Yes, a little. Whilst the focus of Pilates is still the same – to help flexibility, strength, and wellbeing, how we go about it needs to be a little different.
Pregnancy changes your body shape and also your physiology. Doing Pilates in pregnancy needs to consider these changes. There are the obvious ones – lying on your front at 9 months pregnant is certainly not suggested! But also some less obvious ones – like avoiding too much pressure on your more mobile and less supported joints and tissues. General guidance for exercise in pregnancy is:
- To keep the exercise intensity moderate. You should be able to hold a conversation whilst exercising.
- Exercise for shorter periods more often.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid exercises with high risks of falls, impact or collisions.
- Focus on the muscles most affected by pregnancy – pelvic floor and abdominal core conditioning and gentle stretches.
- Don’t forget the mind. Pregnancy can be a stressful time, taking time out to exercise releases endorphins and can help you connect with your changing body.
- Keep exercise comfortable. Stop and seek advice from your care givers or a physiotherapist if you experience any pain or discomfort.
- If you have a medical condition or a more complicated pregnancy speak to your medical team before starting something new. Most often exercise is still really beneficial, but you might need some more support or some adaptations.
The most effective exercise programmes are personalised. So, we suggest working with a trained professional with women’s health experience. A suitably qualified physiotherapist will understand the physiological demands at your stage of pregnancy, can assess how you move and your needs to adapt a Pilates programme just for you.