Core strengthening exercises during pregnancy

Can anyone share any core strengthening safe pregnancy exercises I can do whilst pregnant? Already 20 weeks (with twins/this is my second pregnancy). I had quite bad diastis recti after my first pregnancy and carried quite small, stayed active/continued exercising etc. I’ve already had to reduce my activity and training but want to do what I can to keep my core as strong as possible.
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Planks are good during pregnancy. Avoid loaded spinal flexion as it can make diastasis recti worse

@Kathryn you absolutely should not do full planks in pregnancy! It puts way too much pressure on your core. Best exercises are bird dogs to target core specifically but it would be worthwhile looking at your strength and fitness as a whole and using a pregnancy workout programme (happy to recommend free versions on YouTube) which will guide you through overall fitness and the best modifications you can do to accommodate pregnancy and bump.

Recommendations from free YouTube programmes would be great! There seems to be so many out there with contradictory advice! Thank you x

I am a personal trainer and mum. Bird dog/ pointer, standing side bend with kettlebell is my go to exercises. Truth about plank: it absolutely depends on your strength before pregnancy and the technique you do it. Standing wall plank, plank from a tabletop, plank on knees are fine. I did plank at the beginning of my pregnancy until bump got in the way and until gravitatation said no thank you because bump was uncomfortable. Choose the best version and check yourself. I am happy to send you a Diastasis recti self check guide. I am also starting my pregnancy safe online class next week. Completely free. My motivation is to get better at online classes as I have been a PT for 9 class but didn't teach online group. Please, message if you would like to collab. X

@Jen I didn't say full plank, I should have specified modified plank, I replied in a sleep deprived rush

Dont do planks or sit ups. If you ever see your stomach coning, stop that move. I recommend bird dogs and lots of squats. I done soooo many during pregnancy and only had a 1cm gap and got back to my usual core within 4 months.

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