Pilates requires you to move consciously - using the breath to revitalize and energize - something you will need to depend on during and after childbirth. Every movement in Pilates emanates from the "center" - helping you focus on those muscles necessary for labor and delivery.

This routine is comprised of two distinct sections to make the most of you time.

Section I - abdominal and breath work = 15 minutes

Section II - side leg series, lower body work = 30 minutes

Sections I and II can be combined for a longer workout depending upon your time and energy level.

You will need a minimum of three blankets, folded and stacked. So Let's Move!

Pilates During Pregnancy, Vol. 1

• The Perfect Pregnancy Workout vol. 1
• Prenatal Yoga
• Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga ~ Jennifer Wolfe
• Denise Austin: Fit & Firm Pregnancy
• Complete Pregnancy Fitness with Erin O'Brien
• Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
• Baby Bargains, 7th Edition: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby furniture, gear, clothes, toys, maternity wear and much more! (Baby Bargains)
• The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be, Second Edition
• Leisa Hart's FitMama - Prenatal Workout
• Erin O'Brien's Prenatal Fitness Fix

I'm 22 weeks now and will continue this dvd through my pregnancy. Great for back and abs. As a fitness intsructor, I can be critical when it comes to following someone on video. I would definitely recommend this and am buying it for my sister who's also pregnant. It's very relaxing, great for practicing good breathing techniques and great for toning the muscles of the abs and legs. I also love how it's broken up into two sections for shorter time or you can do it all together in 36 mins which is great also. This has also helped me keep good posture and helped keep proper alignment.

Even though this is geared toward pregnant women, this is the most difficult pilates workout I have ever tried. I much prefer Tracey Mallett's 3-in-1 Pregnancy System - appropriate for all fitness levels and stages of pregnancy. After reading several reviews for different pregnancy exercise DVDs, I decided to purchase this one because I have enjoyed doing pilates (classes and DVD workouts) for a few years now. The movements in the leg workout are done WAY too fast for me to keep up. The instructor also does not talk you through the movements, which is difficult since you're supposed to be looking down toward your belly, not at the TV screen. If you are at a beginner or even intermediate level in pilates, I would not recommend this DVD.

This DVD has a nice challenging lower body section that gives you a good "burn". However, the ab section is completely impractical when you are in your third trimester. You might as well just do a normal Pilates workout, but lean against some pillows. I have taken Pilates classes before and also practice yoga on a regular basis. She does not offer enough explanation and does not provide trimester specific modifications. I found this very lacking as a specifically "pregnancy" workout video.

I am in my first trimester so hopefully my energy will get back to normal in a couple of weeks and I'll be able to do it all the way through. This lady is really trying to get the burn in your legs with this one. I would recommend this for those who enjoyed pilates before pregnancy. I really enjoy this workout, however, I find it very challenging. I did Windsor Pilates on dvd before I got pregnant so I am not new to Pilates. I have found that if I do the abs and legs together, I can't do the last 5 minutes or so, once she stands from the floor legwork. I'm just too tired. The pacing and sets are good and I like the exercises, it's not boring at all.