Abdominal muscles and pregnancy

[pixijal]

I typically work out about 5 days a week doing step aerobics, and weight training.  I am currently 31 weeks pregnant, and have reduced my workouts to 3 days a week.  I cannot do normal crunches or reverse crunches, as they seem to be painful.  Does anyone know what ab exercises are safe and comfortable during pregnancy?  

[hu73]

I don't think you are supposed to specifically focus on abs during pregnancy.  I think you are to rely on excercises that strengthen the core.  I am currently 2 months pregnant and have continued running everyday.  I ran during both my other pregnancies and this seemed to help things bounce back rather quickly.  Although not ab specific this does work the core.  I know that I have read several times that crunches etc. are not reccommended during pregnancy.

[QuestionableMotive]

I wouldn't recomend doing any abdominal exercises during your pregnancy.  Keep the stress off of your uterus and off of you child.  There will be plenty of work to get down to reshaping your body after your child is born, but until then please keep the stress of your abdominal.  In a couple of months you can do crunches till you pass out if you wish. lol.

[pixijal]

Your crazy.  Exercise during pregnancy, including abdominal, are not only ok, but proven to be GOOD for the mother and fetus.  There are just specific abdominal exercises that pregnant women should use to prevent any chance of injury to herself.....the baby will not be harmed.  I just posted the question to see if anyone on an EXERCISE forum might happen to know what these specific exercises are.