Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for pregnant women to prepare for delivery and have a successful pregnancy. One reason is that Pilates exercises focus on the muscles you will use the most during pregnancy and delivery, which are the “Core” muscles (pelvic floor “Kegal muscles,” transverse abdominals, multifidus, and diaphragm). These muscles support you and your baby during pregnancy and are pivotal during delivery. Stomach muscles can weaken during pregnancy, causing back and hip pain. In fact, the abdominal muscles can stretch by over 50 percent of their original length. Strengthening the abdominal muscles is critical during pregnancy to help support the growing uterus, decrease lumbar compression and reduce pelvic pressure. Women who practice safe abdominal strengthening during pregnancy have less low back pain, less pelvic pain, better mobility, easier deliveries and faster recoveries.
In addition, pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor causing leakage of urine during late pregnancy and potentially a harder delivery. Some doctors and exercise experts believe that Pilates exercises during pregnancy will make labor easier, and using Pilates will help you recover your body after delivery. Pilates can also help women stay connected to their changing body, improve posture and maintain alignment.
Exercise during pregnancy encourages the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your baby. In addition, the breathing employed during Pilates can help with relaxation and stress relief.
Pilates People trainers have years of experience working with women throughout pregnancy and then helping them get their bodies back into shape after the baby is born. With over 600 exercises available in the Pilates repertoire and hundreds of modifications, Pilates People is the smart choice to help you prepare for this miraculous event.
Remember that you should always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program during pregnancy.
For more information on days and times of pregnancy and post-partum classes, please call 858-847-0055.
