Prenatal Pilates And Why You Need It.

As a prenatal Pilates instructor, the first time I heard the term “geriatric pregnancy” I nearly fell off my chair laughing. As a prenatal Pilates instructor, that term conjured images of elderly women giving birth and breastfeeding their newborn babies. Imagine my surprise when I learned that this was the term given to prenatal women over the age of 35. Now, I must admit, a lot has changed. The term “geriatric pregnancy” has been phased out, so “high-risk pregnancy” can take its place. You’re probably wondering what’s the big deal. Such quibbling over semantics seems petty, right? On the contrary, for a first-time mom, over the age of 35, hearing her pregnancy referred to as high-risk can fill her heart and mind with anxiety and doubt. I should know. As a perinatal Pilates instructor, strength trainer, and birthing doula, I see it all too often in my for-profit and non-profit perinatal wellness program.

In my opinion, pregnancy should be a time of infinite wonder and boundless possibilities. Women should be free from worry to enjoy these sacred moments, in perfect union, with their babies. As Pilates instructors, we have the honor and privilege of imparting calm and strength to moms while introducing their babies to a love for Pilates in the womb. As Pilates instructors, we have the power to positively influence moms’ lifestyle choices. We can directly impact the quality of a woman’s labor, birth experience, rate of survival, and capacity to adapt to postpartum life.

Let’s take a closer look at Prenatal Pilates from these four perspectives:

How is the quality of labor impacted by Prenatal Pilates?

The diaphragmatic breath work helps expectant moms prepare for childbirth. As we all know, breath activates the deepest stabilizing muscle of the inner core. This activation improves the strength of the pelvic floor and pelvis. Balance and tone in the pelvic floor can reduce the intensity of labor pains and the amount of time spent pushing during the second phase of labor. Wow, reduced pain and less time laboring. Prenatal Pilates sounds like a great option during pregnancy.

How is a woman’s birth experience enhanced by Prenatal Pilates?

The diaphragmatic breath work, visualization, and relaxation techniques learned in prenatal Pilates build mom’s confidence and sense of control, as it reduces anxiety, which increases the satisfaction of the delivery process.

How does Prenatal Pilates affect positive birth outcomes?

With all the recent attention given to racial disparities in health care and the longstanding Black maternal health crisis, I wanted to do what I could to help address the Black maternal crisis in my community. So, I started a non-profit perinatal wellness program for Black women. My program, Thriving While Pregnant, was awarded a wellness grant to explore Pilates and whether it can help improve birth outcomes within the Black community. I’m proud to say that, so far, the results of my research are promising. The first graduate from my program just gave birth. Both mom and baby are thriving.

Prenatal Pilates at Boundless Women’s Fitness & Pilates

How does Prenatal Pilates improve a mom’s chances of adapting favorably to postpartum life?

Prenatal/Postpartum Pilates transforms a mom’s body, mind, and mood. These classes build up mom’s strength. This strength takes time, discipline, and patience to build. This slow-growing strength is built within a community that gives Mom a space and a place for her voice to be heard among her peers. This community serves as her sounding board, her source of encouragement, and her base of support. Here she’s not alone. The women in her postpartum community stand with her. When life gets hectic, she’s always reminded that she can find answers, safety, and respite within this community. These ladies have her back, no matter what.

Article By Michele