If you are an experienced golfer, there is no reason you can't keep doing it unless your doctor advises otherwise. However, the physiological changes that occur throughout pregnancy may change your golf game. As pregnancy progresses you may experience decreased balance, reduced endurance and an increased risk of falling down. The most notable difference is a loosening of the ligaments as your body prepares for labor and delivery. This "...can lead to injuries from exercise during pregnancy if care is not taken," according to Getting in Shape: Workout Programs for Men and Women by Bob Anderson, Bill Pearl and Ed Burke.

Follow these steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable game of golf:

Warm up. Before your golf game, loosen up your shoulders with basic arm swings, and warm up the back muscles by gently swinging your club back and forth. Stretch the muscles of your neck, arms, shoulders and back.

Stay hydrated. Robin Weiss, a childbirth educator and doula, recommends drinking at least 2 liters of water a day to keep up with the increased demands on your body. Even slight dehydration can contribute to severe problems such as preterm labor.

Avoid golfing during excessive heat. ACOG cautions against overheating, especially during the first trimester. To avoid it, stay inside during the hottest part of the day, wear proper exercise attire, monitor your body temperature (keeping it below 101 degrees F) and stay hydrated.

Be aware of your heart rate. ACOG recommends that pregnant women keep their heart rates below 140 beats per minute. While golfing, monitor your exertion levels by making sure you're breathing evenly and are able to carry on a conversation.

Eat often. Keep plenty of snacks handy to avoid becoming hypoglycemic, which may leave you feeling dizzy and nauseated.

Keep your balance. As pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity will change to compensate for your growing belly. To avoid falling off balance while golfing, brace your body with bent knees and a strong, tight torso.

Strength train. A strong body will add power to your game while reducing your chances of injury. To get started, get approval from your doctor and sign on with a certified personal trainer with a specialty in pregnancy.

Know when to quit. If you feel shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, bleeding or any other unusual symptoms, stop what you're doing and call your doctor.

Caution aside, you may see an improvement in your golf game. Tammie Green, winner of the 1998 LPGA Corning Classic, told GolfOnline: "[During pregnancy], I hit the ball straighter and had more control." One adjustment Green made while pregnant was using a shorter putter. This may help you later in your pregnancy, as you'll have to lean over further to see the ball, putting your arms closer to the ground.

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