles but also their entire core during pregnancy. Strong core muscles help prevent back problems and poor posture caused by a protruding stomach, make it easier to push during labor and speed up the recovery process.
Additionally, moderate strengthening exercises helps reduce the risk of abdominal separation. The rectus abdominis muscle is actually made up of two halves. Hormones can cause the vertical seam between them to soften, and as the baby grows, that seam stretches.
If the abdominal area is weak, the seam can separate gradually or with sudden exercise. This can cause an increase in back pain, because the ab muscles are no longer controlling your pelvic tilt and maintaining your posture.
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