How to Do Recline Ab Exercises for Pregnant Women

While many women are concerned about continuing their fitness program during pregnancy, exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and should not be eliminated from your daily routine. Gentle exercise can help reduce weight gain, minimize pain and discomfort, balance moods and energy levels and even help reduce the pain of childbirth. Reclining abs is just one form of exercise that you can enjoy during your pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• Soft carpeting, a throw rug or a yoga mat
• Pillows

Instructions

1. Lay on your back on a comfortable surface, such as soft carpeting, a throw rug or a yoga mat. After the fourth month of your pregnancy, you may feel a bit dizzy when laying flat on your back. If you experience dizziness, prop your upper body up on a couple of pillows during your reclining exercises.

2. Place your hands behind your head, supporting your neck with your hands. Engage your abdominal muscles and imagine your navel pressing down to the floor.

3. Inhale deeply, and on the exhale lift your upper body slightly off the floor or off of your pillows. Do not lift too high, as this reclining abs exercise is not a sit-up exercise. Lift only enough that your neck and upper shoulders lift, engaging the muscles of your abdomen.

4. Relax the lift on your inhale, keeping the motion slow and controlled. Repeat ten to fifteen reclining abs before relaxing and moving on to your next exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• The reclining abs exercise is a gentle movement which you should be able to practice safely throughout your pregnancy; however, if you have concerns about your fitness routine or experience pain or discomfort at any time, consult your doctor.