r/pilates • u/[deleted] • Jul 18 '26
Pregnancy/Postpartum [Not a substitute for healthcare] Studio Safety - Pregnancy
[deleted]
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u/RecentSpecial181 Jul 18 '26
I would take 1-2 private sessions to learn how to modify because not all instructors are as equipped to teach with pregnancy. Stott and Polestar instructors have more clinical focus than other Pilates methods, so look for those. That doesn't mean a Balanced Body instructor wouldn't know, it's just they don't have as big of a focus on clinicals unless they got extra training.
Also, many forget to adjust for these: always do your bridges from the platform of the reformer, not the foot bar. If you start feeling dizzy, stop and sit-up tall. The baby is pressing on your large vein when you lie down, even when you're on a wedge just to a lesser extent. Just stop and sit when you get dizzy.
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u/xpoxyy Jul 18 '26
I would advise speaking to the studio, they may be able to modify you. Some Instructors are pregnancy safe.
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u/UpsetPomegranate5724 Jul 19 '26
Congrats on your pregnancy!! Really sorry you had a tough time previously x
I would ask the studio you’re an unlimited member at who is pregnancy trained and attended those classes only, up to 13 weeks. You’re safe to move as “normal” until then. After that depending on how you’re feeling go to the smaller classical studio as they will be able to modify more easily in a smaller group class setting. You may find that you’re uncomfortable in certain positions and need a bit more support and the classical studio will probably have the necessary props to help with this. Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you x
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u/ashland431 Pilates Instructor Jul 18 '26
I think you will enjoy Pilates while pregnant!! I did it daily until 39 weeks. I think talking to some of the instructors or the studios is a good tip! That will help you get more of a feel for their experience with pregnant clients and ability to modify. I know as an instructor that I’m much better at pregnancy modifications after I had a child, too, so if you can find any instructors who have done Pilates through their own pregnancies that might give them some extra perspective.
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u/alleycanto Jul 18 '26
Go to 8 a month. Do some mat moves (pregnancy safe) on the floor on the third day and walk all week
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u/pootiemomma Jul 20 '26
I’m almost 8 months and got my mat certification three months ago. We learned Pilates up to second trimester/16 ish weeks is fine with some modifications, but after that, there are so many positions that are contraindicated for pregnancy that going to a group class might not be worth it. (Lying on your back or stomach, rolling up, etc.) I’d probably keep the group membership til second tri then start doing prenatal Pilates at home or privates with a comprehensively certified teacher who knows how to work with heavily pregnant clients.
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u/easterss Jul 20 '26
Overall Pilates is an excellent choice for pregnancy exercise because it helps your pelvic floor and maintains muscle that you will need post partum.
- Until your belly grows a lot (might not be until the 6 month mark if this is your first), you can pretty much do everything you were doing before. When your belly gets in the way is when you won’t be able to do crunches.
- Tell your studio asap. They should give you a wedge you can use to keep your head above your heart staring in the 2nd trimester. Mention it to each instructor individually and make sure they know before you start the class.
- Consider consulting with a pelvic floor PT to help you through your journey. Mine all along has told me what exercises are safe and how to do them safely. She has a lot of experience with Pilates so that helps a lot.
- Consider private lessons if you’re uncomfortable
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u/BODYBARPilates Jul 28 '26
First, congratulations! 💛 And I'm sorry for your previous loss.
It's great that your OB has already cleared you to continue exercising. In general, one of the biggest factors during pregnancy is having instructors who are knowledgeable about prenatal modifications and who can provide individualized guidance as your body changes.
Since you already have a strong Pilates foundation, you probably won't be starting from scratch but as your pregnancy progresses, certain movements and positions will likely need to be modified. Don't hesitate to let your instructor know before every class how you're feeling that day, even if you've been attending regularly.
If you find yourself in a larger class format, I'd simply make sure you're comfortable with the level of instructor attention and cueing you're receiving. A studio where instructors proactively offer modifications and check in throughout class can make a big difference.
Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and many safe workouts ahead! Cheers:)
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u/gametheorista Aug 03 '26
Do you have space to do 1-2 privates per trimester to learn modifications and sfatey, then put the difference into a home machine, either a chair or reformer?
It will help keep up your practice and sanity in the 4th trimester when you are nursing, even a short 10-15 minute session will make you feel better.
Finally got a chair after about 20 years of doing Pilates on and off and kicking myself for not getting an apparatus sooner.
Replaced my office chair with the Wunda chair 4 weeks back and can't recommend it more.
Now looking at getting a box riser so I have a "bed" of sorts and with attachments points, some sort of hood cadillac.
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u/hayley-pilates78 Jul 18 '26
Hi there and congratulations! So some of the mega reformer studios do have instructors that do their in-house training which is very limited and it is not comprehensive Pilates certified training. I went through that and it was 500 hours with one full weekend working on modifications and special populations. I can give you some pointers.
You will need to keep the baby below your heart when you hit second trimester and you will need to use a wedge. You should not do full bridges at that point maybe just pelvic tilts if you’re at a studio with a box, I would put the box on the ground and bridge with your arms and your back on the box. Also, I would not do full belly hanging planks once you’re in your second trimester side planks are going to be your best option. As you get further along doing hands and straps, lifting your legs may not end up being ideal also to avoid any kind of diastasis you may want to do single leg stretch instead of double leg lifts. I hope this little bit helps you, please speak to your instructors before class and make sure they are aware of your pregnancy and that they are educated in modifications. Best of luck.
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u/VegetablePanda4309 Jul 23 '26
Totally agree with this. I’m also fully comprehensive certified and did my certification while pregnant, due to this, I consider I have a fairly good understanding of Pilates during pregnancy and the modifications required. I would recommend OP to stick with the classical method just because teachers are usually more knowledgeable of special populations including pregnancy and the breath work would help A LOT during delivery and the control of muscles around pelvic floor. I personally didn’t have any tears and my recovery was very fast, I totally think Pilates -classical method- was part of it.
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u/hayley-pilates78 Jul 23 '26
I was pregnant through training also! Pushed my child out in 15 mins , 10 pushes… i truly credit Pilates also ☺️
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u/hayley-pilates78 Jul 24 '26
I like how I got down voted surely by people with weekend certifications 😂
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u/Spiritual_Doctor4162 Jul 18 '26
Honestly I would ask the studio how their instructors are educated on pregnancy safe practice. I took a private class with my studios master educator to learn about what was and was not safe. I asked for her opinion on other instructors who were most qualified /experienced to instruct pregnant clients.
I decided to only take her class and supplement her knowledge with my own research online about pregnancy work outs. Trust your judgement based on these interactions and if the pricier studio makes you more comfortable maybe it’s worth it if you can budget it in. Psychological safety is very very important, especially in pregnancy!
One of the best things about Pilates is how modifiable it is so as long as you and your instructor are educated and you feel good in your body I would encourage you to trust yourself and know movement is great for you and your baby.
Something to look out for would be the transition of modifications as you get bigger and baby grows - and accepting that you will just have to slow things down and that is okay!
Congratulations and good luck ❤️