Incorporating Pilates as a part of Prenatal Care
Many expectant moms want to be able to continue with workouts throughout the pregnancy. While most exercise programs should be modified during pregnancy to accommodate the body changes and the growing baby, exercise during this time can greatly reduce the stress of pregnancy, as well as the mild aches and pains that are inevitable as your abdomen expands.
One type of exercise that can be found to be particularly helpful is prenatal Pilates. Particularly for women who were already incorporating Pilates into their regular workout routine, prenatal Pilates can benefit a pregnant woman by improving endurance, flexibility and good balance. These will all prove very advantageous in the final months of pregnancy and into the birthing process. As these workouts emphasize slow, gentle movements and stretching, a woman will not exhaust herself during prenatal Pilates. In fact, she may find herself feeling more energized by regular workouts.
Handle with Care
There are risks involved with prenatal Pilates, just as there are with any exercise routine during pregnancy. For this reason, it is a good idea to work with a Pilates instructor or trainer during your pregnancy to avoid these risks and protect you and your baby from injury. If you have any complications such as bleeding or a history of miscarriage during the first trimester, your doctor will probably recommend that you do not do any form of exercise until the risky time is passed.
Avoid all Pilates exercises that require you to lie flat on your back, since this can affect the vascular system of both the mother and the fetus from the second trimester. Be careful not to overstretch while performing prenatal Pilates, since ligaments loosen and become vulnerable during pregnancy. If you are stretching with the slow gradual movements that the routine calls for, you should be able to feel when you have stretched far enough.
Finally, remember that during pregnancy, your center of gravity shifts and you may not be as coordinated in this condition. Adjust your exercise accordingly. If you are working with an instructor, she can help you make sure that you are performing prenatal Pilates exercises properly and reduce these risks significantly.
Women who exercise during pregnancy can reap the benefits of prenatal Pilates not only during the nine months, but also through labor and delivery as well as post partum. Just bear in mind that your body is changing throughout your pregnancy and your prenatal Pilates program will have to be adjusted to accommodate your pregnancy fluctuations.