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What Is Pre and Post Natal Pilates
Just had a baby, or expecting one? Pre and Post Natal Pilates at Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab is a dedicated one-to-one service for pregnancy and postnatal recovery, built around your changing body at every stage, from early pregnancy through to months after birth. Sessions are led by Emma Reid at our clinic on Wilmslow Road in Handforth.
This is a Pilates service designed specifically around pregnancy and postnatal recovery, rather than a general class adapted on the day. Exercises, pace and positioning are chosen around your stage of pregnancy or how far you are post birth, your birth history, and what your body is currently able to do comfortably. It sits separately from our general Physio-Led Pilates classes, so that pregnancy and postnatal care always has its own dedicated clinical focus rather than being folded into a mixed class.
Who This Is For
- Pregnant women at any stage, from early pregnancy through to the final weeks
- Women in the weeks and months after birth, whether delivery was vaginal or by caesarean
- Anyone returning to exercise after birth who wants a guided, physiotherapist-led starting point rather than a generic postnatal workout
Common Issues We Help With
- Pelvic girdle pain and lower back pain during pregnancy
- Abdominal separation (diastasis recti) after birth
- Weak or overworked pelvic floor and core muscles
- General deconditioning after pregnancy and birth
- Postural changes linked to pregnancy, breastfeeding and carrying a baby
- Building confidence returning to exercise safely after birth
Your Assessment
Your first session starts with a private conversation about your pregnancy or birth, any complications, your current symptoms, and what you would like to achieve, whether that is easing pregnancy discomfort, rebuilding core strength, or simply feeling more like yourself again. Emma will then guide you through some gentle foundational movements to see how your body is currently coping, and use this to build your starting programme.
What to Expect at Your First Session
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. There is no expectation of prior Pilates experience. Your first session will run at a gentle, exploratory pace, focusing on establishing safe foundations, particularly around breathing, core and pelvic floor connection, before building towards more challenging work in later sessions.
How Your Sessions Progress
Because every pregnancy and every recovery is different, your programme is built around you rather than a fixed number of weeks. Sessions progress as your strength, comfort and confidence build, and Emma will always adjust pace and exercise choice around how you are feeling on the day, including any pregnancy-related symptoms that come and go.
Why Choose Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab
Pre and Post Natal Pilates here is delivered within a physiotherapy clinic, not a general fitness studio. If Emma identifies something during your sessions that needs a fuller clinical assessment, such as ongoing pelvic girdle pain, suspected abdominal separation that isn’t improving, or pelvic floor symptoms, we can direct you to the right service.
Sessions are delivered under the clinical oversight of Richard Higgs, Clinical Director, Chartered Physiotherapist, and by Emma Reid.
Adding to this, our Pregnancy Massage service is a popular addition alongside Pilates for easing pregnancy discomfort.
Outcomes and Limitations
Pre and Post Natal Pilates can help build strength, ease common discomforts and support a more confident return to exercise, but it is not a medical treatment and outcomes vary between individuals. Where symptoms suggest a clinical issue rather than general deconditioning, Emma will recommend a full assessment rather than continuing with Pilates alone.
Pricing and Availability
Sessions are one-to-one only for now, priced the same as our existing one-to-one Pilates sessions. Please see our Pricing page for current rates.
Pre and Post Natal Pilates will be available from late September 2026. You are welcome to register your interest now and we will contact you as soon as bookings open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Register your interest by calling 01625 783992, messaging us on WhatsApp at
+44 7792 068822
, or using our contact page. Read about our Physio-Led Pilates classes, meet the team, or return to our homepage to explore everything we offer.
What is Pre and Post Natal Pilates?
It is a one-to-one Pilates service designed specifically for pregnancy and postnatal recovery, with exercises and pace chosen around your stage of pregnancy or time since birth.
How soon after birth can I start?
There is no fixed minimum, some women start gentle sessions within a few weeks once cleared for light activity, while others prefer to wait longer. Emma will advise what is appropriate for you at your first session.
Do I need a referral from my midwife or GP?
No, you can book directly with us. If you have specific medical concerns or complications, we recommend mentioning these to your midwife or GP, and we are happy to liaise with them where needed.
Can I start during pregnancy, or only after birth?
Both. Sessions are available at any stage of pregnancy as well as postnatally, with exercises adapted to suit where you are.
Will these be group classes or one-to-one sessions?
Sessions are one-to-one for now, so your programme is built entirely around you rather than a class group.
How much does Pre and Post Natal Pilates cost?
Sessions are priced the same as our existing one-to-one Pilates sessions. See our Pricing page for current rates.
When will this service be available?
Pre and Post Natal Pilates will be available from late September 2026. Register your interest now and we will contact you as soon as bookings open.
Is this different from your general Physio-Led Pilates classes?
Yes, this is a dedicated service for pregnancy and postnatal recovery, kept separate from our general Pilates classes so that this stage of life always has its own clinical focus.
Register your interest by calling 01625 783992, messaging us on WhatsApp at
+44 7792 068822
, or using our contact page. Read about our Physio-Led Pilates classes, meet the team, or return to our homepage to explore everything we offer.