A - Z Guide

What is Antenatal Pilates?

Antenatal Pilates is an exercise method to support the postural changes during pregnancy and after.

Why do Antenatal Pilates?

Most people are aware of the structural changes in the body as the mother and baby grow, but there are also hormonal and physiological changes and laxity in the joints. All these need to be taken into consideration whilst pregnant. Continuation of exercise and maintenance of fitness during pregnancy prepares both you and the baby for labour. Additionally women, who have done exercises to train their pelvic floor - as you do in Antenatal Pilates, have been shown to have shorter delivery times.

Pilates strengthen the muscles that support the back and the pelvis, such as the deep abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor muscles, the gluteals and the adductors. These muscles become weak and elongated during pregnancy. Strengthening them through Pilates helps prevent, reduce or improve the back and pelvic pain so often associated with pregnancy.

Antenatal Pilates aims to:

• Help towards a positive and healthy pregnancy.
• Strengthen the muscles that need to support the body as the baby grows
• Aid postural awareness, create stability and promote good functional movement (from lying to standing safely)
• Increase stamina & flexibility appropriately
• Release tension as the weight of the baby becomes more of a strain on the shoulders and lower back.
• Create a relaxing environment for the mother and baby
• Help reduce sciatica, carpal tunnel and leg cramps.
• Encourage and support the mother in her choice of birth.

Precautions

Pilates can be carried out through out pregnancy, though certain Pilates exercises have to be either modified or avoided, which is why you need an instructor who has been specially trained in Antenatal Pilates.

See antenatal exercise, antenatal beauty treatments, antenatal yoga, and pregnancy massage for other ideas on how to treat yourself and keep fit during pregnancy.

Source: www.pilatesinsight.com