It is always important to have an optimal state of health through a natural diet, healthy habits and moderate physical exercise every day. But when we are pregnant, these three areas must be more present than ever. If we usually do sport, we should not leave it aside because we are pregnant, we just have to adapt to the new situation with the advice of a professional. If it is not a risky pregnancy (and this will be indicated by gynecologists and midwives), it is more harmful to stop the usual physical activity and become sedentary.
Women who before pregnancy did not practice any sport or for whom fertilization/implantation has been complicated, it is best to wait until the second trimester to begin some directed physical activity.
Physical activity during pregnancy
Yoga for pregnant women has become very popular because of the great benefits it can bring us in this process, but it has displaced other disciplines such as Pilates (sometimes even discrediting it). We cannot forget that yoga for pregnant women is an adapted activity, in which not all the exercises of yoga in general are done and also the famous giant balls are used, which are typical of Pilates and not yoga. If we do not like any element that involves the practice of yoga, we can opt for Pilates for pregnant women with complete peace of mind.
Pilates for pregnant women is an adaptation of classic Pilates and as such, the most appropriate exercises are chosen and those that are not appropriate are discarded. These allow a great diversity of healthy movements with the use of accessories such as large balls, elastic bands, soft balls, foam rollers, etc.
A work on breathing is done to learn to coordinate it with the exercises, the practice is very important because it can be applied later at the time of delivery. It is a work of body awareness that will help us to prevent the frequent backaches of pregnancy. All exercises require the synergic work of the pelvic floor to avoid possible injuries.
Pilates adapted for pregnant women is a safe activity, suitable for preventing/relieving physical discomfort during pregnancy and useful for the time of childbirth. For example, you learn how to use the large ball for the dilation stage.