Pilates During Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

We have many clients who come to us either preparing to get pregnant, are already pregnant, or are post pregnancy. You can DEFINITELY do Pilates during pregnancy- in fact, I strongly encourage you to do so! As always though, check with your doctor before adding exercises to your routine while you are pregnant.

Practicing Pilates during pregnancy can:

• Calm the nervous system, thereby lowering blood pressure
  
• Help build the mental and physical stamina needed for labor and delivery
  
• Aid postpartum recovery and lower rates of c-sections, episiotomies, and preeclampsia
  
• Increases body awareness and prepares you for pushing
  
• Decreases back pain and improves sleep
  

Here are my top tips for doing Pilates during pregnancy:

1. Aim for 2-3 sessions a week, and with one day of rest between sessions. Don’t be hard on yourself when and if you feel more tired or uncomfortable working out– even doing exercises you could do easily when you weren’t pregnant! Self compassion will go a long way during your pregnancy.
   

1. If you can, and especially if you are just starting Pilates, opt for private sessions. This is important for all of our clients, but especially important when you are pregnant. Your body is going through a lot during pregnancy. Your joints and ligaments are moving and changing (becoming more lax/flexible), so you will benefit from the one on one attention you get from having your own experienced instructor. Our instructors are experienced in working with prenatal clients and know how to modify the exercises to work for you!
   
2. Wear light, comfortable clothing, have snacks on hand just in case, and be sure to drink plenty of water.
   
3. The Reformer is your friend! Not only does the machine offer modifiable resistance, being up off the floor is often more comfortable for pregnant clients than those trying to do mat Pilates.
   
4. Have fun, and listen to your body.