During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes, which is why it’s so important to take care of it during this time. One of the key ways to do this is by keeping active, which helps the body cope with the increased stress placed on it. Pilates, in particular, is a fantastic and safe form of exercise that can aid in overall prenatal care.  

Exercise is generally safe during pregnancy if there are no complications or other health conditions to consider. However, it’s best to consult your GP if you are considering any new form of exercise during pregnancy. In most cases, your GP will not only say it is safe to exercise during pregnancy, but recommend it because of the many benefits activity offers both mother and baby.

Pilates with a physiotherapist is a very safe form of exercise for pregnant women. It’s non-impact and can be modified as your pregnancy progresses to accommodate for your bump, keeping you and your baby comfortable during workouts. 

During pregnancy, the body secretes many hormones, one of which is relaxin. This hormone aids in preparing a woman’s body for birth by loosening connective tissue throughout the pelvis, creating more space for the baby to pass through during birth. However, it also stretches ligaments and joints throughout the entire body. When combined with weight-gain during pregnancy, the mother can experience lumbar, pelvic and leg pain. 

Pilates can help to strengthen muscles in the core, lower back and around the pelvis. This can help decrease muscular and joint aches-and-pains related to pregnancy by placing less load on lax joints due to increased muscle strength. 

Furthermore, Pilates has health benefits for both you and your baby, including:

• Decreased bloating
• Decreased swelling
• Decreased heart rate
• Improved posture
• Improved sleep 

Improved fitness and strength from Pilates can also aid in recovery postpartum and improve your ability to cope with labour. 

In summary, prenatal physiotherapy, especially physiotherapist-led Pilates is an important part of prenatal care. It is a safe form of exercise for pregnant women and can aid in recovery postpartum.

Learn more about Life Ready Physio’s pre- and post-natal care by visiting our website. You can also reach out to our team today, make a booking and begin your journey to a happy and healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.