THE BEST AND SAFEST WAYS TO EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY

There are lots of ways a pregnant woman can exercise, but swimming and walking are deemed the best and safest.

- Swimming: Fitness experts and healthcare providers encourage swimming as the best and safest exercise for pregnant women. Swimming exercises your arms and legs and reduces swelling.

- Walking: This is safe throughout all nine months of pregnancy. It keeps you fit without stressing your knees and ankles and can be done almost anywhere, even in your living room [where I do mine].

- Stretching: It's important to stretch before and after your exercise routine, as it helps to relax your muscles and prevents you from feeling aches and pains.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies aim to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. The ideal workout gets your heart pumping, keeps you fit, manages weight gain, and prepares your muscles to handle the physical demands of pregnancy, labour and postpartum period without causing any undue physical stress for you or the baby. Before I had my daughter, my active labour lasted less than 3 hours as I kept active and walked for at least 30 minutes a day while I was pregnant. Be careful not to over do it anyway. Stop if you become uneasy or uncomfortable.