Prenatal Pilates

Keeping Your Body Strong During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body naturally puts on weight and grows to ensure a healthy baby is born. Sensible prenatal exercise programmes can support this natural process and help with any weaknesses that may occur during and after pregnancy.
Prenatal Pilates
Those who were already doing Pilates before they became pregnant, can modify their programmes by following a few simple guidelines. Do not try to advance your level once you are pregnant, just try and keep your level up with some modifications. If you have a well qualified instructor you will safe doing Pilates at any time. If you are new to Pilates please consult a qualified Pilates instructor before starting any exercise programme.
In the third trimester moderation is key. Follow your intuition and do not over exercise. Balance is essential and excessive exercise can put strain on the body and deplete energy and nourishment levels essential for a growing baby.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Prenatal Exercise
Do include stabilization exercises for the hips and torso, keep legs, arms and back strong and stretch out the hips and back. It is important to not do sit ups or anything that feels like it is compressing the abdomen. Do not lie on your belly. Do not lie on your back during the third trimester as this compresses the abdominal aorta and blocks blood flow to mother and baby. Do not stretch excessively during the third trimester either. Follow your instincts – if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
Pilates Exercises
These Pilates fundamental exercises should be done lying on your back and in the first and second trimester only: