The Benefits of Pilates When You’re Pregnant
Pregnancy is a time of enormous physical and emotional change—and while it’s easy to focus all your energy on preparing for your baby, it’s just as important to look after your own body and mind. One of the safest and most beneficial ways to do that? Prenatal Pilates.
At Fleur Wellbeing, we offer pregnancy-friendly Pilates classes that are designed to support you through every trimester. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, here’s why Pilates can be such a powerful tool throughout pregnancy.
Gentle, Low-Impact Movement That Supports Your Changing Body
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on strength, stability, breath and control—making it an ideal movement practice during pregnancy. It’s gentle on the joints and can be easily modified as your body changes, so you can keep moving safely right up until birth (with your health provider’s clearance).
Unlike some forms of exercise that put pressure on the body or core, prenatal Pilates is tailored to support your body’s natural transitions—strengthening the muscles that matter most while avoiding unnecessary strain.
Builds Core and Pelvic Floor Strength
One of the key benefits of Pilates during pregnancy is the targeted focus on deep abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. These areas take on a lot of extra pressure as your baby grows, and building strength here can help with posture, prevent back pain, and reduce the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction later on.
Maintaining a strong yet flexible core during pregnancy can also help your body better support the baby’s weight, reduce discomfort in the lower back, and aid in recovery post-birth.
Improves Posture and Reduces Common Pregnancy Aches
As your centre of gravity shifts and your body adapts, it’s common to experience aches in the back, hips, and pelvis. Pilates works to lengthen and strengthen the spine and surrounding muscles, which helps relieve tension and improve overall posture.
By moving with control and focusing on alignment, many pregnant women report less pain and greater mobility throughout their pregnancy.
Enhances Breathing and Mind-Body Connection
Pilates incorporates mindful breathing into every movement—something that becomes increasingly important during pregnancy. Practising deep, controlled breath can help manage stress, improve oxygen flow, and prepare you mentally and physically for labour.
This connection between breath and movement also fosters greater awareness of your body, encouraging you to tune into how you're feeling and respond with kindness and care.
Prepares You for Birth and Recovery
Staying active during pregnancy can help improve stamina and strength—both of which play a role in labour and delivery. Pilates also strengthens the muscles involved in pushing and supports a quicker recovery postpartum by maintaining tone and awareness in key muscle groups.
While no form of exercise can guarantee an easier birth, building physical and mental resilience can give you more confidence as you head into the final weeks.
A Supportive Studio Environment
At Fleur Wellbeing, our prenatal-friendly classes are taught by experienced instructors who understand how to modify and tailor movement for each stage of pregnancy. Whether you're feeling energised or exhausted, you’ll be welcomed exactly as you are.
Our boutique studio in Charlestown offers a peaceful, supportive space where you can focus on your wellbeing—with pregnancy-safe equipment and small class sizes to ensure individual attention.
Ready to Move with Confidence During Pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and looking for a safe, empowering way to stay active, we’d love to welcome you to a class at Fleur Wellbeing. Our prenatal Pilates classes are available as part of our regular schedule, and we’re always here to answer questions about where to start.
