Tight abdominal muscles impeding delivery?

[Anonymous]

I have continued to do (modified) abdominal and oblique exercises during my pregnancy. But I heard someone on TV say that it's better to stop doing ab exercises towards the end of pregnancy, on the theory that tight ab muscles might make it difficult to push out the baby (like it's better to be "loose"). This seems counterintuitive. I would think toned ab/oblique muscles would help in several different ways (core stength to push/handle contractions, staving off fatigue, etc.).

Has anyone heard this, or can provide their own experience to support or refute this idea?

[Anonymous]

I took a prenatal yoga class with a certified prenatal yoga teacher and she was taught the exact same thing you heard on TV. We didn't do any ab work in our class. I had no problems pushing during labor.

[Anonymous]

I am a PT and I work with pre and post natal women frequently, and I can tell you that I have come across nothing in the research that supports this. That being said, if it is uncomfortable to do the exercises, don't worry too much about it. You can still continue to walk or just do isometrics for abdominals if that is more comfortable. I did Pilates and yoga throughout my first pregnancy, including isometrics and other exercises for core, and I had a start to finish 7 hour labor and only pushed for 20 minutes with my first.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Your abdominals don't do the pushing, but it doesn't hurt to be in good physical shape all over. Do whatever feels comfortable for you.

[Anonymous]

Actually, I used the top part of my abs to push, and I had a relatively short period of pushing. I credit my strong abs, as well as arms and legs (for hanging off the squat bar) for my successful delivery.

[Anonymous]

From my own experience, I'd call BS on that theory. I was in really good shape when I got pregnant and worked out up until the day before I went into labor. While I did have to cut back and modify some exercises, I continued to do abdominal exercises throughout the pregnancy. (as well as my usual weight-lifting routine and modified cardio.) My delivery only involved 25 minutes of pushing - maybe 8 or 9 contractions. (after 26 hours of very slow labor.) The nurses were convinced that my "active" labor was so short because I was in such good shape.

I'm a month post-partum and while I have 20 extra pounds to lose (i gained 50+) and a little bit of a pooch of loose skin on my belly, my ab muscles are still really tight and if I suck it in, my stomach looks flat. I've been working out since a week after the delivery, with no ill effects.

So while you will need to modify some ab work, I'd say keep doing abs, and the rest of your workout. unless your doctor forbids it or you have complications that would make it dangerous to do so, you'll probably be happier if you maintain a level of fitness.

[Anonymous]

Thanks ladies - this is very helpful ... and inspiring!! I will keep up the work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From my own experience, I'd call BS on that theory. I was in really good shape when I got pregnant and worked out up until the day before I went into labor. While I did have to cut back and modify some exercises, I continued to do abdominal exercises throughout the pregnancy. (as well as my usual weight-lifting routine and modified cardio.) My delivery only involved 25 minutes of pushing - maybe 8 or 9 contractions. (after 26 hours of very slow labor.) The nurses were convinced that my "active" labor was so short because I was in such good shape.

I'm a month post-partum and while I have 20 extra pounds to lose (i gained 50+) and a little bit of a pooch of loose skin on my belly, my ab muscles are still really tight and if I suck it in, my stomach looks flat. I've been working out since a week after the delivery, with no ill effects.

So while you will need to modify some ab work, I'd say keep doing abs, and the rest of your workout. unless your doctor forbids it or you have complications that would make it dangerous to do so, you'll probably be happier if you maintain a level of fitness.

I don't know anything about OP's theory, but I was in okay cardio shape before baby #1, but my abs were never in great shape! I always skipped out at the end of class and missed the abs portion. I stopped exercising at 6wks of pg because I vomited every day until the day I delivered. I had a very slow labor as well- about 29.5 hours, but then only 20 mintues of pushing. I can't contribite it to being in good shape though. Maybe determination to push out a 10lb baby, but not because of being in good shape!