Remember Natalie Portman's cute moves in the movie Black Swan? So if you're expecting a baby and are jealous of these moves, the good news is that most of them you can start or even continue ballet throughout your pregnancy. But you have to remember that your body changes during pregnancy and your sense of balance can be affected. Ligaments and tendons tend to loosen, putting your body at risk for injury. Blood volume increases, forcing your heart to work harder during exercise. So, your stamina will probably be reduced, especially during the third trimester.
The good news? By doing ballet you can find a new sense of flexibility. A hormone known as relaxin is produced by the body towards the end of pregnancy and helps to relax the tissues around the pelvis to aid labour. This results in better openings when you make your figures. Additionally, as your belly grows, your weight will be more forward, resulting in a better position to do your pirouettes.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that ballet during pregnancy can be an alternative to exercise, even better than yoga and walking. In particular, ballet classes focus on the connection between mind and body, thus helping to combat stress. Also, ballet is a fantastic and fun exercise because not only do you listen to beautiful music while you dance, but it keeps you flexible and tones your muscles . Research has shown that ballet during pregnancy improves the endurance of the pregnant woman, helps the body to adapt to changes, gives harmony to movements and better balance, while the fetus also participates in its own way. So keep dancing, as long as you get the approval of your gynecologist and consult your coach, so that the pirouettes are done with conditions. You can take ballet lessons at local dance studios, online, or even in your own home. But always ask if the teachers have experience with pregnant women and make sure you have water available and that the room is adequately ventilated.
Source: jenny.gr