You’ll want to keep strength, flexibility, and endurance during these months. Doing so means you’ll be able to handle the extra weight and you’ll be in better shape for the physical stress of labor.

For those of you who are looking for a gentler way to improve strength and fitness while developing a calm and relaxed state of mind, you too have many options. Consider these exercise forms that are geared toward a mind and body focus routine: yoga, pilates, water exercise, and tai chi. Here’s a quick guide to the benefits of these uplifting exercise classes.

Yoga – It helps you breathe and relax. Yoga focuses on poses and stretches for both physical and emotional rewards. It can relieve fluid retention and cramping that are common in the later month of pregnancy. Strengthening and massaging the abdomen with yoga helps stimulate bowel action and appetite. It raises energy levels while helping to slow metabolism and restore calm and focus. Yoga can relieve tension around the cervix and birth canal.

Pilates – Combines yoga and strength training with an emphasis on the body’s core. Pilates strengthens and lengthens muscles that hold the body in correct alignment. With targeted movements, it can help overcome back pain commonly experienced during pregnancy. Pilates instructors should educate you on the muscles that will be needed most during labour how to access them, strengthen them, and increase stamina so you can pace yourself during labour

Exercise doesn’t have to be 100 percent body focused. Your exercise program can help you feel more balanced physically and mentally. Staying fit through mind, body, and spirit may help discomforts of backache, fatigue, sleeplessness and swelling. It will also make it easier to get back into your pre-baby condition after your baby arrives. And as a bonus, you’ll improve your mood and self image.

Log onto your local Fernwood club page and have a look at their group fitness timetable.