Article Summary

This article explains the options available to pregnant students and expectant parents enrolled in any Polestar Pilates Asia qualification or Continuing Education course. Whether you wish to continue participating, pause your course, or need compassionate support following loss or complications, this guide covers every pathway available to you, including documentation requirements, timeframes, and how it interacts with your exam deadline.

Who this article is for

This article is for any student currently enrolled in:

• A Polestar qualification course (Mat, Reformer, Comprehensive/Studio)
• A Polestar Continuing Education course

…who is pregnant, planning a pregnancy during their course, returning from birth, or has experienced pregnancy loss or complications.

This policy applies to the pregnant or expectant student themselves. Partners and family members of an expectant parent are not covered.

Our guiding principles

Before we walk through your options, here is the thinking behind this policy:

• Continued participation is the preferred pathway. Most students can safely participate through much of their pregnancy with appropriate medical clearance and modifications.
• Safety always comes first. You will never be required to participate in any activity that conflicts with your medical guidance.
• A pause is available when continuing isn't feasible — without financial penalty within defined limits.
• Loss, complications, NICU stays, and exceptional medical situations are handled through a separate, discreet compassionate pathway.

Your three pathways

You have three pathways available, and you can move between them as your circumstances change.

💡 IDEA callout: Many students combine pathways — for example, continuing through the second trimester, then pausing for late pregnancy and immediate postpartum recovery. This is encouraged.

Pathway A — Continued Participation (Preferred)

You are welcome to continue your course while pregnant, with written medical clearance. You may modify or sit out specific exercises as needed, in coordination with your educator.

What you need to provide

How modification works

You and your educator will agree, in advance, which exercises require modification or substitution. You are never expected to perform anything that conflicts with medical advice. Continuing participation does not commit you to completing the course — you can move to a pause at any time if circumstances change.

Pathway B — Course Pause

If continued participation is not feasible, you can pause your course for up to 9 months at no charge.

Standard pause entitlement

Extending the pause beyond 9 months

If you need longer than 9 months — for example, due to extended medical recovery, complications, or unavoidable scheduling conflicts on return:

How to apply for a pause

1. Submit a written request to your local host with your supporting documentation, at least 14 days before your intended pause start date where reasonably possible.
2. Receipt will be confirmed within 3 business days.
3. Standard pause requests are approved within 5 business days.
4. Extension requests take longer, as they require additional review.
5. You will receive written confirmation including your pause start and end dates, resumption terms, and any adjustment to your exam window.

How a pause affects your exam deadline

⚠️ WARNING callout: Your standard 1-year exam qualification window does not continue counting down during an approved pregnancy pause.

The exam window is paused on the start date of your approved pause and resumes on your return. Pause time does not count toward your exam-window calculation.

If, on resumption, you need further time to sit your exam, the standard Exam Extension Policy applies from the date of your resumption.

This applies equally to standard pauses and extended pauses.

Returning postpartum

When you return from your pause, you will:

• Provide clearance from your doctor confirming you are ready to return
• Have a check-in conversation with your local host and a mentor to ensure readiness
• Use modified participation as needed during early postpartum return, in coordination with your educator

Return arrangements are agreed in advance with your local host to ensure a smooth re-entry into the course schedule.

Pathway C — Compassionate Pathway (Loss & Complications)

We recognise that not all pregnancies result in birth, and that complications can occur during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum recovery. This includes — but is not limited to — miscarriage, stillbirth, NICU admission, severe postnatal depression, or surgical recovery.

In any such circumstance:

• No documentation will be required beyond your own communication. We will not request medical evidence of loss.
• All standard provisions remain available, including the full 9-month pause.
• Additional time beyond the standard window will be granted with no administrative fee.
• Communication is handled with discretion — a single point of contact will be assigned so you do not need to repeat your situation.
• Return support is tailored to you, with no expectation of explanation.

💡 IDEA callout: This pathway is activated by simple notification — verbal or written — to your local host. Nothing further is required from you.

Confidentiality

All pregnancy- and postpartum-related communications are confidential.

• Information is shared only with people who need it to administer your pause or modification.
• Educators and mentors are informed only of relevant practical adjustments (for example, "modified participation required") — never of underlying medical detail unless you choose to share it.
• Marketing and outreach during a pause period is suspended out of respect for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a pause if I'm not yet pregnant but trying to conceive?

The standard pause requires either a doctor's letter confirming pregnancy or proof of birth. If you anticipate needing time away for fertility treatment or other related circumstances, please contact your local host to discuss your options.

What if my pregnancy occurs between modules — am I still eligible for a pause?

Yes. The pause applies regardless of where you are in the course sequence. You can pause between modules, mid-module (subject to module structure), or before sitting your exam.

Do I have to choose a pathway upfront, or can I change my mind?

You can change pathways. A common arrangement is to continue participating early in pregnancy, then move to a pause for late pregnancy and the postpartum period. Your local host will guide you through any change.

Will I lose access to my online learning materials during a pause?

No. Your online learning access is suspended during the pause, then resumed on your return for the equivalent remaining time. You do not lose any access or need to re-purchase materials.

How long do I have to sit my exam if I take a pause?

Your 1-year exam window pauses on your approved pause start date and resumes on your return. Pause time does not count against your exam deadline. If you need additional time after returning, the standard Exam Extension Policy applies from your resumption date.

What if I've already had a pregnancy-related arrangement under the previous case-by-case approach?

Existing arrangements are honoured. If your current arrangement is more generous than this policy, it remains as-is. If it is less generous, you will be offered the standard entitlement under this policy. There is no detriment to anyone with an existing arrangement.

Does this policy apply to Continuing Education courses as well?

Yes. This policy applies to all Polestar qualification programs and all Continuing Education courses.

Who can I speak to about my situation in confidence?

Contact your local host in the first instance. They will assign a single point of contact for all communications and ensure your situation is handled discreetly.