You've got a lot of attractive options in the winter. Have you tried snowshoeing? It is easy to learn, even during pregnancy, and is great exercise. Cross-country skiing? For the serenity of a wilderness trail, nothing beats it. And have you really given up on hitting the slopes this season? If you're an experienced and confident skier or boarder, you can head uphill during your first trimester, since your fetus is still well protected under the pubic bone.

Walking is another great option, as long as the sidewalks and trails aren't icy, because you'll get a great aerobic and weight-bearing workout. This means you'll be building stamina by conditioning your heart and lungs while also building bone and muscle strength. Like snowshoeing, it's great preparation for labor, and you can keep it up until delivery. Studies show that women who regularly enjoy activities like these (that give them a good aerobic and weight-bearing workout) during pregnancy have fewer complications during labor, experience less pain during pregnancy and delivery and recover more quickly after giving birth.

You don't have to head outdoors to reap these benefits, however. Strolling through the mall (without too many distracted stops) is also good exercise, especially since you're carrying the extra weight of pregnancy, and your heart is essentially pumping for two. Indoor pools are a terrific option for regular swimming in winter. For many women, just being in the water is a welcome break since it takes the strain off your back, legs and hips. Biking on flat, designated paths is good exercise, even late in pregnancy. If you're at home, stretching – especially targeting your sore back and gently improving your flexibility – is good preparation for labor.

Staying active in the wintertime will help eliminate pregnancy aches, increase your confidence in your body and prepare you well for the marathon of labor and motherhood. But don't forget to enjoy the lazier joys of wintertime too, like late-night family Scrabble, scrumptious holiday meals and cozy fireside lounging. After all, you may need to tap into that store of sleep, calories and romance when you're too busy being a mommy come springtime.

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