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.

As with any exercise, check with your doctor before starting.

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