Lindie - my pilates is FAR from energetic. I'm not that skilled The exercises I have done are on my hands and knees and moving the (for example) left arm and right leg out in front / behind only as far as you can while holding in your core (if you have done some pilates you will know what I mean). There are some DVD's with simple, no movement core strengthening exercises sitting on a swiss / exercise ball too that is really good for beginners (ie me!!) and doesn't increase the pressure in the pelvis. I could never do the really intensive pilates and only ever stayed at the basic. A good instructor who deals with beginners and the pregnant person would be good. I got lucky with a chiro who uses these techniques as part of a wholistic management.

You don't need to suck it up. It really hurts and makes movement so uncomfortable / painful