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During pregnancy a hormone called "relaxin"
is released which effects collagen structures
in the muscles, ligaments & tendons. This
may cause you to have low back pain &/or
pelvic instability as the relaxin works to soften
those structures to prepare for childbirth.
Therefore, it is important that you exercise
carefully without placing too much stress on
your joints and pelvis.
The growing baby also causes the tummy muscles
to stretch & weaken along with placing increasing
pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which
are important in supporting your bowel &
bladder functions. Therefore, it is important
that you strengthen your deep abdominal muscles
& pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy!
PILATES is an excellent form of exercise during
pregnancy because it works on the deep abdominal
muscles and pelvic floor muscles.
Pilates exercises can also strengthen &
stretch specific muscle groups which are weakened
and tight from the postural changes & stresses
that occur during pregnancy. It is also low
impact without stressing the joints in the
body.
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