Pregnancy is an extremely exciting time. There’s anticipation of what’s to come and a lot of unknown also. As you progress through pregnancy, there are many musculoskeletal changes which occur to prepare your body to give birth. Let’s look at what some of these changes are, and how Clinical Pilates can help minimise challenges and set you up to be happy and healthy during pregnancy and beyond!
What changes can occur during pregnancy?
Posture: As your baby grows and your body changes, you will often develop a more slouched posture and your hips will tilt
Muscle tightness: Pregnancy often leads to some areas of your body tightening up
Increased joint laxity: To assist in giving birth, your joints often loosen up, this can lead to achyness but also increase the likelihood of injury such as back pain
Reduced exercise tolerance: As your baby grows they rely on your energy and nutrients. As a result your tolerance to exercise reduces.
Poor circulation: As your baby requires oxygen and blood from you, your circulation will often be affected.
How does Clinical Pilates help manage these changes?
Keeps you strong – specific exercises keep your muscles working and prevents loss of muscle mass
Keeps your pelvic floor and deep core muscles active – specific exercises for core control help maintain their strength and activity while pregnant
Keeps you flexible and moving
Reduces swelling – movement helps the circulatory system to keep working and exercise can help combat the build up of swelling, especially in your feet
Is Clinical Pilates safe for me and my baby?
Clinical Pilates with a Physiotherapist is considered extremely safe during pregnancy. To keep you and your baby safe, your physiotherapist will gradually modify your program depending on your stage of pregnancy and any specific issues you may be experiencing. The best part of Clinical Pilates classes is that they are extremely modifiable, so it can be tailored to your needs.
At what stage of my pregnancy do I need to stop Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates can be completed with your Physiotherapist throughout all trimesters safely, unless you are directed otherwise by your obstetrician or midwife.
How do I get started?
In order to safely begin Clinical Pilates, you will first be assessed by one of our Physiotherapists. They will ask you about your pregnancy and what you’d love to get back to after giving birth. This is followed by a tailored assessment to ensure that we create an individualised program based on you. You will then have some time individually with your physiotherapist in our gym space to assess and trial exercises. When you are able to do this safely and confidently, you can begin classes!
