By: C Farrell
Pregnancy, labor and delivery and even post-partum experiences are all very taxing on the human body, even though they are among the most natural occurrences in the world. There is no doubt that a woman's body goes through tremendous physical changes during pregnancy. There is also a remarkable amount of hormonal activity during, and even after, pregnancy, which has a significant impact on mom's energy level, mental health and overall well-being. In order to be best prepared for the physical and emotional demands that pregnancy can bring about, the expecting mother may wish to seek out physical activities that also allow for some form of meditation in order to calm and quiet the mind in preparation for labor and delivery. Claims made by Pilates Instructors and enthusiasts are such that these physical and emotional tolls can be more easily managed by participating in Pilates, coupled with a healthy diet. This article will review these claims to help the reader determine if this is the right pregnancy exercise for them.
As pregnancy progresses, balance and flexibility are impacted due to the physical changes that a woman's body goes through. Pilates exercises focus on flexibility and balance by using controlled, fluid movements in an attempt to counteract these natural, physical changes. Pilates claims are such that the exercises can strengthen the body, particularly those muscles that are most affected during pregnancy: the abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles as well as the muscles of the lower back.
Pilates has often been compared to Yoga for its calming impact on the mind and body, as the exercises typically involve deep concentration and breathing. In Pilates, the participant focuses intently on strengthening core muscles within the body and it is through this deep concentration that a form of meditation can take place. Studies have shown that using meditation during labor and delivery can aid in calming and quieting the mind, allowing the mother to have a shorter labor and delivery, fewer complications during the birthing process and a quicker healing time. As with any exercise regime during pregnancy, the expecting mother should have her doctor's approval before proceeding.
With the claims made about this body/mind strengthening and calming exercise for a healthy pregnancy, it may very well be worth trying out.
