Pilates - a huge mistake?

[Beachmum85]

DD is 7MO and after a breast abscess and various other issues, I am feeling ever so slightly human again well as human as you can be with a lump in your boob and chronic back ache

So I made the decision to go back to Pilates last Monday - which I fear may have been a big mistake. I have had mysterious stomach pains for the last week, coming and going from period-like cramps, to aching abdominals waking me up at 2am :( I now vaguely remember the hospital staff telling me that I had split my abs during late pregnancy by over-doing it, and that was why my tummy went all cone-shaped when I tensed/ got up out of the bath/ etc.

Has anyone experienced this? Just feeling like I need reassurance - my tummy and back are killing me especially when I try to do the twist around the kitchen with DD :)

[IceNoSlice]

I split my abs either in v late pregnancy or in labour. The community midwives monitored it before I was discharged and said they would refer me to physio if they didn't see an improvement at day 10. They must have seen improvement (I really couldn't see what they were looking for) as no physio referral. However I plan to check with the GP at the 6 week check before I do anything too physically demanding (DD is currently only 3wo).

But I did do Pilates from when DS was 5mo (born EMCS) and had no issues whatsoever. I don't like the sound of yours. I would go to the GP and hopefully see a physio.

[spritzer1]

Oh dear did you go into class not suitable for your situation? I am Pilates Instructor and taught right up till birth and went back 5 days after. The Rectus muscle (6 pack) does part in the middle during pregnancy to allow bump (there is thin line of tissue there - Linea Alba ) to allow this but technique is critical to ensure exercise done correctly. You MUST tell your instructor exactly what has gone on, he/she can easily tell with a quick test whether muscles have realigned. There are lots of ways you can strengthen abs without classic sit ups - I would be looking for an Instructor who can give you a couple of one to one sessions and some stuff to do at home also good Osteopath who does Cranial work to check your back and posture out before you venture back to mixed class or look for post natal Pilates classes. Good luck! :)