Congratulations! You’re going to be a new Mom. Probably, one of the first things you think about after all the up-front details is how to stay healthy during your pregnancy. But we all know that the first trimester can be tricky.

This is when fatigue “sets in” along with feelings of nausea. Staying in shape may be the last thing you want to think about, but exercise, even on a lighter level, is a mood booster. It increases your energy level and brightens you mentally.

In fact, staying physically active for as long as you can keeps you feeling healthy. And the best part: it can minimize hard-to lose weight gain and later can make labor and delivery easier. Plus, exercise builds bone and muscle.

It also can lessen backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling. Some reports say it can even reduce stretch marks. Expectant Moms should always consult with their doctor or midwife about the appropriate level of exercise that’s right for them.

Some 20 to 30 percent more pregnant women are working today than five years ago. One of the reasons for this increase is better health and the availability of classes for yoga and Pilates, exercise methods that strengthen and lengthen muscles.

Exercise, even light walking (it’s not high impact), motivates you to feel healthy about yourself and leads to overall better planning and eating habits. When you have a healthy view of yourself, you will usually follow a healthy lifestyle routine.

“Many women who work all day, come home and just drop onto the sofa,” says Certified Nurse Midwife Carson Ragan. “But our goal is to provide the right services for you, so you have the extra time needed to take care of yourself—inside and out.

“As winter fades, stepping outside for a short walk with a partner or friend reduces stress, changes your attitude, and refocuses your thoughts on something other than daily pressures. The benefits are endless.

“If you are careful, you can continue to run lightly or jog up to the first of your third trimester and then switch out to walking. Most of our Moms-to-be have found that it increases their energy level and also their ability to return to normal activities sooner.”

The misconception that exercise causes bleeding or miscarriage has been dispelled. This once kept women idle. As physicians and midwives have learned more, they realized exercise, aside from high-contact or high-impact, is safe, even valuable. So, while marathon running and rugby are out, swimming, light jogging and yoga are in.

Here are a few suggestions to keep you moving:

• Walk or jog lightly

• Go for a short, safe walk during your lunch break

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator, especially if your mid-wife and doctor approve

• Exercise your arms everyday—light weights work

• If you have other children and it is not too far, walk them to school

• Do light housework and turn on your favorite music

• Take the dog for a walk

• Continue gardening (You gain vitamin D from the sunshine.)

• Dance to your favorite music

• Continue or start an easy, organized exercise group.