Do the stretch twice with both legs.

Kegels

Perhaps one of the most important prenatal exercises, this one helps to strengthen the vaginal muscles in preparation for childbirth and also to prevent urinary incontinence later on in life.

Simply squeeze your 'toilet' muscles in the same manner as you would to stop passage of urine. Hold for a few seconds and relax. Do as many as you can!

For childbirth breathing, sign up for a Lamaze class or ask your gynaec for more information.

Last but not least, remember to relax! It is important for your body to get adequate rest as well.

My pregnancy experience:

Once I learned I was pregnant, I continued with my daily physical activities except for exercise. On my doctors' recommendation, I started going for walks after my first trimester. At six months I enrolled for a prenatal class. It was great being a part of a class with other expectant mothers! Not only did the class teach me exercises, but also gave me lots of valuable information on pregnancy, childbirth and baby care. Made some great friends too! Quite diligently I did the exercises everyday and ate all the good foods.

I made sure I kept up with all the regular activities like chores around the house, running errands, driving, shopping (!!!) etc to the last day. At times when I felt tired, I'd rest and take it easy.

Thanks to all the years of exercise my BP, haemoglobin, sugar and weight levels were all under control and my doctor was very pleased!

Enjoy your pregnancy!

Part I: Fitness before planning a pregnancy
Part III: Get back in shape after having a baby!