| Gentle exercise during pregnancy is usually safe and | | | | and knees, which is a great position to adopt during the |
| can be very beneficial to the mother. Pilates is a low | | | | later stages of pregnancy as it can encourage the |
| impact exercise that does not require the participant to | | | | baby to turn head downwards and get into an ideal |
| bear any weight and consequently its popularity | | | | position for labour. Pilates has also been shown to |
| amongst mothers to be has grown immensely in | | | | reduce both back and pelvis pain, which is a problem |
| recent years. Although there is no evidence that doing | | | | which most pregnant women suffer from to some |
| Pilates throughout pregnancy has any positive effects | | | | degree. |
| on the unborn child there are plenty of reasons why it | | | | Always consult your doctor before starting an |
| is of benefit to pregnant women. | | | | exercise program during pregnancy. As long as your |
| First of all, exercising releases endorphins and other | | | | pregnancy has had no complications there should be |
| feel good hormones. This can help reduce stress | | | | no risk to either the mother or the baby. Additional |
| levels and will help stabilise the mood if hormonal | | | | measures pregnant women may want to consider to |
| changes in the body are creating emotional highs and | | | | keep themselves safe while exercising are avoiding |
| lows. Keeping up some sort of fitness routine will also | | | | any exercise which requires lying on their backs, as the |
| help boost energy and stamina during the birth and | | | | weight of the baby pressing on the spine can restrict |
| once the baby is born will reduce the amount of time it | | | | blood flow. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly during |
| takes to regain your pre-pregnancy figure. | | | | summer months, and try to exercise in a well |
| There are other benefits specific to Pilates. These | | | | ventilated area. Stop if you feel dizzy and call a doctor |
| exercises tend to focus on strengthening the stomach | | | | if the dizziness persists. |
| area and the pelvic floor muscles, both of which can | | | | It is advisable to attend a Pilates class which is being |
| be weakened by pregnancy. Exercising your pelvic | | | | aimed specifically at pregnant women as this will focus |
| floor muscles can help with the second stage of labour | | | | on strengthening problem areas for mothers to be and |
| (the pushing stage) and because it increases the | | | | avoid exercises which may be difficult or can |
| circulation of blood it can aid healing after birth. Pilates | | | | potentially cause injury. Pilates also builds relaxation |
| will also help prevent stress incontinence during and | | | | techniques and improves the ability to focus the mind |
| after pregnancy. | | | | which can help towards a more positive birth |
| Several Pilates' positions entail resting on your hands | | | | experience. |