PreNatal Exercise

Finding out that you are expecting is exciting news, but along with that excitement comes a deep-rooted mix of emotions, and thoughts. Many women find themselves in what is referred to as the “trimester of ambivalence.” They are unsure of how they feel about becoming a mother, how their life will change, how their marriage will change and how their body will change. During pregnancy a woman’s body will go through many changes –often, it is difficult for a woman to possess a strong sense of self and feel good about her body. Having a positive support system, making healthy nutritional choices, and exercising are all key ingredients to having a happy and healthy mental attitude before, during, and after pregnancy.

Pilates offers quite an amazing number of benefits to pregnant women. First off, the program is tailor-made for each individual and therefore is based on each student’s unique level of fitness and/or physical issues that arise during pregnancy. Other benefits include:

• More effective breathing and increased flexibility for easier delivery

• Stronger, wider, and longer abdominal muscles, which reduce back-pain during pregnancy, aid in delivery, and help with recovery post delivery

• Stronger and more flexible pelvic floor muscles, which can help alleviate or minimize a plethora of issues that arise during pregnancy

• Improved circulation in the abdomen area

• Faster return to pre-pregnancy weight/shape

Pilates can also increase an individual’s confidence and emotional well-being. Becoming aware and connected to her body through Pilates helps a woman maintain a positive body image, higher self-esteem, and a better general attitude.

Moira Kucaba, local owner of Pilates of Charleston, really enjoys working with women at this special time in their lives and strongly believes in the wonderful benefits derived from practicing Pilates. She states, “All of the clients I have had the opportunity to work with through their entire pregnancy have had very quick

deliveries and all have been back to their pre-pregnancy shape within 8-10 weeks.” Pilates of Charleston client, Amy Parr, says Pilates helped her both during and after pregnancy. She states, “Doing reformer Pilates with Moira has changed my perception of fitness and my body. I was able to isolate different muscles throughout my pregnancy and jump back into my clothes just weeks after delivering. Moira’s teaching techniques on the Pilates equipment are amazing and will push you to be in your best shape ever. ”

Continuing your Pilates program after delivery will also aid you in your new job as a mother. Many new moms experience back and hip pain due to carrying children and having weaker core muscles. Strengthening these muscles through Pilates helps mothers lift and carry their children with ease.

About the Author
Moira Kucaba is co-founder of the Pilates of Charleston studio and wellness center located in Mt. Pleasant, SC. A graduate of the Healthy Moms Perinatal Fitness Training and Certification program and certified Pilates instructor, Moira has always been interested in the biological and physiological benefits that continued exercise has on an expectant mother.