Can You Do Reformer Pilates During Pregnancy?

In many cases, yes.

Many women continue practising Reformer Pilates throughout pregnancy, provided they have approval from their healthcare professional and attend classes taught by instructors with prenatal training.

The key is modification.

As pregnancy progresses, certain exercises are adapted or removed entirely while others become more beneficial. A good prenatal instructor will adjust exercises based on your trimester, comfort level, and individual circumstances.

If you are pregnant, always inform your instructor before participating in any class.

When Can You Start and Stop Reformer Pilates During Pregnancy?

If you were already attending Reformer Pilates classes before becoming pregnant, many instructors will help you continue with appropriate modifications.

If you’re completely new to Reformer Pilates, some healthcare professionals recommend waiting until after the first trimester before starting a new exercise programme. However, recommendations vary depending on your health history and pregnancy.

Most women who continue exercising during pregnancy typically attend classes well into the third trimester, although modifications become increasingly important as the pregnancy progresses.

The decision about when to stop is highly individual.

Some women continue until a few weeks before birth, while others choose to stop earlier based on comfort, energy levels, or medical advice.

Always follow guidance from your healthcare team and instructor.

Reformer Pilates During the First Trimester

The first trimester often brings fatigue, nausea, and significant hormonal changes.

Although physical changes may not yet be obvious, your body is already working hard behind the scenes.

During this stage, many women continue most of their normal Pilates routine with only minor modifications.

Exercises Often Emphasised

• Gentle core engagement
• Breathing exercises
• Postural work
• Glute strengthening
• Controlled lower-body exercises

Exercises That May Be Modified

• High-intensity jumping movements
• Overheating-inducing workouts
• Exercises causing discomfort or dizziness

The primary goal during the first trimester is maintaining movement while listening carefully to your body’s changing energy levels.

Reformer Pilates During the Second Trimester

The second trimester is often considered the most comfortable stage for exercise.

Energy levels frequently improve and many women feel stronger and more capable compared to the first trimester.

However, as the bump grows, modifications become more important.

Exercises Often Emphasised

• Glute strengthening
• Hip stability exercises
• Upper back strengthening
• Postural correction work
• Side-lying exercises
• Pelvic floor awareness

Exercises Commonly Reduced or Modified

• Extended periods lying flat on the back
• Deep abdominal exercises
• Excessive twisting movements
• High-impact exercises

Many instructors begin transitioning clients away from prolonged supine positions during this stage.

Reformer Pilates During the Third Trimester

By the third trimester, comfort, stability, and preparation for birth become the priority.

The growing bump affects balance, mobility, and breathing mechanics.

Classes often focus on maintaining movement quality rather than pushing intensity.

Exercises Often Emphasised

• Side-lying work
• Hip mobility
• Glute strengthening
• Gentle upper-body work
• Pelvic floor awareness
• Breathing exercises

Exercises Commonly Avoided

• Prone (lying on the stomach) exercises
• Extended supine positions
• High-intensity jumping
• Deep spinal flexion exercises
• Any movement that feels unstable or uncomfortable

The focus shifts toward maintaining strength, mobility, and comfort during the final weeks of pregnancy.

Exercises Commonly Modified During Pregnancy

Every pregnancy is different, but many prenatal Reformer Pilates instructors make adjustments to the following movements:

Exercise Type	Often Modified During Pregnancy
Prone exercises	Usually removed once the bump develops
Long periods lying flat on the back	Often modified during second and third trimester
Jump board work	Often reduced or removed
Deep abdominal work	Modified as pregnancy progresses
Intense twisting movements	Often reduced
High-intensity intervals	Usually adjusted for comfort

Always remember that modifications are not a sign of weakness. They’re simply part of adapting exercise to support a changing body.

Returning to Reformer Pilates After Pregnancy

Many women look forward to returning to exercise after giving birth, but recovery should always come first.

Before returning to Reformer Pilates, most healthcare providers recommend waiting until you’ve received your postnatal sign-off.

For many women this occurs at the six-week postnatal check, although recovery timelines vary significantly depending on birth experience and individual circumstances.

Before returning to classes, consider:

• Receiving medical clearance
• Checking for diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
• Assessing pelvic floor recovery
• Starting with postnatal-specific classes where available

A qualified postnatal instructor can help you rebuild strength gradually and safely.

What to Ask a Studio Before Booking While Pregnant

Not every studio offers prenatal support.

Before booking a class, ask:

• Do you offer prenatal Reformer Pilates classes?
• Are your instructors trained in pre and postnatal exercise?
• Can exercises be modified during pregnancy?
• What trimester experience do you have?
• Do you offer beginner-friendly prenatal classes?
• Do you offer postnatal classes after birth?

Studios that regularly work with pregnant clients will usually be happy to answer these questions.

Find Pre and Postnatal Reformer Pilates Classes Near You

Looking for pregnancy-friendly Reformer Pilates classes?

Our directory includes studios across the UK offering prenatal and postnatal Reformer Pilates sessions.

Use our dedicated filters to find instructors and studios that welcome pregnant clients and support new mothers returning to exercise.

Browse pre and postnatal-friendly Reformer Pilates studios near you and compare classes, facilities, and locations across the UK.

Find Pre & Postnatal Reformer Pilates Classes →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need doctor approval before doing Reformer Pilates while pregnant?

Many studios recommend obtaining approval from your midwife, GP, or healthcare professional before attending classes during pregnancy. Requirements vary depending on your medical history and pregnancy.

Can I lie on my back during Reformer Pilates while pregnant?

Many instructors modify prolonged supine positions during the second and third trimesters. The exact approach depends on the individual and instructor guidance.

Can I do prone exercises during pregnancy?

Prone exercises are typically removed once the growing bump makes lying on the stomach uncomfortable or impractical.

Can I use the jump board while pregnant?

Some instructors modify or remove jump board exercises during pregnancy, particularly in later trimesters. Recommendations vary based on individual circumstances and instructor experience.

Is Reformer Pilates safe during pregnancy?

Many women safely participate in Reformer Pilates during pregnancy when classes are appropriately modified and approved by their healthcare professional. Always discuss exercise plans with your healthcare provider and inform your instructor that you are pregnant.