Looking for an exercise program while you're pregnant can be somewhat like choosing chocolates in a candy store. You don't know if you're going to like it once you buy it or if it's going to satisfy your very individual needs and tastes. Pregnant women who are addicted to their weekly Pilates workouts don't need to give them up – they just need to find a workout that takes their new status as a pregnant woman into consideration.

For the sake of convenience, many pregnant women choose to do their workouts at home with one of the many videos or books available on the subject. The question is which one? It's important to choose a workout that will keep you in shape and yet not compromise the pregnancy. Remember to get a go ahead from your health care provider before beginning any workout program, even if you are used to physical exercise.

Sarah Picot is a certified Pilates instructor and the creator of the Pilates for Pregnancy Series, which includes both pre- and post-natal videos. She believes Pilates is perfect for pregnant women because it targets the deep abdominal muscles used during labor.

"It also stretches and strengthens back muscles, which will help make her pregnancy more comfortable," says Picot. "It's a gentle program that by design does not jerk the body. Rather, it stretches the muscles and improves posture. An overly increased heart rate and elevated body temperature [a concern for pregnant moms] is not an issue with this exercise method."

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