Can Pregnancy Pilates help
Pregnancy is a huge period of change for women, but it can also be an important time to connect with your body and nurture your growing baby. Pilates is a safe, low-impact form of exercise that can help to strengthen core and pelvic floor muscles, improve posture, reduce stress, prepare the body for childbirth and improve circulation.
In addition, Pilates teaches breathing techniques which can be helpful for expectant mothers experiencing trouble with their breath due to the pressure on their diaphragm caused by a growing baby. It is essential that pregnant women follow the guidance of their physiotherapist to ensure that they are performing Pilates correctly and safely during pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are some modifications that can be made to a pregancy Pilates East Sheen routine throughout the various stages of pregnancy. The first trimester, for example, is typically a time of low energy and fatigue. Combined with hormonal changes and nausea, many women find that it is not the time to push themselves and go up a level.
Can Pregnancy Pilates help with improving circulation?
Instead, listen to your body, and only do what feels comfortable. If an exercise is uncomfortable or causes you to feel lightheaded, it is not a good idea to continue it and may even be dangerous.
In the second trimester, the uterus is growing and compressing the inferior vena cava and the aorta, restricting blood flow to the baby and making it harder for expectant mothers to breathe deeply. This is why it is important to modify the routine by avoiding supine work and opting for side-lying or seated exercises instead.
It is also recommended to avoid exercises that involve lying flat on the tummy, or any plank poses. This can increase the pressure on the uterus and lead to bleeding. In addition, if you’re working on a reformer, try to use a heavier spring for stability exercises and a lighter spring for arm and leg work.
By the end of the third trimester, most expectant mothers are no longer advised to lie on their backs at all, and it is generally a good idea to only do this type of exercise for short periods. It is also a good idea to stick with the basics and avoid any exercises that require twisting or turning.
It is a great idea to join a pregnancy Pilates class with a reputable and experienced physiotherapy clinic. Unique Physio at Bankstown, for instance, has been in business for years and is very experienced in providing physiotherapy to expecting mothers. They have a team of expert physiotherapists who are able to provide expectant mothers with the advice and guidance they need in order to perform a safe and effective Pilates routine during pregnancy. To make a booking with a physiotherapist, please contact the practice on 02 9709 2803. You can also book online here.