Published in 2002 this was one of the first books on the market to address this specialist area

Pilates for Pregnancy by Anna Selby

Published in 2002 this was one of the first books on the market to address this specialist area. The author is a health writer and journalist who has been involved in many types of dance and, together with Alan Herdman, (one of the original disciples of Joseph Pilates) has co-written Pilates: Creating the Body you want. There is no mention of her experience in the antenatal field but Clare Fone, physiotherapist, has written the foreword. This book is suitable for all stages of pregnancy and includes a postnatal programme from birth to six months plus. No previous experience of Pilates is required.

Section 1 introduces the reader to the principles of pilates which are fundamental to the programme, and discusses basic hormonal, breast, circulatory and digestive changes. The pelvic floor has its own, very small section, but surprisingly, no mention is made of the abdominal musculature. It goes on to discuss the benefits of correct posture during the three trimesters but confusingly suggests that a pelvic tilt will also help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles!

The pregnancy exercise sections are divided into the three trimesters with the warm up (consisting of two exercises) being appropriate to use throughout. All exercises are very low intensity, mostly mobility in nature. The introduction to the second and third trimesters carry a warning about supine lying and recommends these exercises are omitted if readers feel uncomfortable in this position.

I would like to have seen a more comprehensive warm up, focusing on standing mobility and joint alignment that can be easily integrated into everyday life. I was surprised to find the first trimester exercises so incredibly low-key; this is the perfect time to develop postural strength and awareness when the body is still unrestricted by the growing baby but this opportunity is not utilised. Most of the pregnancy exercises are suitable; although one or two are taken to an inappropriate range, ie deep squats against the wall, and seated wide adductor stretches held for five minutes! Standing forward flexion with arms raised above head is contra-indicated! Supine exercises are performed with a pelvic tilt; although this position doesn’t engage TrA as effectively as neutral spine, it does allow a safe margin of error if the exercises are incorrectly performed. More precautions are needed to protect the sacro-iliac/symphysis pubis joints during hip rolls, knee drops and side leg lifts and generally much more emphasis is needed on the use of abdominal support.

The postnatal programme, recommends that new participants review the pregnancy exercises before proceeding. There are three mini programmes; months 1-3, months 3-6 and 6 months plus. These programmes progress quite well and offer a varied selection of mobility, stretching and postural strengthening exercises.

There are one or two exercises which need precautions for sacroiliac/symphysis pubis joints, ie walking on your bottom and side knee rolls and all exercises would benefit from a greater emphasis on abdominal and pelvic stability.

Overall, a very low key pregnancy exercise programme that does not really reflect a good understanding of pregnancy changes and exercise alignment. Guild members may find the postnatal programme helpful but will need to supplement with their own teaching points relating to alignment and effectiveness.

Judy DiFiore