PhysioNow

Surveys show that nine out of every 10 new mothers are unhappy with their bodies. But physiotherapist and fitness instructor Colette O’Flynn – herself a mother of two – has some uplifting news for mums and mums-to-be…

The Body After Birth Survey 2005, in Mother & Baby magazine, had some interesting statistics about new mums in Britain and Ireland. A shocking 97% of mums admit to being “unhappy” with their body after having a baby. Eight out of 10 are “shocked by the changes in their body” after pregnancy, and 85% fear their beach body has “gone forever”.

The women surveyed were particularly critical of celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kerry McFadden and Davina McCall, who’ve all been pictured looking sensational just weeks after having babies. 93% of mothers say celebrities losing weight so drastically after giving birth “puts immense and unwelcome pressure on ordinary mums”.

Most frightening, however, is that a QUARTER of mums think they will “definitely” have plastic surgery “either now or in the future”. A further 25% say they will “consider it”. Their top three choices of cosmetic operation would be liposuction (cost approx €4,500), tummy tuck (€6,500), or breast enhancement (€6,700).

It’s vital, then, that women know that surgery is not the only way to a better body. Much easier, more enjoyable, and much less expensive is pilates, an exercise programme which can help you, not only as a new mum – but right through your pregnancy.

It’s true that starting a new exercise program is never easy. And when you’re exercising for two, finding a fitness routine that is both safe and fun can feel like just too much trouble. In fact, when you’re pregnant, you may not feel like exercising at all, especially during the first trimester when you may be uncomfortable, sick and tired.

But with the proper instruction, and – most importantly - a go-ahead from your doctor, pilates can be a safe and invigorating choice for pregnant women and new mums. Pilates builds muscular endurance (you'll need lots of that to deliver your baby!), flexibility and good balance, something you'll need as pregnancy progresses. Gentle pilates exercises and breathing techniques not only provide oxygen and nutrients to unborn children but can contribute to a smoother pregnancy and birth. And the controlled moves give you the time you need to adjust your posture and support yourself.

But don’t just take my word for it. Liz Hurley, a first-time mum at 37, stunned everyone when she poured herself into a skin-tight leotard for a saucy photoshoot just 10 weeks after giving birth to son Damian. She attributes her dramatic turnaround to “a low-fat, high-protein diet combined with pilates”.

During pregnancy, women undergo a lot of physical, hormonal and emotional changes. Your exercise needs change with every passing month. And your exercise programme must adapt to these changes.

FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR DETAILS OF HOW PILATES CAN TAKE YOU THROUGH THE NEXT 9 MONTHS - AND BEYOND...