People tend to go one of two ways...

a) Exercising? Me? Now I'm pregnant? You've got to be kidding - this is the one time in my life I get to eat as much as I like and not worry about what I look like! Or

b) There's no way I'm going to put on loads of weight and resemble a beached whale, besides, I've got a friend's wedding to go to three weeks after I'm due and I want to be back to a size ten.

Now, there's nothing wrong with either of these statements, but what I would say is that surely, there's room for a little something in-between.

Research shows that there are plenty of good reasons to exercise whilst pregnant and I'm going to tell you what they are:

• Meeting new mums in your area in the same boat as you
• Faster recovery post-baby
• Arms you with more stamina for the labour room (and you're going to need it!)
• Up to 40% fewer incidences of lower back pain and pelvic discomfort
• 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
• 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

Still not convinced? Research says that your baby will benefit too:

• With a higher IQ and a leaner body
• A more relaxed outlook
• And easier to care for and settle

If you have any questions or are unsure about anything you have read here, please do not hesitate to contact our expert advisor Tasha Lawton.

Tasha has appeared on International TV as a pregnancy exercise expert and is an experienced pilates instructor specializing in pregnancy. Whilst pregnant herself with her second child, she produced a unique set of trimester specific workouts available to buy from www.pregalates.com