• Pregnant women don't have to abandon their exercise routine. They have to adjust it. First, of course, you should consult your obstetrician. Then, into yoga? Find a pre-natal yoga class. Are you a weight-trainer? Then increase the reps, lighten the weights, and use slow, controlled movements.
  
• While it may seem obvious, the most important adjustment a mom-to-be can make is to start working on the abdominals.
  
• Ab crunches after the fourth month are not safe. At that point ab squeezes should be done from a sitting or standing position.
  
• Exercise can be worked into your daily routine. On the way to work, do some ab squeezes in the car. At the office, close the door and do some squats and stretches.
  
• Don't overdue it. If you can't speak comfortably during aerobic activity then you've passed over the safety zone. And after the first trimester, don't do exercises lying flat on your back. It decreases blood flow to baby.

Resources

Pregnancy Magazine
www.iparentingmedia.com

Anne Heckheimer
Prenatal Massage Center of Manhattan
212-330-6846

Julie Tupler
Maternal Fitness Studio
New York City
212-353-1947
www.maternalfitness.com

Prenatal Yoga Center
New York City
212-362-2985
Prenatalyogacenternyc@yahoo.com
www.prenatalyogacenter.com

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