Finding balance during the pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes multiple changes to meet new physical and metabolic demands while ensuring the proper development of the foetus. Some of these changes include:
● Increased joint laxity due to higher levels of the hormone relaxin, which helps to relax ligaments, joints, and muscles, facilitating the adaptation of the pelvis and the dilation of the cervix during childbirth.
● Growth of the uterus, resulting in an increase in weight in the abdominal region, which pushes the maternal centre of gravity forwards.
● An increase in interstitial fluid in the extremities, which affects sensory input, particularly in the lower limbs (feet, ankles, legs), delaying postural correction reflexes. As these changes progress throughout pregnancy, they can increase stress on the spine and abdominal muscles, forcing women to constantly adapt to new postural demands. To compensate, many develop greater lumbar lordosis and an increased thoracic kyphotic curve. This allows them to adjust their centre of mass, which shifts forwards as pregnancy advances. However, if the sensory and motor systems involved in balance do not adequately adapt to these physical changes, the risk of falls may increase. In addition, lack of sleep during pregnancy can also affect balance by interfering with the vestibular system, the perception of subjective visual verticality, and alert attention.
What is balance?
Maintaining balance is a process involving the coordinated activity of several sensory (visual, vestibular, proprioceptive) and motor systems. Proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular information signalling changes in the position and movement of the body are sent to the central nervous system, which interprets and integrates them. Based on this integration, the central nervous system generates corrective motor outputs executed by the neuromuscular system to maintain or restore balance. Deficits in one or more of these systems can impair balance and increase the risk of falls if not properly compensated.
Why is it important to train balance during pregnancy?
Training balance ability is important for everyone, but especially for pregnant women, in order to prevent possible falls. Approximately 27% of pregnant women report accidental falls: pregnant women who fall are twice as likely to be hospitalised as non-pregnant women who fall, and those hospitalised due to a fall have a higher risk of placental abruption, preterm labour, labour induction, and caesarean delivery.
Why is Pilates important for pregnant women?
Pilates can be an important tool for expectant mothers in several ways:
● Improves posture: it helps maintain correct posture, counteracting the bodily changes caused by the baby’s weight and reducing strain on the spine.
● Increases body awareness: the method encourages greater awareness of one’s own body, making it easier to recognise and manage sensations of imbalance.
● Strengthens deep muscles: training the deep abdominal muscles helps support the additional weight, creating a kind of natural corset that improves stability and balance.
At Polispecialistico Paradiso, our qualified team is at your disposal to guide you through this unique journey, offering personalised and professional support. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information or to book a consultation.
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