There are a lot of benefits of taking regular Pilates sessions or clinical Pilates during pregnancy. However, pregnancy physiotherapy could offer you relief from aches and pains and help in a smooth delivery.

 Have a look at some of the important benefits of performing Pilates during pregnancy.

  •         Keeps you strong and stable

Pregnancy is not the time to start working on abs, what is the time where you have to keep the sides, abdominals and back strong throughout the prenatal period. It is important as a growing bump would result in the separation of abdominals. Maintaining strength in your stomach with the help of Pilates exercises and good breathing could help prevent this from happening.

  •         Safe at every stage

Other than being low impact and keeping the heart rate steady, Pilates is considered a great choice for pregnant women as the exercises could be adapted to suit you as you progress through various stages of pregnancy. Inversions are a strictly no go for women during the first trimester as they might feel dizzy. However, a good pregnancy class should avoid it or offer modifications when it comes to any inversion exercises.

  •         Healthy pregnancy and better birth

Relaxing is one of the hormones produced during pregnancy to prepare for birth and creates loosening of joints and ligaments. It would result in more instability in the body during pregnancy. This might lead to pelvic and lower back pain. Strengthening the deep stabilizing muscles and glutes would be a focus in Pilates classes, which could help counter the laxity. A regular Pilates session during pregnancy might mean that you are less likely to experience pain in your back and pelvis.

  •         Stretchy and strong pelvic floor

Mass pregnant women would have noticed that having a strong pelvic floor is very important. It is essential as it can counter the downward pressure on the organs. However, only a few people are aware of the fact that a healthy pelvic floor would need to be stretchy and strong and it has to release and contract as well. This is very important during labour when the pelvic floor needs to be let go so that the baby could be pushed out. Without that happening, women will have to risk sustaining trauma to the pelvic floor during pregnancy or labour which would lead to incontinence issues. As Pilates focuses on pelvic floor strengthening as well as release work exercises, it would be beneficial for pregnant women. Pregnancy Pilates teachers would also be able to draw the expertise of women’s physios in case of expert advice.

  •         Helps in better breathing

Studies have shown that learning to breathe properly would have many positive side effects. Most people breathe shallowly within their chest. Pilates helps in better breathing and also provides stress reduction along with lowering blood pressure. The power of good breathing in Pilates is recognised and it is used to treat aches and pains, improve movement and support the health of the pelvic floor. It also supports good breathing habits through things like abdominal release work and diaphragm which would allow you to breathe fully.