While cardiovascular exercise during pregnancy can be hard to maintain due to decreased energy levels, nausea, and uncomfortable with the added weight of your baby, Pilates provides a great, safe way for you to maintain fitness throughout your pregnancy.  Pilates during pregnancy can be soothing, allowing you to focus on your body and your breathing, without added unnecessary strain.  In the past few years, as Pilates has grown to be more and more popular, the number of resources on Pilates during pregnancy has exploded.  You will not be at a loss to find classes and videos to get you started with a safe Pilates workout.

You can perform Pilates throughout the duration of your pregnancy.  In fact, not only does this keep you in shape during your pregnancy, but Pilates also helps prepare your body for the process of giving birth, and even the process of getting back into shape after your baby’s arrival.  By focusing on your body’s core, Pilates during pregnancy strengthens all the muscles your body will utilize during the birth of your baby.  The more in shape these muscles are, the smoother the birth process will be, and the faster you’ll recover afterwards.

Exercising Caution

Like most physical stress, you still need to be cautious about doing Pilates during pregnancy.  If you’re taking a class, make sure it is geared towards pregnant women.  Not all Pilates methods will be safe for you while you are pregnant.  You will be the best judge of what feels right for your body during this time.  If you’re doing Pilates and a move becomes increasingly uncomfortable for you, the best thing you can do is to just stop.  Make sure you consult with your doctor about doing Pilates during pregnancy, especially if you experience any other risks or complications.

The most important thing during your pregnancy is obviously the health of you and your baby.  Pilates during pregnancy is very possible, as long as you practice it more as a relaxation technique, and not as a power-house workout.  Focus on the mental aspects of Pilates that you may have been missing out on before.  Let your mind connect to your body as you prepare for the incredible task of delivering your baby.  Enjoy this time to just feel your body move, breathing and slowly strengthening.  You’ll have plenty of time after your baby is born to jump back into more intense Pilates methods.

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