Everyone knows that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It keeps you healthy, fit and sane. So, why do so many women stop working out when they become pregnant? It's often because they are tired, nauseous and unmotivated. But this is not the time to take a hiatus from exercise. Rather, this is the time to start training for the arduous task of childbirth. Would you sit on your ass and eat all day for nine months before attempting to run a marathon? We didn't think so.

While your pregnant partner needs to remain active, she does need to modify her workouts. Walking and swimming are both excellent cardiovascular activities that can be practiced throughout pregnancy. At the same time, Pilates and yoga are ideal for maintaining strength and flexibility.

What does this have to do with you? A lot. Your role is to motivate your partner to stay active. You can start by offering to exercise with her and printing out our easy-to-follow guides for PRENATAL PILATES and PRENATAL YOGA.

Thefunkystork.com is a pregnancy resource and parenting guide for expectant fathers and new dads.  It provides only general information designed for educational purposes, and does not offer pregnancy or pediatric advice. You should always consult a physician about concerns you have with your pregnancy or your child's health.