Pilates vs Yoga in Pregnancy

[Laranna]

(Not sure if I should post this here or in the Health & Fitness area - mods please move if it's in the wrong spot)

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I have heard and read a lot of recommendations to do Yoga in pregnancy and I can see how this will be beneficial. However, I was wondering if there is any difference in doing Pilates instead. Would the benefits be the same?

I've been doing Pilates for the past three years and love it. Have tapered out of the normal classes during my first trimester due to m/s and tiredness and then just getting over having my appendix out.

Now I feel good to get back into it (will be a specialised class for pregnancy pilates). Having done pilates for the last three years, I know that it gives great core strength and strong pelvic floor muscles, which I would think would be beneficial in pregnancy, labour and beyond. Plus, I find it really relaxing but energising at the same time!

Pilates in pregnancy is not that often mentioned or recommended as much as yoga is so I was wondering what everyones thoughts were on this? Is Yoga a better alternative or are they on par with each other?

Would love to hear everyones views...

TIA

[canberramomma]

I don't know because where I live, it was difficult to find either class to accept pregnant women because of insurance/liability costs.

I really wanted to do a class as I was keen to try to labour again.

[Visitor7]

I found it difficult finding info on Pilates for Pregnancy. But there were heaps of places that did Yoga for Pregnancy. So that's what I have been doing since 13 weeks. I find it great. It helps me unwind, it has helped with my stretching, and I think it has helped with the weight loss as well.

[Tobily]

I think both are great during pregnancy for the physical aspect, but what I like about yoga is that it teaches you other skills that you can use during labour - meditation, relaxation and breathing primarily that I don't think you would usually learn in a pilates class. Yoga has a very "whole body/mind" approach.

Where's blue daisy she knows all about this...maybe she will come along and explain it better