Is It Safe For Pregnant Women to do Pilates?

 

The issue of exercise during pregnancy has been about for a very long time and individuals continue to ask the question – Is is safe to do pilates when pregnant?

Many have asked this question and the answer still remains unchanged – yes. In fact, Pilates can be tailored to for pregnant women by targeting important foundation muscles in areas like the pelvic floor, stomach and the back.

Back – pregnancy is one of the number one causes of back pain among women. By strengthening the upper and lower back muscles, you can reduce the strain from carrying an extra weight in the body. It is very ideal to do this during the early stages in order to build more strength by the time the weight reaches its maximum.

Pelvic Floor – this area is responsible for supporting the weight of your bladder, bowels and most especially the uterus. Having a strong pelvis reduces the chances of involuntary urine leakages and miscarriage.

Stomach – since the size of the baby inside forces the tissues and ligaments in the stomach to be more pliable, injuries are very common. Strengthening your muscles around the stomach makes carrying the weight more secure and make the skin firmer. If your baby shifts inside, you will have more control of the movement and avoid losing balance and fall down.

Pregnant women often find once the above mentioned muscles are strengthened, they feel safer going through pregnancy and delivery. Physical fitness is still important during this time and even the way in which you practice to breathe can help a lot when it comes to the actual process of labor.

So don’t be afraid to jump in and get started on this journey. As long as you have checked with your pre-natal care giver and they have sanctioned your movements then jump in. These exercises can even help you to get your pre-baby figure back after you have given birth. So the benefits are long lasting and definitely worth the investment.

If you have decided to take the plunge, please let us know and feel free to share your experience with us along the way.

 

If you would like to read more of this story, check it out here.

[Photo: healththroughharmony.ie]