If you're pregnant, you may frequently feel low on energy or depressed. However, exercise may help to boost your energy levels, improve your mood and reduce aches and pains, according to BabyCenter. If you're already exercising, you should be able to safely continue your present exercise routine as long as you keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute, according to the American Pregnancy Association. However, some types of exercise are not suitable for women during the last few months of pregnancy. Check with your doctor before continuing or beginning any exercise program.
Swimming
According to the American Pregnancy Association, swimming is considered to be one of the safest forms of exercise for pregnant women. Swimming puts little impact on your bones and joints, yet it provides you with an effective total body workout that can help to keep you toned and boost your overall level of physical conditioning.
Walking
Walking is another safe yet effective cardiovascular exercise that pregnant women can easily perform. According to BabyCenter, walking puts little impact on your joints, which is especially important since your ankles can become swollen or tender during pregnancy. It's also an easy and cost-effective form of exercise, since you only need a pair of good walking shoes and you can do it almost anywhere.
Yoga
Yoga is a beneficial form of exercise for expecting mothers, according to the American Pregnancy Association. In fact, most yoga centers now offer specialized programs for pregnant women, focusing particularly on breathing techniques to use during labor and to reduce overall physical discomfort of pregnancy. Yoga is also appropriate for pregnant women because it helps to keep your muscles toned without placing any strain on your joints.
Aerobics
Low-impact aerobics can be a fun and safe way to keep in shape, as long as you are following a class that is tailored to pregnant women, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Plus, if you take a class specifically geared towards pregnant women, you can have fun and enjoy the company of other expecting moms while working out.
Dancing
Most forms of dancing are low-impact and safe for pregnant women, as long as you avoid leaping or jumping, according to the American Pregnancy Association. You can purchase DVDs for home use or take a special dance class for pregnant women at your local gym or dance center.
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