Always check with your midwife, GP or health care provider before embarking on an exercise program. We have listed reasons why you should exercise and reasons for definitely NOT doing so ... 20 Reasons to exercise before, during and after pregnancy ...

* Meet new mums in your area in class or on the forum here * Faster recovery post-baby * Arms you with more stamina for the labour room * Up to 40% fewer incidences of lower back pain and pelvic discomfort (PSD) * Reduces pelvic floor problems after the birth. * Keeps muscles and joints mobile * Results in a more positive and healthier you * Gives you back a sense of control over your body * Reduces the risk of excess weight gain * Helps create an easier, shorter labour * Helps to relax the body and the mind * Reduces fatigue * Keeps your cortisol (stress hormones) levels down * Helps you experience less sleep related problems * Regulates core body temperature * Better circulation helping you to avoid the common complaints of cramps, piles, constipation and swelling * Helps beat depression * Your baby will have a higher IQ and a leaner body * Baby will have a more relaxed outlook * Baby will be easier to care for and settle

Reasons for not exercising without expert advice and supervision ...

If you have suffered/are suffering from any of the following:-

* Thyroid disease * Diabetes * Anaemia * Bleeding * Breech position in 3rd Trimester * Hypertension * Sedentary lifestyle * Previous diastasis * Obesity or extreme malnourishment * Cardiac arrhythmias or palpitations * Foetal growth retardation * History of sudden labour.

The following is a list of reasons for you to definitely not exercise whilst pregnant without prior consent from your doctor and midwife:-

* Placenta previa * Previous miscarriage * Previous long-term labour * Incompetent cervix * Pregnancy induced hypertension * History of spontaneous abortions * Ruptured foetal membrane * History of cardiac disease * Inadequate development of foetus or placenta.

Taken from www.midwivesonline.com Always listen to your body, always take advice. What is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. www.vitalflow.com comments? please email info@lovepeaceyoga.com