Pilates for pregnant women: a salvation from sexual discomfort or a myth?

Pregnancy changes not only the body but also the attitude toward sex. Hormones, fatigue, dissatisfaction with oneself — all this can throw you off balance. And then there's the question: can you exercise? And could Pilates, which is so praised for expectant mothers, also help in intimate life? A recent study attempted to answer this question, and the results turned out to be curious.

What was actually studied

Scientists recruited 136 women around 31 years old. Sixty-four of them regularly attended Pilates — classes were led by one instructor, using mats and balls. The remaining 72 did not exercise during pregnancy. All participants received standard medical care. Throughout all three trimesters, the women filled out two questionnaires: one assessed sexual function (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction), the other — the level of emotional distress related to sexual difficulties.

What the results showed

Sexual function changed differently across trimesters. In those who practiced Pilates, it worsened in the second trimester and improved in the third. However, compared with the beginning of pregnancy, by the third trimester there were no significant changes. Between the Pilates group and the control group, no statistically significant difference was found for this indicator either.

But with emotional distress, the picture is more interesting. In women who practiced Pilates, the level of distress remained relatively stable throughout pregnancy (in the second and third trimesters it was slightly lower). In the control group, distress, on the contrary, increased. That is, women who did not exercise worried more about sexual problems.

Can these conclusions be trusted?

The researchers themselves admit: the results do not allow stating unequivocally that Pilates reduces sexual distress or improves sexual function. The authors did not account for other factors — health, relationships, lifestyle. So it is quite possible that the effect is not due to Pilates as such, but to something else. For example, the overall level of physical activity or the psychological support that women received in the group.

Nevertheless, this study adds arguments in favor of regular exercise during pregnancy being beneficial — if not for sexual function, then for overall well-being. After all, Pilates helps strengthen core and pelvic floor muscles, improve posture, and reduce back pain. And good physical condition is often associated with a more positive mood and life satisfaction.

What to do if pregnancy interferes with intimate life

If you feel that sexual problems are causing you stress, you should not suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor or consult a sexual health specialist. They may help you adjust your lifestyle or suggest other ways to cope with difficulties. And Pilates is in any case a good way to keep fit and take care of your body. The main thing is not to expect miracles from it, but simply to enjoy movement.