The main function of our abdominal muscles is to provide support for the lumbar spine and stabilize the joints out of the pelvis. Put a baby in the middle and that's when things can go slightly out of balance. A growing baby belly means your anterior muscles (those at the front) stretch and your pelvis begins to tip forward- altering your ability to stabilize this region.

During pregnancy your body is flooded with the hormone, Relaxin, which allows your muscles to become much more compliant to lengthening and stretching. Sometimes the abdominal muscles become increasingly elongated during pregnancy which can lead to a lack of core stability. This can cause a few challenges in the later stages of pregnancy, especially around the time when there's a baby sitting on your pelvis and you need core control more than ever.

Your baby bump grows at a gradual rate that your body is equipped to deal with, but sometimes your core needs some extra support during pregnancy.