Exercise during pregnancy is important because it promotes muscle tone, increases strength and builds endurance which will not only help you to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy but also prepare you for the physical challenge of labor. It also makes it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born. Exercise leads to a better appearance and posture, which can ultimately improve your mood and self-image. Lastly, it can even help you sleep better. Don't forget you'll look better in maternity clothes too.

The best forms of exercise for pregnant women

The exercises you can do during pregnancy depend on your health and how active you were before becoming pregnant. If you exercised before pregnancy, there is no reason you cannot continue, within reason. If you were not active before pregnancy, this is not the time to start a strenuous exercise program. Before you begin any exercise program, discuss it with your healthcare provider. If you experience any problems, such as bleeding, premature labor, dizziness, severe abdominal pain, or feeling unusually tired, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Walking. One of the best cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women, walking keeps you fit without jarring your knees and ankles and is safe throughout your pregnancy.

Jogging. Going for a jog is the quickest and most efficient way to work your heart and body.

Swimming. Healthcare providers and fitness experts hail swimming as the best and safest exercise for pregnant women. Swimming allows expectant women to feel weightless.

Yoga and Stretches. Can help maintain muscle tone and keep you flexible with little if any impact on your joints. But you may have to walk a few times a week to give your heart a workout.

Weight Training. If already part of your routine, there's no reason to stop, although you will need to avoid heavy weights and certain positions. If you take the necessary precautions and have good technique, it is a great way to tone and strengthen your muscles.

Dance. You can get your heart pumping by dancing to your favorite tunes in the comfort and privacy of your living room, but steer clear of dance movements that call for you to leap, jump, or twirl. If you sign up for a class, you can lose yourself in music, stay fit, and meet others.

Kegal.With the proper kegal exercise, you can strengthen the vaginal muscles and allow for smoother pregnancy. To find the correct muscles to target, pretend that you are trying to stop urinating. Squeeze those muscles for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat this every few seconds. It's as simple as that. Nobody even has to know that you're doing them. Just make sure you breathe while doing the kegal exercises.

Exercises to avoid

As your uterus grows and your abdomen gets larger, your sense of balance may be affected. Stay away from contact sports where you could fall, injure yourself, or be struck in the abdomen. Therefore, it would be better to avoid activities such as scuba diving, water skiing, basketball, softball, baseball, horseback riding, and snow skiing.