Family and Parenting: Prenatal Pilates Exercises Safe During All Trimesters

By: Ambili S Kartha

Prenatal Pilates Exercises Safe During All Trimesters

Pregnancy is a time where the pregnant woman should be healthy and fit. There is a lot of discussions that go around the fitness regime that can be followed during this period. Since there are so many options available to keep oneself fit like yoga, Zumba, cardio, etc., choosing one is tricky. Out of all of these, Pilates is an exercise that has a low impact on the body, and it also offers power and makes the body flexible as well though not all activities are suitable during pregnancy.

Going forward, we will discuss the Pilates workout regime and the precautions that should be taken for secure and effective exercises.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is one of the most common exercises that was fostered by Joseph Pilates. Its focus is to enhance the movements of the body and the posture as well. The movements are centered on the lower muscles of the abdomen, the back muscles, pelvic muscles that are crucial for the balance, strength, and posture of the body. These exercises can be done either on a mat or by using fitness instruments like exercising balls, resistance bands, trapeze tables, etc.

Is It Safe To Do Pilates During Pregnancy?

As per research, it is safe to perform Pilates through all trimesters of pregnancy but after getting a go-ahead from the doctor. Pilates is not a very unsafe bet and is very gentle as an exercise, yet overexertion should be avoided, and the body should not be overstretched as well. All types of exercises in Pilates can be done in the first few weeks of pregnancy, but one needs to be cautious after the 16^th week, and all sorts of activities that involve sleeping on the back should always be avoided.

What Are The Benefits Of Pilates While Pregnant?

All forms of exercises, specifically Pilates, centers around the muscles and their function that are susceptible to Edema, improper balance, endurance, and posture throughout pregnancy.

Let us see the benefits of Pilates in pregnancy

It makes the stomach muscles and gluteal muscles strong.
The Pilates enhances hip, pelvis, lower back stability which decreases the injuries and the pain.
The back pain is relieved as the Pilates makes the posture strong.
Pilates strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and even offers support to the bladder, uterus as the baby starts to descend with the increasing weight of the mother.
Pilates enhances flexibility, and it even helps in controlling breathing that is of use during labor and delivery.
With the passing phase of time and increasing weight of the baby, the mother tends to become clumsy and practicing Pilates makes the core strength and improves the balance of the body, preventing you from falling or slipping.
The four points kneel position on hands, as well as knees, helps to lessen the load which is on the lower back portion and the pelvis.
By practicing Pilates on a regular basis, the excess gain of weight can be prevented throughout pregnancy.
Leg cramps, fruit retention, and varicose veins are yet another feature throughout pregnancy and practicing Pilates strengthens the legs and reduces all complications that can happen within pregnancy.
Pilates is an ideal way to relax and keep away from stress.
Pilates is the best way to reduce the fatigue one experiences postpartum.
It can even reduce threats of depression.
Pilates also helps to keep the mother and the new-born baby healthy.

Nine Pregnancy Pilates Exercises (Suitable For All Trimesters)

Nine Pregnancy Pilates Exercises

Pilates is an excellent choice for the mother and the baby. It has its own set of advantages as well. There are a set of nine exercises that are good as well as safe for the mother and the baby. Let us now discuss these exercises in detail. The exercises that are safe for the mother and the baby are as follows:

1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise:

It helps to offer strength to the pelvic floor muscles and helps in the prevention of any complications throughout the pregnancy and post-delivery.
For this exercise, one needs to sit on knees and legs together, or even lie on the back with head in an elevated position and bent knees.
The pregnant woman must behave as if she’s trying to control the need to urinate, and the muscles should feel the squeeze.
One should stay in this position for about ten seconds and then relax slowly and steadily.
Repeat this for ten times.

2. Deep Tummy Strengthening:

This exercise helps to strengthen the back support.
One should lie sideways with knees that are bent slightly.
Now inhale and exhale, trying to pull the tummy inwards.
The pelvic muscles can also be made to squeeze simultaneously.
The pregnant woman can remain in this posture for ten seconds or so.
Now relax the muscles of the abdomen and repeat at least 8-10 times.

3. Pelvic Tilts:

This exercise helps to offer strength to the pelvis and the lower back.
Lie backward with head and shoulders in an elevated manner with the help of a pillow.
Breathe inwards.
While exhaling, press the lower back portion with the help of the muscles in the abdominal area.
The pelvis and tailbone rise up once this exercise is practiced.
Stay in this position for about 5-10 seconds.
Strengthens your lower back and pelvis.
Repeat for five or ten times.

4. Upper Back Stretch:

Doing this exercise helps to enhance posture.
One needs to sit in a cross-legged position, and the back should be in an upright position with hands around the head.
Inhale but slowly.
While exhaling, pull the tummy inwards and push the back of your body, pretending as if you are looking towards the ceiling.
Breathe again by enfolding the shoulders and going back to the original position.
Repeat this for 5-10 times.

5. The Cat Stretch:

This exercise offers strength to the muscles at the back of the body.
Start this exercise by keeping the hands over the shoulders and knees behind the hips.
Breathe inwards as the tummy becomes relaxed.
While exhaling, pull the tummy inside and bend the back in an upwards position with the head in downwards position as if trying to look at the tummy.
Breathe gently returning to the original position
Repeat 5-10 times

6. Thigh Stretch:

This exercise offers strength to the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, and hips.
For this, the pregnant woman needs to kneel with knees and hips at a width apart and then pull the abs inwards.
While inhaling lean backward and try to enfold the butt.
Now lift the arms with palms facing downwards and the arms running parallel to the ground.
Exhale as you try to bring the arms downwards.
Return to the original position.

7. The Sword:

This position helps to enhance the balance of the body and offers strength to the back, legs, and the abdomen.
Now stand with feet at a distance which is wider than the hips.
Bend the knees and hold the left knee with the right hand.
Elevate the right-hand upwards pretending to pull a sword from the hip clasp.
Repeat with the left side as well.

8. Sword Arm:

It enhances the body balance, offers strength to the back, arms, hips, and the abs.
The pregnant woman needs to kneel with the help of the right knee with both the hands on the floor.
Now stretch the left leg and pull the abs inwards and hips upwards.
Inhale in and stretch the left hand towards the sky and then keep looking at your hands.
Exhale and lower the hand to the original position
Now repeat the same with the left side.

9. Wagging The Tail:

This exercise enhances firmness, flexibility, and even strengthens the abs and the lower back.
Start this exercise by kneeling on both legs and wrists in line with the shoulders.
Pull in the belly inwards by lifting one knee and then making circular motions by the leg.
Now repeat with the other leg.
Repeat the whole exercise three to five times.

Pilates Exercises To Avoid During Pregnancy

Pilates Exercises are, no doubt, gentle and low impact ones. They do not pose any harm for the mother and the baby, but there are few exercises that should be avoided throughout pregnancy. The list of ones that should not be done during pregnancy is as below.

Any exercise that comprises of stomach or back which could result in hurting the body.
Any exercise that comprises lying on the back or contracting the rectum.
Any exercise that comprises lying on the abdomen or face in a downward position
Any stretches which are done with the help of lying on the back and keeping one leg in perpendicular position should be totally avoided.

Though all these exercises should be done only with the consent of the doctor and be cautious that the mother does not get hurt while performing these exercises.

Precautions For An Effective Pilate Workout

Pilates is always safe during pregnancy, and we have already discussed the positions that should be totally avoided for being safe and healthy. The pregnant woman though needs to be cautious and take the necessary precautions to prevent oneself from the injuries and reap maximum gains from practicing Pilates.

The precautions for an effective Pilates workout are as below:

It is always wise to keep a veteran instructor who can help the pregnant woman with exercising effectively.
Before starting the exercise, get the pelvic floor muscles, abdomen, and posture checked so that the suitable Pilates exercise can be practiced.
It is always good to inspect the energy points and never overexert.
One should take precautions to avoid abdominal crunches and stretching the joints too much.
Never wear too tight-fitting clothes, keep yourself comfortable.
Keep the body balance with the increasing weight of the baby and get up from the floor slowly and steadily.
Never lie flat or elevate the feet over the head in the second trimester as this can put pressure on the blood vessels resulting in decreased blood supply towards the heart.
Pay attention on the pelvic floor muscles and on the posture in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Keep oneself hydrated and avoid doing any exercises under hot temperature and humidity.
It is better to stop exercising in case one feels tired or fatigued.
It is better to not exercise after eating immediately or on an empty stomach. It is best to keep a gap of a few hours.

Yoga Vs. Pilates For Pregnancy

Yoga and Pregnancy are both ideal ways to keep oneself fit. There are some structural differences between both, but they both aim at keeping you fit and healthy. The differences between the two are stated as under:

Pregnancy Pilates indicates working and making the muscles strong that are needed for the birth of the baby, but yoga pays more attention to the overall body.

Pregnancy Pilates reassures balance of the body, muscles strength and coordination of body parts as well, whereas yoga enhances the overall body functions and reduces cramps, fatigue, aches, emotional well-being, etc.

Thus, pregnancy is a time to be healthy, happy, and fit. It is important to eat right and full of nutrition, but at the same time, fitness should be done under experienced supervision and with proper precautions with proper consultation with the doctors. This is the most crucial phase of a woman’s life, and keeping healthy in a correct way is beneficial for both the mother and the baby.

Source: https://www.beingtheparent.com/prenatal-pilates-exercises-safe-during-all-trimesters/

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