Pregnancy Fitness 101: Smart Swaps for a Strong & Healthy Mama
Okay, let us clear something up right away. Getting pregnant does not mean you have to stop exercising. In fact, it is actually very healthy for both you and your baby to stay active. Regular safe pregnancy workouts can boost your energy, reduce common aches, support your mental health, and prepare your body for labor and recovery.
But before you dive in, there are a few things we recommend to make sure your fitness routine is safe and smart.
First, always get the green light from your doctor or midwife before starting or continuing any workout routine during pregnancy. Once you have that approval, focus on avoiding exercises that could cause unnecessary risk, such as activities with a high chance of falling or movements that place too much pressure on your pelvic floor or abdominal muscles. Finally, always listen to your body. If something feels off, now is the time to modify rather than push through.
Whether you are new to exercise or a seasoned fitness pro, pregnancy is the perfect time to make adjustments to your workouts. For our athletes who are used to intense HIIT sessions or heavy lifting, this is an opportunity to slow things down while still enjoying all the benefits of movement. It is all about finding the right balance for your body.
The ABCs of a Safe Pregnancy Workout
When it comes to creating a pregnancy-safe exercise plan, remember your ABCs:
Alignment: Focus on good form and posture to protect your back and pelvic floor.
Breath: Never hold your breath, as both you and your baby need a steady flow of oxygen.
Core: Keep your core engaged in a way that supports your abdominals without adding strain.
What to Avoid During Pregnancy Workouts
Now that we have covered the basics, here are a few common movements to avoid so you can stay safe and comfortable.
1. Twisting Movements such as Russian Twists
Twisting can place too much pressure on your core and pelvic floor. Excessive twisting can also contribute to
diastasis recti, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy. Instead, choose stability exercises that engage your core gently.
2. Planks After the First Trimester
This can vary from person to person, but planks may create too much pressure on your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor as pregnancy progresses. As your belly grows, planks may also cause discomfort in your lower back.
3. Lying Flat on Your Back After the First Trimester
Remaining flat on your back for more than 30 seconds can affect your circulation and may cause dizziness. This includes exercises like leg lifts, flutter kicks, and scissor kicks.
Why These Modifications Matter
Let us take a moment to talk about diastasis recti. While it may sound concerning, it is actually very common during pregnancy and does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Diastasis recti happens when the abdominal muscles, often referred to as your six pack, separate to make space for your growing belly. It can sometimes be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction or lower back pain.
Here is the good news. Diastasis recti is completely treatable. With the right postpartum core exercises, you can heal and regain strength after birth. The best way to reduce your risk during pregnancy is to avoid movements that place excessive strain on your abdominal muscles and allow your body to move in safe, supportive ways.
Five Modifications for Common Exercises
Exercise: Plank → Modified Plank
From a full plank position, gently drop your knees to the floor, engage your glutes, and keep your shoulders aligned over your wrists. This reduces abdominal pressure while still strengthening your core.
Exercise: Crunches → Racked Dumbbell March
Crunches increase abdominal pressure and can aggravate diastasis recti. Instead, march in place while holding dumbbells at shoulder height. Focus on posture and controlled movement to engage your core and pelvic floor.
Exercise: Burpees → Elevated Burpees
Using a sturdy chair or bench, perform a burpee with your hands elevated. Swap the jump for a heel lift to protect your core while keeping your heart rate up.
Exercise: Chops → Rotational Shoulder Press
Instead of a twisting chop, rotate your hips and shoulders together while pressing a dumbbell overhead. This protects your obliques and builds upper body strength.
Exercise: Jumping Jacks → Modified Step Jacks
Step side to side while raising your arms overhead. This keeps the movement low impact and gentle on your pelvic floor while still offering cardiovascular benefits.
You Got This, Mama
The key takeaway is that exercise during pregnancy can be both safe and effective as long as you focus on your alignment, breathing, and core engagement. This is not the time to push yourself to your absolute limit. Instead, it is about staying active in a way that feels good, supports your body, and nurtures your growing baby.
If you are looking for personalized workout guidance, ABC Fit Collective is here to help. We offer
virtual 1:1 training sessions and an entire on-demand
Virtual Gym tailored to pregnancy and postpartum needs. You deserve to feel strong, supported, and confident every step of the way.











