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Prenatal Pilates: Benefits of Pilates During Pregnancy

17 September 2025

Reformer Pilates During Pregnancy: Safety, Benefits, and Why It’s a Game-Changer for Expectant Mums

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, and staying active throughout can have enormous benefits for both mum and baby. One form of exercise that has gained popularity among pregnant women is Reformer Pilates. A low-impact, full-body workout designed to build strength, improve posture, and maintain mobility.

Is Reformer Pilates safe during pregnancy? The short answer: yes, with the right guidance and modifications. At SAINT Studios, we take the safety and well-being of all our members seriously, and that includes mums-to-be.

 

Safety First: Reformer Pilates during Pregnancy

Before diving into the benefits, it’s important to understand how pregnancy changes the body and why exercise recommendations differ at each stage.

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, like relaxin, loosen ligaments and joints, making you more prone to overstretching or injury.

• Postural Changes: As your bump grows, your centre of gravity shifts, affecting balance and posture.

• Energy and Fatigue: The first trimester often brings fatigue and nausea, while later stages bring physical limitations as your body adapts.

The Benefits of Reformer Pilates During Pregnancy

Reformer Pilates offers a long list of benefits for expectant mothers when done safely and under expert guidance:

Improves Posture and Reduces Back Pain

As your bump grows, your posture shifts, often leading to lower back pain and tightness. Reformer Pilates strengthens the deep core, glutes, and postural muscles, helping you stay strong and supported as your body changes.

 

 

Strengthens the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor works harder during pregnancy and childbirth. Reformer Pilates incorporates controlled movements and breath-work that gently activate and strengthen the pelvic floor, aiding both labour and postpartum recovery.

 

 

Supports Better Breathing and Relaxation

Breath-work is a cornerstone of Pilates. Learning to breathe deeply can reduce stress, improve oxygen flow, and help with relaxation techniques that are useful during labour.

Enhances Circulation and Reduces Swelling

Gentle, low-impact movement promotes healthy blood flow, reducing the risk of swelling in the legs and feet, a common discomfort during pregnancy.

 

 

Builds Functional Strength for Motherhood

Carrying, lifting, and caring for a newborn takes strength. Reformer Pilates helps develop functional movement patterns so your body is ready for life as a new mum.

 

 

Boosts Mental Wellbeing

Staying active helps release endorphins, supporting a positive mood and reducing anxiety – so important during this life-changing stage.

Why 1:1 Sessions Are Best After 12 Weeks

Past the first trimester, individual attention becomes essential. Every pregnancy is different, and private sessions allow us to:

• Modify exercises for your comfort and safety.
• Adjust positions to avoid lying flat on your back for prolonged periods (not recommended after 20 weeks).
• Focus on core, pelvic floor, and posture without risk of overexertion.
• Monitor fatigue levels and adapt sessions as your pregnancy progresses.

Group classes simply can’t provide this level of individualisation, which is why SAINT Studios only offers private Reformer sessions for expectant mothers after 12 weeks.

Our Instructors: Supporting You Every Step of the Way

Our team at SAINT is highly trained in prenatal Pilates modifications - We work closely with you to create a safe, enjoyable, and empowering experience, always encouraging progress over perfection.

*We also recommend staying in close contact with your healthcare provider, keeping them informed of your exercise routine.

Reformer Pilates during pregnancy can be a fantastic way to stay active, reduce discomfort, and prepare your body for motherhood, but only when done safely and under expert guidance.

At SAINT Studios:

We welcome expectant mothers in group Reformer classes only up to 12 weeks with medical clearance.

After that, we provide 1:1 private sessions tailored to your needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and confidence throughout your pregnancy journey.

If you’re pregnant and curious about Reformer Pilates, speak to your doctor, then book a private session with our experienced team. We’ll support you every step of the way.