Why pilates through pregnancy?
It’s simple – pilates is one of the most effective forms of exercise there is and the only one that specifically targets the areas that are continually changing before, during and after pregnancy. The most obvious being an expanding tummy and bigger boobs – both of which can cause lower back ache and in turn affect your posture and of course, not forgetting the pelvic floor! So, it makes perfect sense to do it throughout the pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be unnerving for even the strongest of people –with pilates you have time to be kind to yourself and your baby and put a level of control back into your life.
Who is it suitable for?
Anyone at any fitness level although there are some medical reasons why you might not be able to do it so it’s best to get clearance from a doctor first.
Is it 100% safe?
If you’re doing it right then yes!
How will it affect my baby?
Only in positive ways! It will keep your cortisol levels down (stress hormones) which will keep you calm….and of course, in turn, your baby! It will also help keep you focused, in control and full of confidence, which can only mean positive things for your unborn baby because everything you think and feel while you are pregnant gets passed through to the baby.
Will it affect my labour?
One of the muscles we focus on in pilates is the transverse abdominus – the same one that you use to push your baby out with, so common sense tells us that if that’s strong, it’s likely to help makes the labour a little bit more of a smooth ride – and at that stage, we need all the help we can get! It will also help with a faster recovery after the birth.
When is the right time for me to start?
Anytime is ok to start but the earlier you start the better. Even if you focus on a couple of pilates exercises throughout your pregnancy it’s better than nothing at all.
How frequently should I do it?
Are you sure you want to hear this??? Three times a week, combined with walking is sufficient in my opinion….sounds a lot I know but when you start you really won’t find it a chore. Throughout both my pregnancies I would look forward to doing my pilates exercise – as well as knowing I was doing good for both my baby and me, I also found it very therapeutic and a great way to turn off from the world and focus on what was going on inside me.
Should I stop in my last couple of months?
Absolutely not! Unless of course, medical reasons dictate you should.
