You might think that being pregnant is the perfect excuse to put your feet up, but a little bit of exercise is good for you and your baby - and it may even make the birth easier!

The benefits of exercise during pregnancy

Regular, gentle exercise can be a great help during your pregnancy - and the fitter you are the better you'll be at coping with the demands of a newborn baby.

Stretching and toning exercises such as Yoga and Pilates can help keep your body flexible and ready for labour. Plus, anything that gets your heart going is good for you and your baby's health as it pumps oxygen, blood and vital nutrients more efficiently around the body and to the womb.

So, unless you've been advised by your GP or midwife not to do any activity then it's a good idea to do something you enjoy.

What exercises to avoid during pregnancy

Of course, you have to be sensible and not push yourself too hard and there are some sports that you really need to avoid. If you're into extreme sports such as rock climbing and scuba diving then you need to stop those activities. If you go horse riding or cycling you'll also have to give these up too.

Always tell your GP or midwife that you're going to start exercising and if you ever feel unwell then you must stop.

By Louise O'Connell

• Next: Swimming when you're pregnant

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