All you need to know about Pregnancy Pilates

When we become pregnant we might continue with our regular exercise routine, we may choose to adapt it or we may decide to slow down and try a new movement practice altogether. 

A pregnancy-specific exercise programme, such as our Pregnancy Pilates, is designed with the different pregnancy trimesters in mind and to support the changes in your body rather than fight against them.

Our bodies are amazing. They nurture and grow a tiny person until just the right time and then we deliver those little people into the world. Whilst our bodies have been designed to do this, it doesn’t mean that all of this is easy or even that it will feel ‘natural’ to you. Having had two children and worked with many pregnant clients, I can say that no pregnancy is the same, just like no two bodies are the same, so we will all feel something different and our bodies will respond to these changes differently as well.

Some forms of exercise will need to be modified during pregnancy and ideally, you follow a pregnancy-specific programme that helps you to hone in on exactly what your body needs during this time, each trimester will bring with it something a little different and you may find your energy levels fluctuating through the different trimesters.

Our Pregnancy Pilates classes will nurture you through movements

Our Pregnancy Pilates classes will nurture you through movements that will help your body cope with the growing weight of your baby, remain as free and mobile as possible, and avoid tightness, aches, and pains. Growing a baby puts strains on our bodies, so the stronger and more aligned we can be, the better we’ll withstand these strains.

Whilst our bodies visibly change, our minds will also go through a lot too, pregnancy can be a worrying time for many bringing with it new anxieties and pressures. As a mindful movement practice, pregnancy Pilates will help you tune into your breath and what you’re feeling in your body, by being more present and mindful we can help ourselves to feel calmer and more centred.

Happy Pelvis

During pregnancy, our pelvis is where it all happens! During our pregnancy Pilates class, we will give you some awareness of your pelvis, the different directions we can move it in as well as ensuring your spine is both flexible and strong in order to support your growing baby. We’ll show you exercises that will help strengthen the muscles around your pelvis which will better equip you to cope with the strains caused by the weight of your growing baby. We think that a happy pelvis is a happier Mumma-in-the-making.

Happy Pelvic Floor

A happy pelvic floor; during pregnancy and birth, our pelvic floor does amazing work in supporting our growing baby and then stretching so we can give birth to our babies. A happy pelvic floor is one that remains strong yet supple. Our pregnancy classes will show you how.

Happy healthy posture

The shape of our spine naturally changes during pregnancy which in turn changes our alignment. Some muscles get weaker and some over-compensate. Our classes will take you through exercises that will help you maintain good posture so you are less likely to suffer from aches and pains.

A happy and calm mind

Our classes will help you de-stress and unwind. We’ll encourage you to notice your breath, relax areas of your body where there may be tension, and find space in these ten minutes of calm. Look forward to a more focused mind and body and a more restful night’s sleep.

Happy Mamas Hub

To support your Pilates classes in the studio we have designed a designated online Happy Mamas pregnancy members area where you’ll be able to join the class Whatsapp group and make new friends, you’ll also have some free downloads to help support you as well as some mini-classes to do at home, all with a different theme and designed to make you feel good. 

A personal message from Lauren on Pilates during pregnancy

I believe that knowledge is power so I share with you what I wish that I had known when I was pregnant with my daughters and through my training and experience of working with pregnant and postpartum women. I truly believe that pregnancy Pilates can help you adapt more easily to the changes happening within your body so that you can feel strong and free of aches and pains and by bringing awareness to the connection between your breathe and pelvic floor it will help your postnatal recovery considerably.

At the Lauren Hilton Pilates studio, we hold pregnancy classes throughout the year, our classes are suitable from 12 weeks onwards and the earlier you start in your pregnancy, the more benefits you’ll feel. Get in touch to find out when our next class block starts. Check out all the extras and benefits of our Happy Mamas Pregnancy Pilates class here.

Lauren Hilton Pregnancy Pilates classes take you through exercises that will help you maintain good posture so you are less likely to suffer from aches and pains during your pregnancy.