working out during first trimester - specifically abs

Hi All,
my dr. gave me the OK to work out during the first trimester. He said that the only things I shouldn't do are anything involving jumping around, and that I should keep my heart rate under 140.

I just read in another thread that someone said that she didn't do any crunches or ab excercises during the first trimester. My dr. didn't say anything about that, and my trainer said that it is good for you to do crunches, it strengthens your abs which will help your pregnancy and delivery?

Now I"m nervous after reading that other thread ... I never asked my dr. specifically about that, if it is bad, I totally don't want to do it -- did anyone speak to their dr specifically about that?

Thanks!

Message edited 4/17/2009 10:56:41 AM.

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

I am a huge workout person and didn't do any crunches or abs work. (not sure if I was the one you were talking about. LOL)
My Doc said the same thing as yours... working out is fine, but keep the heartrate under 140 and don't overdo it. I actually stopped taking my cardio kickboxing class b/c it's pretty intense, but kept up with jogging, elliptical and free weights for my arms.

If you're unsure, check with your Doc, but I do remember reading or hearing that you shouldn't do ab work.

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

it's actually the best time to do the ab exercises because after the 1st trimester, you really shouldn't be doing any exercises on your back (well ones at the gym ) dr told me it was absolutely fine and it was good to do ab exercises! helps you push better.

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

weird..b/c i quit my pilates class at work, and the dr. said to really be wary of any core work. keep it to cardio and stretching.

everyone has a different say i guess...

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

Posted by MommaTo3Dogs1Boy

it's actually the best time to do the ab exercises because after the 1st trimester, you really shouldn't be doing any exercises on your back (well ones at the gym ) dr told me it was absolutely fine and it was good to do ab exercises! helps you push better.

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

Thank you everyone!
I guess its like so many things - every doctor will have a different take on different things.
I won't over do it - don't worry!

I had lost about 15 lbs before my wedding last july working out with my trainer. After the wedding, I gained about 10 back -- needless to say I'm not overdoing it!

I just was so mad that I gained those 10 lbs and wanted to take them off before getting PG. Obviously I'm not trying to lose weight now, but want to stay as healthy as possible, and not gain more weight than I should - I have a tendency to pack on pounds fast if I don't watch it under normal circumstances, so I just want to make sure I don't put on toooo much weight.

Oh, and Erica -- I saw your pics and you look great!!!!

Re: working out during first trimester - specifically abs

As far as my doc said its actually the best time to do the ab exercises because it will help later on with delivery. And as you get further along there are alot better standing abs exercises than crunches so you may want to look into those now also.