Risk? Pilates and Pregnancy

These specifically are for the general public who either were slightly to moderately active before pregnancy. If you were an professional athlete, weight lifter, etc up to pregnancy speak to a specialist and consult your doctor in regards to your pregnancy and fitness routine. References are available upon request.

Please consult your doctor prior to returning or beginning a new fitness routine. They will give you specific details in regards to your past history on what to avoid and look out for.

Things to be mindful of

• Hormone changes that cause ligaments and muscles to relax. You may experience increased flexibility in your hips and pelvis due to your body preparing for childbirth.

• Increase changes in your spinal positioning. Due to the increased weight in your abdomen your spine will being to change it's shape. Not only making certain exercises more difficult but also creating increased chance of pain and tightness in areas you've never experienced before.

Avoid in Abdominal Work

• Laying on the ground without being inclined

• Crunches

• Twisting

• Laying on your stomach

• Holding positions without support. For example leg lifts holding mid air.

• Bad form

• Holding your breath

• Inhaling on exertion

Avoid in Standing Work

• Balance work without support

• Inner thigh work if you are experiencing pain and tightness in the pelvis and hips

• Holding your breath

• Overextending without controlled muscle contraction