Pregnancy is a period of rapid body change for a woman. Appropriate physical preparation like a customised Pilates exercise program can facilitate a more comfortable gestation, an easier birthing experience and the prevention of deleterious post-natal consequences.

Our Pregnancy Pilates program considers the changing needs of a woman as her body grows. In the first trimester, we work within the limits of each woman's nausea or tiredness. In the second trimester avoiding prone positions and beginning to work in more upright positions such as sitting, standing or supported sitting. As the foetus rapidly grows the changing shape of the mother requires adaption in postural control to prevent back and pelvic pain. In the third trimester maintaining comfort, avoiding end range stretching but still providing the feeling of openness through all joints and beginning to prepare for breastfeeding and baby carriage.

As the baby grows the pelvic floor is placed under great load and may suffer lasting damage. Learning how to effectively contract the pelvic floor is vital for the prevention of incontinence, whilst learning to relax the pelvic floor will help allow a more open birth canal.

After the birth we recommend a screening of your pelvic floor with our Women's Health Physiotherapist to help ensure you are correctly working this vital area.