During my first pregnancy, I exercised 2-3 hours a day right up until two days before my daughter was born. I wasn't working for the latter part of my pregnancy (was a teacher back then) and basically had time to exercise. I was doing Billy Blank's Tae Bo, hitting the punch bag, using the elliptical trainer, and lifting weights (but not on my back, that advice from my doctor I did listen to). Labor was a breeze for me (took only about 15 minutes to push dd out) and dd came out healthy (weighed 8 lbs, 15 oz).

Did anyone here continue to exercise during pregnancy against doctor's advice? I keep hearing how strenuous exercise is bad during pregnancy, but am wondering if this is really so.

Most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid weight training and sit-ups after the first trimester, especially women who are at risk for preterm labor.

Lifting reduces the blood flow to the kidneys and uterus, and exercises done on your back (including sit-ups and leg lifts) cause your heart rate to drop, also decreasing the flow of oxygenated blood to your body and the baby. It's better to tone your abdominal muscles while on all fours, by relaxing and then tightening your muscles as you exhale.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's also a good idea to avoid any activities that include:

• bouncing
• jarring (anything that would cause a lot of up and down movement)
• leaping
• a sudden change of direction
• a risk of abdominal injury

Those are all good suggestions. It's important to maintain a healthy and fit body even while pregnant but overdoing it can be harmful to the mother and baby as well. Walking at a moderate pace on a treadmill or biking on the back-support stationanry bike seem like good ways to keep up the exercise routine and ensure a healthy pregnancy.