Pilates During Pregnancy
Energy Center

- Or maybe, you have practiced pilates exercises before and you already know the method, but you want to know whether it is recommendable for your pregnancy?
Congratulations for taking the right decision and think about Pilates exercises in order to have a healthy pregnancy.

What is Pilates? Oh I am sorry, if you're a novice in this type of exercise, I want to give the following information which will be very interesting and useful to take further advantage of your pregnancy.

The Pilates method has more than 70 years ago by its creator Joseph H. Pilates. In the 40's, the Pilates method became popular in the art of dance. The dancers used to practice this method primarily to regain fitness and strength.

The greatest popularity of Pilates has very short time, inclusive in European countries.

There is a definition of this method which I like, and reads like this:

The Pilates method is:

"The science and art of coordinated development of Body-Mind-Spirit through natural movements under strict control of consciousness"

Sounds great, right? Imagine how wonderful will be practicing Pilates during pregnancy.

Frankly I bought the idea. During my pregnancy I practiced all kinds of exercises, yoga, walking, swimming, even Pilates. I wanted to give my baby and my body the perfect state of health to avoid complications. I am convinced that the practice of exercise during pregnancy is the key to enjoying, rather than suffer, those 9 wonderful months of pregnancy.

What is Pilates method?

Through the practice of Pilates, it can achieve muscular balance, having a greater control, strength and body flexibility.

With the practice of Pilates, you will be working the "center of power" of your body, which includes the abdominals, the base of the back and buttocks. During pregnancy these parts must be highly strengthened to achieve a balance in your body. Sounds interesting, isn´t it?

Can I do Pilates during pregnancy?

Pilates exercise is a low impact practice, where the muscles are strengthened by a gentle stretch.

There are 3 key parts of your body that should be well strengthened and flexible enough during pregnancy, labor and after delivery. These parts are:

• Abdomen
• Back
• Buttocks, specifically around your pelvis

If you practice Pilates during pregnancy, you will avoid having the typical back pain due to weight gain. Your body will be prepared to expel your baby. Your body will be sufficiently flexible for delivery. And of course, you will have less discomfort during pregnancy.

Remember, Pilates is an exercise for your body and mind, which means that you will be focused on your pregnancy with a better breathing and relaxation.

Among other benefits I can mention:

• Pilates will help strengthen your back, avoiding the abdominal curvature
• Pilates will improve your body posture and center of balance. Normally the body weight gain causes an un-balance in your body
• The labor and delivery of your baby will take less time
• The strengthening of your abdomen will help your recovery in the postpartum

Remember that Pilates during pregnancy is beneficial because it exercises your abdomen and pelvic floor muscles, which normally weaken during pregnancy.

If you have never practiced Pilates, I suggest you take a prenatal class with a professional instructor. You must learn to have good command of your energy center or commonly called the center of your abdomen.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, you can do Pilates with a moderate level of exercises, without overdoing it, because during this trimester you will be adapting to the different changes of pregnancy, such as fatigue.

You can combine pilates practice with Kegel exercises. Both help strengthen the pelvic floor.

If you experience any discomfort in your abdominals or your back, it's time to stop exercising. You should always be supervised by a qualified Pilates and your doctor.

Remember, exercise and pregnancy are two things that get along each other, and is much better if they are combined with a balanced diet.

Maintain a healthy weight during your pregnancy. Too much weight gaining during pregnancy is not a good idea for your health and your baby.

Read about other pregnancy exercises:

Running and Pregnancy | Walking During Pregnancy | Swimming During Pregnancy | Yoga During Pregnancy Exercise | Kegel During Pregnancy