LAST weekend I had a great time with my friends. After picking up from where we left last time; it was time to start talking about children. As a matter of coincidence three of them are expecting their fourth child and other two have stopped at five, except yours truly who has stopped at three!Among other things that we talked about, was how to stay healthy when expectant. In fact something that caught my attention recently, was a debate going on as to whether it is safe for expectant mothers to exercise in a bid to stay healthy.As we all know, the first thing that is evident for most women when they are expectant is adding on weight. So, exercising during pregnancy has become a hot subject for women.Well, apart from the fact that an expectant mother has to live on very good foods to help her and the growth of the baby, she is also expected to do some exercise. I remember growing up seeing expectant women treating themselves as being sick, and not being active.There are a few exercises that expectant women can enjoy and help them stay fit: Pilates – Many people give up on the abdomen muscles altogether after getting pregnant. This might be the worst thing you can do. Pilates will help keep your abdomen fit and strong to support this new weight around your middle. Having strong abdomen muscles will also help you during labor. All the more reason to get into pilates!Swim – swimming is an exceptionally good workout for third trimester pregnancy. There is little impact on the knees and you don’t run the risk of tripping and falling. This form of exercise is mostly prescribed for expectant women who do not want to be very active.Walk –did you know that walking can actually bolster your fertility? Studies show that walking enhances blood-flow to the pelvis and the reproductive organs, thereby acting as a fertility booster.Walking is one of the best exercises for pregnant women: it’s low impact, easy to do, and the benefits are great while the risks are low. Walking is also a workout that requires very little special equipment-a bonus when you are already buying and outgrowing maternity clothes at an alarming pace. Long gone are the days, when being pregnant was viewed as being sick for nine months. Exercise for pregnant women is a great way to keep the body healthy and ready to lose the baby weight after the birth. By maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy you can help yourself to stay healthy and feel your best. Pregnant women should do brisk movement a lot for it helps the growth of their physical health and their baby. Movement makes people–including the pregnant women, have more energy. It also helps you to cope with stress easily, easier to control weight, and get better sleep.Today’s woman wants to look hot a month after the baby is born, one cannot attain this, unless you start being active from the time you are expecting up to the time the child is born- a rest is needed for some time before you can resume normal exercise. But for now keep exercising if you are expecting!