Caption: Dr Rachel Annetta says Pilates and yoga can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and excessive gestational weight gain.
Dedicated Pilates and yoga classes for pregnant women are gaining popularity in Melbourne as obstetricians recommend it as good preparation for birth and recovery.
Epworth Freemasons obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Rachel Annetta says Pilates and yoga workouts benefit pre-natal preparation because they build stamina and strength.
"The exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and excessive gestational weight gain," Dr Annetta said.
"Other benefits can include better core and pelvic floor conditioning, as well as improved posture and breathing control which helps with post operative discomfort.
"There may also be mental health benefits, lower baseline stress and better sleep and there is evidence that it reduces pregnancy related back and pelvic pain."
Dr Annetta says Pilates and yoga is beneficial across all modes of birth.
"For vaginal births it supports pelvic floor function, labour endurance, and overall conditioning; for caesarean sections it supports recovery and mobility."
The doctor says pregnant patients should always ask their obstetrician for advice before joining a class.
"If a patient is already following an exercise program which includes Pilates or yoga classes, then I encourage them to continue with modifications as they progress through their pregnancy. The class should be pregnancy-appropriate and the patient medically well," Dr Annetta said.
New mum Sheridan, 32, attended pregnancy specific Pilates classes until she reached 36 weeks.
"I had been doing Pilates for more than five years and it was really good for my strength and mental health and I wanted to continue during the pregnancy. I asked my obstetrician if it was safe and she said it was really good for health and particularly the pelvic floor.
"I had planned to do a vaginal birth but in the end I had to have a caesarean, and the Pilates certainly helped prepare my abs. I'm looking forward to getting back to class when I am told it is ok to do it," said Sheridan, who gave birth to Jade at Epworth Freemasons.
