Being pregnant is exciting, but it also can be stressful as you watch your body change in ways you never imagined. You know that exercise, such as walking and swimming, is a great way to reduce stress, but there may be a better solution: martial arts.

Most people associate martial arts with contact sports like kung fu and karate, but there are other disciplines, often called "moving meditation," that combine controlled movements with breathing for a mind/body workout that promotes health and well-being.

Asian influences have been trickling into America for the last few decades, and we've learned that activities such as Tai Chi and Qigong (or Chi Kung) are just a couple of ways to exercise with a blend of physical movements and mental focus. What separates these activities from others is the concentration on dynamic meditation that, practitioners believe, enhances mental focus, clarity of thought and inner peace. These disciplines can be ideal for pregnant women who want to stay active without putting their health and bodies at risk for injury. Before you take the plunge, however, find out which discipline is right for you.

Qigong combines mind and body together in a soothing workout that doesn't tax the joints or body. Qigong's focus is on meditation, breathing and repetitive movements to leave you peaceful and energized, perfect for when you're feeling frazzled and overwhelmed. Another bonus is that Qigong helps you get in touch with a body that may be changing so rapidly you can't keep up!

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.