Although your doctor may prohibit certain exercises during pregnancy, it is still just as important for you to stay fit as it is to eat healthy. Prenatal pilates is an excellent alternative to the fitness program you may have been on. Below is a list of the top benefits you can expect when you sign up for prenatal exercise classes. 

Learn How to Properly Control Your Breathing

A big part of pilates is learning how to breath through the exercises. This benefits pregnant women in two different ways. First, the exercises work the intercostal muscles that line the rib cage. At the end stage of the pregnancy, the baby presses up against your diaphragm, which makes it hard to breathe. Being able to take a deep breath becomes harder, but if the intercostal muscles have been stretched properly, you'll find breathing becomes a bit easier. Second, during labor, this type of breathing comes in handy when contractions make their debut. You'll be able to focus and successfully breath through the pain.  

Increased Strength of Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

Having a baby sitting on your bladder can really take its toll. Prenatal pilates works to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to keep them in shape. That means less leakage during coughs and sneezes. Additionally, the prenatal exercise classes will teach you how to relax those muscles, which is important during the delivery of your precious little one. There's also the added benefit of the muscles returning to their pre-pregnancy state much quicker when they have been utilized throughout the pregnancy. 

Less Back Pain and Better Posture

As your pregnancy continues and your baby grows, your normal balance will begin to change. This often leads to improper posture and lower back pain. Prenatal pilates works to keep your back aligned and strengthen the muscles that surround your hips and pelvis. Not only will equal less discomfort, but it will also keep your skeleton from suffering any permanent damage once the baby has safely been delivered.   

Stronger Abdominal Muscles

While you shouldn't take part in any exercises that are geared toward your rectus abdominis muscles, you do need to strengthen your transverse abdominis muscles. Prenatal exercises classes have instructors that will show you the difference in the two sets of muscles. As you strengthen the deep abdominal muscles, you'll better be able to handle the stretching and additional weight of your baby. It will also make it easier to get back in shape after the pregnancy. 

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