Pilates In Pregnancy

Pilates in pregnancy

We know how important it is to keep yourself active while pregnant, (always check with your doctor first) and all the benefits that comes with it. 

We have an amazing prenatal and posnatal pilates instructor, Paula, who took the time to help us with some of our questions in regards of pilates during pregnancy.

Paula Uribe, Master Pilates Instructor

The fact that you can (and should) continue to work out while pregnant is nothing new. In fact, doctor's say pregnancy workout exercises helps with common pregnancy complaints like back pain, improve digestion, promotes a healthy level of weight gain during pregnancy and helps with sleep troubles. It can even make labor easier too! Exercise while pregnant also triggers the flow of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, to help improve your mood during what can be an emotional roller coaster.

Many physiological and hormonal changes occurs during pregnancy which brings to the very question of “How safe is exercise during pregnancy?”

The American Obstetrics and Gynecology  Council and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist in the position statements on Pregnancy and exercise, both recommend that a healthy pregnant client be encouraged to pursue as part of a healthy lifestyle, an aerobic and strength conditioning program in the safest manner possible. They also recommend for women previously active before their pregnancy to remain active during pregnancy but modified their usual exercise routine as medical indicated.

Should You Exercise During Pregnancy?

Exercising during pregnancy offers no shortage of benefits, for both mom and baby alike. Recent studies have shown that regular exercise throughout the prenatal period can support the baby’s brain growth and development, among other things. As for mama, staying in shape while expecting has numerous advantages for her overall well-being, from easing pregnancy-related aches and pains to managing stress and preventing conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Pilates differs from regular fitness programs and work deep within your core muscles. The deep breathing, as well as the mind body connection, all part of the Pilates Method, works really well as it emphasizes in helping the mothers to prepare themselves for labor and childbirth.

There is some evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour. It also recommended that pregnant women do exercises that strengthen their stomach and pelvic floor, both things that Pilates does really well!

Pilates Benefits for pregnancy

Pilates is a low-impact, it’s suitable for pregnant women, since it puts minimal strain on joints.  By targeting the stomach muscles, Pilates improves the pregnancy body’s ability to cope with the growing weight of the baby. Pilates while pregnant helps women to contract and release the pelvic floor muscles, which also helps supporting those organs, giving birth and preventing incontinence.

It provides pregnant women with a sense of control over their bodies, during a time when it feels like everything is out of control. Thus it  provides a sense of wellbeing and accomplishment, both of which may lead to more self-confidence. Getting the body back into shape after pregnancy is also easier, which also gives the self-esteem a boost!

Paula Uribe, Master Pilates Instructor

Ig: @paula_2fit_pilates