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 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, where we offer both 1-2-1 and class based sessions. Emma holds APPI Mat Pilates Level 3 and Pre and Postnatal Mat Pilates qualifications.
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
If you choose a one-to-one appointment, 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
How Your Sessions Progress
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
Pricing and Availability
Sessions are one-to-one and class based and follow the pricing of our existing Pilates sessions. Please see our Pricing page for current rates.
Your first class is FREE so you can see if it is right for you.