Reformer pilates is an outstanding form of preparation for labour, birth and motherhood. Reformer Pilates is invaluable training for labour as you will learn ore about your body and mind and encourage a deeper connection not only with yourself but with your baby too.
As you feel the baby grow, you will also experience your own inner growth. Exercising is good for your baby too. Studies show that babies born to mothers who exercise during pregnancy may benefit from better stress, tolerance and advanced neurobehavioral maturity. These children are leaner at 5 years of age and have better neurodevelopment. New findings are added to the already-known benefits of exercise during pregnancy, included improved cardiovascular functions, improved attitude, mood, quicker recovery and improved fitness.
Depending on what trimester you are in, the reformer Pilates bed offers different resistance and exercises to meet you exactly where you are at physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Reformer Pilates nurtures you through the varying stages and needs of your body throughout pregnancy.
After birth the most important thing is not to rush. The body needs time to adjust to its new nature of postpartum. When feeling ready, reformer Pilates can help sore muscles to become stronger by doing soft gentle and nuturing movements. The pelvic floor is still weak during the first weeks after birth. With the help of a reformer bed, you can gently move the body without putting too much pressure on the muscles.
First Trimester
The first trimester is the most critical time in your pregnancy. Although the fetus at the end of the 3 months is only about 10 centimetre long and weighs less than 25 grams, all of its functions have begun to form- major organs and nervous system, heart beat, arms, fingers, legs, toes, hair and bubs for future teeth. For many women the first trimester is also the period when the experience the most profound changes. Although you may not appear pregnant, you’ll certainty feel all of the differences. Women are often surprised that they don’t feel more buoyant at the start of pregnancy- especially when it is a long await resulted. In the first trimester if pregnancy, many woman experience fatigue, nausea and dizziness, so it is essential to be in touch with how your are feeling with each movement whilst doing reformer pilates and listen to how your body responds.
The stresses of the first trimester can produce many emotional ups and downs. Although your may be delighted that you’re pregnant, the hormonal adjustments you’re experiencing can make you feel scattered emotionally. You may experience mood swings, constipation, fatigue and insomnia, anxiety about your ability to experience a successful pregnancy, and fear about the unknown.
Regular practice improves relaxed outlook and emotional management whilst developing your strength, endurance, flexibility and stamina in preparation for labour.
Second Trimester
As you enter your second trimester, your pregnancy begins to show. The chance of miscarriage is substantially lessened and you maybe begin to relax as some fog the more uncomfortable symptoms- morning sickness, constipation, fatigue- begin to disappear. Fetal grow is rapid during the second trimester and you’ll experience a number of physiological changes related to that growth. As your pregnancy progresses, the extra weight and its unwieldy distribution places stress on your joints and muscles, especially in the lower back and pelvic region. You might also have problems with circulation, causing leg cramps and dizziness. Adapt your Reformer Pilates regimen accordingly it will nurture your body through these changes.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is dedicated to intensive metal growth. Your fetes will gain full half its weight during this period. In the final months there will be further essential lung and brain development. As your approach the birth of your baby, typically after some 41 weeks, its normal to feel equal measures of excitement and apprehension. If this is your first pregnancy, you’re entering the great unknown. You may find your thoughts filled with worries about whether your baby is all right, and you may dread what you’ll experience during labour- that is all totally normal- trust me, I have had 3 boys!
As your baby and uterus grow, many of your muscles will be stretching to the maximum. So its no wonder that the weight of your growing belly will create a serious strain on your back muscles. In preparation for childbirth, your increased hormones cause some body tissues to get softer and looser. As a result, joints and the pelvis relax. That will help your baby’s descent and delivery.
Hip pain, leg cramps, backache, sciatica and fatigue are normal feelings which can lessen and be managed with the aid of reformer pilates, baths, massage healthy food and plenty of water.
Surrender to the journey, trust your body knows what to do, the reformer will be your best friend throughout it all!
