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Good Health from Day One

Keeping Active Before, During
and After Pregnancy

By Gina Roberts-Grey

Taking a couples yoga class or exploring a new hobby together gives you and your partner the chance to strengthen your bond while incorporating activity. With your camera tucked safely in a backpack, the two of you can go on a hike to spot birds, waterfowl or flowers. "Setting up an obstacle course in your yard, garage or basement or having hula hoop contests gives women hoping to conceive a second or third child the chance to enjoy fun activity with their children," says Braud.

There are also several opportunities to stay active together while having fun and helping others. "When we were trying to get pregnant, my husband and I volunteered to work at a camp that benefits children fighting life-threatening illnesses," says Desi Nicolletti of Aurora, Ill. "Playing ball and doing crafts outdoors with the kids was one of the best summers we shared together."

When you're expecting, the urge to exercise is often overcome by the nausea and lack of energy experienced in the first trimester or the fatigue and discomfort of the third trimester. Despite low-impact exercise being advocated up through the waning weeks of pregnancy, a woman's physical changes and decreasing energy level make staying active challenging for a mom-to-be.

Having a buddy to exercise with helps provide much needed motivation. The accountability factor that comes into play while having a workout pal gives you someone to socialize with while you exercise. oining a family member or friend for a picnic in the park or walk around the mall to look at baby clothes helps to get an expectant mother out of the house and enjoying some type of activity. If you're having an energetic weekend, splash with your family at an indoor swimming pool or walk around a museum. "Anything that gives you and your family the chance to be together and get off the couch or out of the house helps to promote good health," says Braud.

Want to see more?

• Child's Play: Combining Fitness and Fun
• Mama's Got Biceps: Building Muscle With Strength Training
• Room to Room Fitness: Exercise Your Way
  Around the House
• Talk about it!