Pre-natal prep: pilates or physio?

As I enter into my third trimester, one thing that really helped me cope with musculoskeletal pain and aches was attending prenatal-focused physiotherapy sessions (comes with clinical pilates and strengthening exercises)

As a new mum-to-be, I was keen to prepare my body for it. Hence, I’ve trialed both prenatal-focused pilates (solo) and compared it with physiotherapy. While pilates is good for overall strengthening and mobility, the latter seems to offer a more holistic approach to my well-being.

💁🏻‍♀️ Before I share my experience, some description about me:

- 33yo, first time mum

- due date in april 2026

- pre-preg, my only form of exercise was walking 🙂‍↕️

😩 Pregnancy journey discomfort:

👉🏻Felt my hip was imbalance, causing left side to be stiffer than the right. When I get up from bed, the first few steps might hurt.

👉🏻Upper back left side was aching (with growing boobs)

👉🏻Calve cramps (happened once because I over stretched myself while waking up)

🤔 So…..why did I choose Physio over Pilates?

(Just my opinion, feel free to share yours!)

1. Focus :

Rehabilitative, precise, targets deep stabilizing muscles (core, pelvic floor).

2. Expertise in human anatomy:

Demands higher precision and understanding.

3. Prevention and Management:

- Incorporates myofascial release techniques to reset the aches, increase mobility before strengthening them through various exercises- including clinical pilates, weights carrying.

- Not only that, depending on your preferred birth method, assuming it’s natural, they will also show you techniques on perineal massaging to reduce significant tear during child birth.

4. Credibility:

Highly regulated healthcare professional

The physiotherapist I currently visit focuses on overall women wellness:

>>Lifestages: preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause

>> Preventive programmes: recalibrating movement, rooted for birth, regrounded after birth

>> Services: pelvic health, musculoskeletal health, clinical pilates

It charges about $250sgd per session while solo prenatal pilates cost about $200sgd per session.

Bonus: If your company’s insurance covers physiotherapy, this could be claimable. Please check with your corporate insurance provider. On the other hand, pre-natal yoga could be covered under corporate “wellness benefit” but typically, it’s likely a partial claim with probably a much lower cap.

#pregnantmom #pregnancyjournal #pregnancytips

The place I go to: Calyx.sg