Sit ups???

I went to the gym for the first time in a long time on Saturday and did a fit ball class. The class was great but at the end of it I started to wonder whether I should have done the sit ups part of the class? I had told the instructor that I was pregnant but they didn't suggest that I shouldn't do that part. Then again, it's not like that lady is a doctor so I shouldn't expect them to know everything. So do you know if it's recommended to give them a miss during pregnancy? I don't have a big belly at the moment, I'm only just starting to show....

Hey Chodes- I was told to stay away from them by the Doctor and the Personal Trainer at my Gym. Basically stay away from anything that might make your stomach squish if that makes sense? LOL. And to keep your heart-rate below "something, which I have forgotten" I am no expert though, and I know what you mean about the Gym People not being experts, but then again, I know plenty of Doctors that are pretty useless too, so I say just be careful with everything you do, and then you know you tried your best. I can't wait to see your Birth announcement :)

Haha, it's funny you calling me Chodes, that's what some people called me at uni and why I ended up with my user name ;)
I was worried about the whole squishing of the stomach muscles. I have an ob appointment on Thursday so I am planning on asking their thoughts but thought I'd see what all of you think in the meantime.
(can't wait to see your birth announcement either!)

I heard something along the lines of if you do too many sit ups or work your core too much during preg the muscles can end up separating during pregnancy.

I think the posters above are right - I am still going to the gym, but do not do any of the sit up / tummy muscle exercises. Also, no twisting type work and no weights above the head. This is on advice of the trainer at my gym.

I wouldn't do them either. But what you can do as an alternative (we did these in pregnastics at the Bris womens hospital) is to get on all fours, and pull your tummy muscles up towards your spine, slowly and with control. Keep your back straight and not arched in either direction. It is a great one for maintaining strength in those muscles without danger.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Your comments have confirmed my thoughts. I wont be doing them anymore. I have an ob appointment on Thursday and will ask them if there is anything else I should avoid too .