Investigation of the Effects of Pilates Training in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a physiological stress state that affects all body systems and requires physical, mental, and social harmony in the woman. The pregnancy process continues with visible changes in the female body and psychological changes and fluctuations. The mental and physical adaptation of the mother to the changes that occur during pregnancy can be increased by interventions that can be done in this process. Exercises are at the top of these interventions. Exercise has been shown to affect the fetus, mother, and pregnancy positively. In the guide published by the American Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee in 2015, It was stated that pregnant women should exercise at least half an hour of moderate-intensity on most days of the week. They also recommended exercises such as Pilates, yoga, and swimming as safe activities for pregnant women. Pilates exercises are ideal for preparing the pregnant woman's body until birth, and after birth plays a vital role in the recovery of the mother's body. Above all, it makes women feel more comfortable in this temporary body and makes them more active. When the literature is examined, it is seen that studies which include the effects of Pilates during pregnancy are still insufficient All of these studies examining the effects of Pilates education on pregnant women show us that Pilates education can positively contribute to pregnant women. However, in all studies, it is stated that the effects of Pilates on different dimensions of pregnancy should be examined, and additional studies with high evidence value are needed. Based on this, to ensure that pregnant women have a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy period, a randomized controlled blind study was planned to investigate the effects of Pilates training on core stability, balance, mood, and quality of life in pregnant women.