Pilates & Pregnancy

Starting a new fitness regime when you are pregnant is not usually recommended.  If you have been used to exercise before becoming pregnant, unless there are specific health reasons, then usually there should be no problem continuing with an exercise programme as your pregnancy advances. 

However, it is always recommended to obtain advice about your exercise plans from your GP, specialist or midwife before commencing a vigorous  or new exercise programme when pregnant.

Pilates is one of the exceptions to starting a new exercise programme when pregnant, as the exercises are able to assist with the problems of loss of posture which can occur when pregnant.  Also the emphasis is on using deep abdominal muscles which protect the back and on working the pelvic floor muscles which can become weakened both during and after pregnancy.

Pilates also helps with maintaining body awareness and helps with breathing techniques, both of which are recommended to assist with pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and wish to start Pilates, to get the best out of the sessions, it is best to start with a few one to one sessions before trying out the classes.