Pilates has come to our lives to stay, for a few years, millions of women around the world practice this exercise routine to stay in shape. This sport is highly recommended in almost all cases, including pregnant women. However, as with any type of sport, it is very important that you take a series of precautions before jumping into it.
Especially if you are pregnant, it is essential that before practicing any type of sport, you speak and ask your gynecologist for advice. In addition, to practice Pilates safely, it is necessary that you have the help of a professional. In this way, you can do sport y keep fit during your pregnancy, but yes, without putting your health or that of your baby at risk.
What is Pilates for pregnant women?
Pilates is an exercise routine that combines physical training with mental training. Through different postures and breath control, it is intended improve physical stability, increase strength and balance. The goal of Pilates is to strengthen the muscles through gentle, low-impact movements. On the other hand, the control of breathing during movements helps to improve the emotional state with which a state of relaxation is achieved.
In the case of Pilates for pregnant women, movements are focused on the abdominal, lumbar and pelvic area. That is, the areas of the body that suffer the most during pregnancy. These movements help improve muscles and prevent injuries as a result of weight gain. It is also a highly recommended sport for pregnant women, since breathing control is essential to the time of delivery.
The benefits of Pilates for pregnant women
The main benefit you will get from practicing Pilates during your pregnancy is that you will be able to strengthen your muscles with a low-impact activity. By strengthening the muscles of areas such as your back, abdomen or pelvic floor, the most common discomforts of this stage will be reduced.
These are some of the benefits of this exercise routine:
- Tones the muscles of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor. Working these areas with specific exercises is essential to maintain good health after delivery. To improve the health of your pelvic floor, you can combine Pilates with Kegel exercises.
- Improve blood circulation. This way you can avoid suffering from fluid retention in the feet and legs, so common at this stage.
- You will learn to control your breathing. During the delivery, control breathing It is essential for the baby, but also to be able to alleviate the discomfort of dilation.
Disadvantages and precautions
Despite being one of the best sports and most recommended for pregnant women, Pilates is not without risks. For this reason, it is essential that you go to your doctor beforehand, and that you also perform the exercise under the guidance of a professional. Keep in mind that in your state you should not perform certain movements, therefore, the specialist will prepare a specific routine for you.
Pilates for pregnant women it is not recommended in the following casess:
- If you need maintain absolute rest during your pregnancy
- In the case of existing risk of developing placenta previa. In this link We leave you more information about this complication during pregnancy.
- If during your pregnancy you suffer episodes of bleeding
- In the event that you suffer from hypertension
- For women presenting Heart problems
In most cases, Pilates is very beneficial for pregnant women, but also for recovering once you have your baby. This low-impact sport will help you strengthen your muscles and your physique will look stronger and healthier. But you will also notice the effects on your posture, on your emotional state since the practice of Pilates helps you relax and also, you will improve the health of your pelvic floor, fundamental after pregnancy and the damage caused in childbirth.