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Expert Q&A
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| By Sandra Grenier Prenatal Fitness Instructor | ||
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Is it okay to do sit-ups during pregnancy?
After the fourth month of pregnancy, if a mom-to-be is in the supine position, on her back, there is a risk that the uterus may compress the vena cava, which could decrease cardiac output, reducing maternal blood pressure. Signs that this has occurred include: lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and becoming pale or flushed. Circulation should return to normal if you roll onto your left side. Because of this risk, ACOG recommends no exercise in the supine position after the fourth month of pregnancy. However, other fitness organizations say that exercise while on the back may be done for four to five minutes at a time, so it is a bit controversial."