Pilates and Pregnancy

Keeping up with your usual exercise program can be very difficult when you’re pregnant, thus, you may find yourself stuck up in a comfy couch and avoiding exercising altogether. True, in your doctor’s point of view, exercise and pregnancy are two of the things that are suggested to be inseparable, however it really is just hard especially on the nasty first trimester where you always feel nauseated and tired.

You have probably heard about Pilates – just the latest craze in all the gyms everywhere! However, what you may not readily know is that Pilates is not only good for people who are active, young, and healthy. It is a low-impact mind and body method of exercise that can be beneficial for anyone, of any age, of any body type, and of any level of fitness! Yes, it too is a great exercise for you.

Pilates and Pregnancy are two of the words that have been earning all the rage in town. To do or not to do - this becomes your biggest question. Based on scientific research, Pilates during pregnancy is perfectly safe, in fact it is even recommended by most doctors. The dynamic movements challenge your body, thus helping you develop muscular endurance, which is very handy during labor and delivery! It also gives you flexibility and more importantly a good balance, something very essential as your pregnancy progress.

Pregnancy Pilates strengthens the most important muscle groups that you will be mostly using all throughout pregnancy and labor – your pelvic muscles, your back, and your abdominals. And since Pilates is just a low-impact exercise routine, it becomes a great choice for those days when you don’t want to push yourself too hard on an exercise program.

Pilates for pregnancy is the ideal exercise to go for in the months leading up to the day of your baby’s birth as well as in the weeks or months following your delivery, to bounce back into your pre-pregnancy weight.

A lot of women find Pilates and pregnancy the perfect match and one of the best exercises to do both during and after pregnancy. One of the main reasons why Pilates and pregnancy go so well is because Pilates’ primary function is building core strength, which becomes the most vulnerable areas when pregnant. When your pelvic floor muscles, your back, and your abdominals are well toned, they will support are more comfortable pregnancy and a faster, more effective delivery.


Pilates and Pregnancy: How does Pregnancy affects the stable core?

During pregnancy, you stomach muscles are over stretched to cater to the growth of your growing baby, thus weakens this area as a result. Your pelvic floor muscles are also placed in great distress because it tends to move lower pushing unto your pelvis due to the weight of the baby. As a result, it will be harder for you to contract muscles as well as to hold them for very long. This is also the reason why you have leaking urine even when you just cough or sneeze. Plus if your abdominal muscles are weak, you may experience lower back pain.

During the entire duration of your pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is released on to your body which causes your ligaments to stretch more than the usual.

The combination of Pilates and pregnancy is one of the most sought after recipe for a safer, healthier, and more comfortable pregnancy all throughout the 9 months and beyond. However always remember that what works for the others, would not generally translate that it too can work for you. So, as a safety precaution, always consult your physician before engaging into any physical activity.