The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends expectant mothers maintain some form of light to moderate exercise throughout their pregnancy.  When I was pregnant with my first child, I joined the local YMCA and swam laps once a week.  I totally looked forward to those days simply because I left the gym feeling exhausted but refreshed, knowing that I was doing something to keep myself fit and prepared for the rigors of a vaginal delivery.  I was self conscious at first, walking into the pool area with my pregnant belly sticking out.  But the more I went, the less I cared!  I wore the same one piece, racer back swimsuit and was pleasantly surprised in the timing that it stretched out at just the right rate with the chlorine exposure and my growing belly.  Then I just threw out the swimsuit postpartum!  My backache went away, stretching was easier, and I think my tiny daughter enjoyed the endorphin rush too!  If you’d like to add some pool time to your prenatal journey and relieve the weight of your growing belly off your lower back, join me for a prenatal water exercise class!