PILATES DURING PREGNANCY AND BEYOND

During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles are put under great strain, they stretch and release as your baby grows. This can result in weak pelvic floor muscles (with less control of the bladder) and weak abdominals which can result in back and/or pelvic pain.

Practicing Pilates frequently during your pregnancy can counteract these discomforts, the focus is on strengthening your core internal muscles and providing support from within your body.

Pregnancy Pilates gives your body strength and stamina with emphasis on your back, abdominals and pelvic floor muscles enabling a more comfortable pregnancy, preparing your body for birth as well as helping recovery.

It improves posture during your pregnancy, improves circulation and increases your upper body strength in preparation for breast feeding or carrying your baby when born (and as it grows heavier!).

You can usually return to Pilates four to six weeks after your baby is born or eight to twelve weeks after a caesarean section (your doctor can advise when is best for you).

Pilates retrains your abdominals to help support your spine and pelvis and recover your pre baby shape. It also strengthens your pelvic floor muscles which would have been weakened by your pregnancy. With gentle and specialised exercises, you can safely regain your waist line.