Pilates in Pregnancy and Postnatal Recovery

As a Pilates instructor, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of Pilates in my clients. My passion is working with women who are pregnant and postpartum and helping them feel strong and empowered through their pregnancy and beyond in what is often a daunting and anxious time for many women.

There are so many wonderful benefits Pilates in pregnancy and postnatal recovery offers. Guided by a commitment to holistic well-being, Pilates becomes more than just an exercise routine – it becomes a companion on the amazing journey of motherhood.

Pilates, with its focus on controlled movements and precise exercises, is gentle yet remarkably effective. For mums to be, this is hugely important. The controlled nature of Pilates exercises ensures a full-body workout without placing stress on joints and ligaments. This gentle approach allows for strength-building that benefits the mum's well-being and provides a nurturing environment for the growing baby. Below are a few examples of some of the wonderful benefits of Pilates during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Core Stability for Pregnancy Comfort
During pregnancy, maintaining core strength is hugely important for alleviating back pain and providing stability. Tailored exercises targeting the deep abdominal muscles not only enhance core strength but also contribute to improved posture. This is particularly essential as the body undergoes significant changes, supporting a more comfortable and balanced pregnancy experience.

Pelvic Floor
As a Pilates instructor, I place a special emphasis on exercises that help keep the pelvic floor healthy through functional movements. Pilates exercises that focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles prepare mothers for the physical demands of birth and beyond. By fostering a strong and resilient pelvic floor, Pilates becomes an empowering tool for women during pregnancy and an essential foundation for postnatal recovery.

Mind-Body Connection
Pilates is renowned for promoting a profound mind-body connection. The mindful and intentional approach to each movement fosters a sense of presence and awareness - you won’t think about anything else while you are in the class. For expectant mothers, this aspect is particularly beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety.

Breathwork
Beyond the physical benefits, Pilates is a valuable tool for preparing expectant mothers for birth. The controlled breathing techniques incorporated into my classes aid in managing pain and promoting relaxation during contractions. Breathwork can be a huge benefit in those intense and stressful moments in pregnancy, and birth and help aid in your postnatal recovery.

Postnatal Recovery
Of course, as I’ve mentioned, Pilates doesn’t just stop at pregnancy. It offers a structured and adaptable approach to rebuilding strength physically and mentally postpartum. Modified exercises are designed to meet the needs of each client whatever your birthing story is. The focus on the core and pelvic floor continues to be instrumental in the recovery process, as well as stretching and mobilising the body.

Building a Supportive Community
Probably one of the most satisfying things about teaching Pilates during this important time has been building a community. In my classes, I have witnessed the bonds between mothers, creating a supportive network. Sharing experiences, laughs and challenges within the class setting is amazing to see. It inspired me to continue to help empower mums by hosting New Mum’s Mini Retreats with the first one taking place on the 2nd March with ABWR, you can find details of this event and book here.

Pilates during pregnancy and beyond is much more than exercise, it’s creating a community, friendships and a safe space for mums. It’s a joy to teach and help women on their wellness journey at this amazing time in their lives. I’m very lucky I get to call this my job.

Jenna is a Pilates Instructor in Aberdeen. She specialises in Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates. She is passionate about making her Pilates classes for everybody and believes exercise should be fun and inclusive. Jenna runs Mixed-level, Prenatal and Postnatal classes. She can often be found planning her next Pilates mini-retreat or spending time with her family and Ragdoll cat Beau.

Book your Pilates class with Jenna here.

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