Changes in Your Abdominal Muscle during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there is an increase in the content of the pelvis and this creates pressure outwards toward the abdominal muscles. Pressure is also created downward towards the pelvic floor and upward towards the diaphragm.
This increase in outward pressure causes the linea alba [5], which separates the rectus abdominis muscles, to stretch. This stretch can not be prevented. So it is important that you avoid exercises like sit-ups or crunches that will lead to further stretch of the abdominal muscles.
Other exercises can be done to focus on muscles like the transversus abdominus [6] muscles and the pelvic floor. Exercising these muscles provide benefits like extra support for your growing baby, assistance with delivery.
Exercising your transversus abdominis can be useful in getting your abdomen back to its original shape after you have delivered your baby. A way to exercise this muscle is by taking deep breaths, followed by exhalation. Practicing this multiple times a day throughout your pregnancy is a way to exercise this muscle.