Pregnancy Pilates Benefits: Postnatal & Prenatal (aka Preggie Pilates)

There are quite a few benefits of pilates during pregnancy, but the main thing moms/moms-to-be want to know is how long they can exercise while pregnant and how soon they can get back into exercise after giving birth. 

One of the pregnancy pilates benefits is that there are so many variations in intensity and difficulty that most exercises are safe as they can be adapted throughout pregnancy (except in extraneous circumstances). And classes can be resumed as soon after birth as you feel comfortable OR as soon as your doctor gives the go-ahead if you’ve had stitches.

Prenatal Pilates is great during pregnancy as it doesn’t put a strain on your joints which can get achy during this time. It strengthens not only your core but all the surrounding muscles in your back, pelvis, legs, and arms, all of which will need to support you when your stomach no longer can. As you progress through your pregnancy, what you can do will change so it is important to listen to the alternatives your instructor gives as they are for your own safety.

Postnatal Pilates works almost in the reverse order through the prenatal progressions, which is why pre/postnatal classes are often combined. The main focus now, besides maintaining overall strength, is restoring abdominal and pelvic floor strength, especially if there has been significant diastasis/ab separation.

For more information on ab separation and how pilates helps with recovery, check out our post on diastasis here.