I’m a 7 week pregnant fitness and pilates instructor. My question is, for how long can I do exercises lying flat on my stomach? Is it ok for the first weeks of pregnancy or should I stop doing them from the very beginning.

It is always a good idea to check with your doctor Anna. There are general guidelines of course but each individual is different with each pregnancy so none of us can say for sure what is right for you. I will send this question to Leah Stewart to see if you wants to weigh in on it. She just taught a pre and post natal workshop for PA last weekend.
Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Hi Kristi,
Than you for your answear. I will wait for any information from Leah as I love her classes. Is this workshop on line already?
I have no contraindications anly my breasts are very sensitive. I did pilates for pregnancy here in Poland but now as I'm pregnant I do have questions :)

By the way - love your classes, your "Pilates Anytime" is the best I could find for inspiration for my own classes. :)

Best regards,
Anna

Hi Anna,

I am so sorry that it has taken me some time to respond to your question.

It is safe to lie prone (on your tummy) through the 1st trimester and generally until you begin to get a belly or it becomes very uncomfortable. Every woman begins to show at different point in their pregnancy, so to give you an exact week is not realistic.

If you are feeling uncomfortable lying prone at this point, there are many back extension exercises you can do without lying on your tummy. My prenatal classes here on PA will give you many different ideas.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Take care,

Leah