Most doctors recommend a low-impact exercise program for women during pregnancy. For many pregnant women, exercise seems to provide an easier delivery, a quicker recovery time and a faster loss of gained weight after the birth. Exercise also keeps the body in shape by increasing circulation, flexibility, muscle tone and stamina. "Low impact" refers to the type of exercise that is easier and more comfortable on the joints, particularly ankles and knees that take the brunt of the jarring during exercise.

If you are not currently exercising and would like a program you can be comfortable with, an excellent, low-impact program for pregnant women is aqua aerobics or water fitness. Of course any exercise program during pregnancy, especially if you were not already exercising prior, needs to be discussed with your doctor. There are conditions that may need closer monitoring, or your doctor may recommend no exercise at all.

Aqua aerobics and water therapy have been around for centuries, with ancient Romans and Greeks using the hot spas and springs as therapy for many ailments. In the United States, people began to notice when President Franklin D. Roosevelt used water therapy as treatment for his polio. The warmth and the compression of the water on the muscles and joints of the body are considered very therapeutic. Many find the water ideal for recovery and rehabilitation after surgeries. It is only natural that water exercise would be comfortable and soothing for pregnant women as well.

Water exercise is easy and safe, as well as beneficial to all levels from beginner to advanced. It isn't even necessary to be a swimmer to begin exercise in the shallow end of the pool. Most aquatic classes are conducted in an indoor pool, as the depth and temperature are easily controlled. As you progress, you may move from knee depth to chest to deeper water.

Dr. Jeremy Sims, in his article "Aerobics: Water Aerobics," says that water aerobics is not only a more comfortable workout, but a better workout all around. Walking on land for 30 minutes uses 135 calories, while walking in deep water for the same amount of time uses 264 calories due to the resistance produced by the water. That's almost twice as much energy expended in the same length of time.

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