Pregnancy introduces significant musculoskeletal, hormonal, and postural changes that can lead to discomfort, instability, and altered movement patterns. Targeted therapeutic exercise during pregnancy is not only safe for most individuals, but it’s also clinically supported to enhance maternal well-being, reduce pain, and promote functional mobility.
At Breathe in Motion, we offer individualized prenatal Pilates sessions led by trained professionals with expertise in women’s health and perinatal care. These one-on-one sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each stage of pregnancy, with a focus on improving function, supporting the musculoskeletal system, and preparing for labor and delivery.
Why Integrate Therapeutic Movement During Pregnancy?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), exercise during pregnancy has been shown to:
- Reduce musculoskeletal pain (particularly in the lumbar spine and pelvis)
- Improve core and pelvic floor strength
- Decrease the risk of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes
- Support appropriate gestational weight gain
- Improve psychological well-being and sleep quality
- Aid in postpartum recovery
Our clinical approach to prenatal movement incorporates both Pilates-based rehabilitation and modified yoga therapy, providing a well-rounded, evidence-informed intervention.
Clinical Prenatal Pilates: Stabilizing the Core and Pelvis
Pilates, when modified appropriately, is an effective and low-impact form of movement therapy during pregnancy. It emphasizes neuromuscular control, alignment, and core activation — critical for maintaining stability as the body adapts to changes in weight distribution and joint laxity.
Focus Areas:
- Deep core activation (transversus abdominis and multifidus)
- Pelvic floor recruitment and coordination
- Postural alignment and thoracic mobility
- Hip and lumbar spine stability
- Functional movement retraining
During one-on-one sessions, we utilize props such as stability balls, foam rollers, and resistance bands to adapt exercises safely. Special attention is given to diastasis recti prevention and managing any existing pelvic girdle pain or instability.
Clinical Prenatal Yoga: Enhancing Mobility and Mind-Body Awareness
Prenatal yoga, within a therapeutic setting, focuses on gentle movement, breathing mechanics, and parasympathetic activation — all of which are beneficial for stress management and labor preparation.
Focus Areas:
- Diaphragmatic and 3D breathing to support pelvic floor mechanics
- Gentle myofascial stretching for areas of tension (hips, lumbar spine, thoracic cage)
- Balance and proprioception training
- Guided relaxation and mindfulness techniques for nervous system regulation
- Labor positioning and pelvic mobility techniques
Sessions are carefully structured to accommodate gestational age and any pregnancy-related contraindications or conditions.
Why Choose One-on-One Care?
While group classes can be beneficial for general movement, a private clinical setting allows for individualized assessment, hands-on guidance, and close monitoring — especially critical for:
- High-risk pregnancies (with medical clearance)
- History of miscarriage or fertility treatments
- Musculoskeletal conditions or chronic pain
- Hypermobile or deconditioned individuals
- Clients with limited exercise experience
- Pelvic floor dysfunction or history of trauma
Each session is tailored to your evolving needs, and progressions are based on clinical reasoning rather than a group pace or format.
Safety Considerations
All sessions are delivered by a licensed physical therapist or our performance therapist trained in perinatal care. We follow clinical guidelines and modify positioning as pregnancy progresses — avoiding supine or prone positions beyond the first trimester, and always prioritizing maternal and fetal safety.
Preparing Your Body with Confidence
Pregnancy is a time of change, and the right movement approach can make a meaningful difference in how you feel before, during, and after birth. At Breathe in Motion, our prenatal Pilates and yoga sessions provide a safe, evidence-based way to build strength, reduce discomfort, and prepare both body and mind for delivery.
Reach out today to begin your personalized care plan and feel supported through every stage of your pregnancy journey.
Client Success Stories
Our treatments and services always begin with finding the root of any imbalances and pain. With our whole body approach, you’ll get moving AND FEELING YOUR BEST!
Carrie’s Story – Long-Distance Runner
Addie’s Story – Dancer
WHAT CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
I’ve been seeing Stephanie for a shoulder injury. I appreciate her extreme care, her thoughtfulness, and most importantly her use of creative approaches to relieve the pain and help my shoulder heal. My number one goal is to avoid surgery and with Steph’s help, I have my best chance!
This place is an absolutely amazing place to get Physical Therapy. I have been to many different medical facilities, and nothing has compared to the treatment that I get here. At first it may seem like a lot with the cost, but they will work with you, and it will be worth it in the end. I have done only 4/5 sessions so far and we have gotten more done than doing twenty sessions under insurance at a hospital system. The ladies that treat you here are super nice and understanding.
Molly is incredibly knowledgeable! I saw her for pelvic floor health for my second pregnancy. She asked questions I haven’t been asked before and did a thorough evaluation to try and get to the root cause of ailments I had with my first pregnancy. She exudes passion for what she does and stressed the importance of prevention. She never made me feel silly for asking questions and explained what and why she was doing in a way I could understand. I would absolutely recommend Molly and Breathe in Motion to any pregnant and postpartum mamas!
I’m a mom of two young and very active little ones. I had on and off low back pain since my last pregnancy and everyday life with my kids was becoming more painful and frustrating. I started therapy with Molly and was so impressed with her kind and compassionate demeanor, her knowledge, the quality of and her practice based on treating the whole person, listening to needs and helping achieve goals. I am back to chasing my kids and being active without pain! Molly is absolutely wonderful! So grateful.
