DO work up a sweat.  Exercise during pregnancy has numerous benefits for moms-to-be, including a more comfortable pregnancy with less aches and pains, a shorter and easier labor and a quicker return to pre-pregnancy shape. Exercise can also decrease the risk of developing complications like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Merrill recommends that pregnant women try to engage in some form of physical activity for 30 minutes most days of the week (walking counts!).

DON’T overdo it. Women who weren’t exercising regularly before their pregnancy should keep their routines simple. However, just because a woman wasn’t a strict athlete before becoming pregnant doesn’t mean she can’t get moving. “Women who previously were not very active can slowly increase the duration of their daily walks, or try swimming or a yoga class,” says Merill. “Pregnancy can serve as a great motivator for improving health!” Experts recommend that all pregnant women stay away from high-intensity exercise, contact sports or any activity with a high potential for falling, as a woman’s center of gravity changes during pregnancy. “A good rule of thumb is that expectant moms should be able to carry on a conversation throughout their workout,” says Wilson. Merrill also advises that after the first trimester, any activity where the mom-to-be is lying on her back should be avoided.

DO find your Zen. Calming exercises like yoga help women not only strengthen their bodies and improve flexibility, but also to de-stress and connect with their babies. “It’s important to connect mom and baby early on,” Sechhes says. “The stronger the bond, the better the pregnancy will be. When the pregnancy is a positive experience, motherhood likely will be as well.”

DO drink up. Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it’s especially imperative during pregnancy, as water helps to carry nutrients through the blood to the baby. “Aside from alleviating side effects like nausea, constipation and swelling, water may help prevent urinary tract infections and the onset of premature labor,” says Wilson, who recommends that moms-to-be try to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water each day and carry a bottle of water with them at all times.

DON’T obsess over the scale. While it’s a good thing to be mindful of your weight gain, constantly stepping on the scale can be a source of unnecessary stress. “My advice is to listen only to your health care provider,” says Wilson. “If [he or she] isn’t concerned about your weight, you shouldn’t be either. Stay as active as possible, eat sensibly, take your vitamins and embrace your beautiful prenatal body.”

DO get together. Pairing up with another mom-to-be or joining a prenatal fitness class (see sidebar for programs in NYC) is a great way to share your experience and create a support system. “Pregnancy can be overwhelming and isolating at times,” says Sechhes. “We encourage expectant moms to connect with each other and to surround themselves with people they trust, from the obstetrician to the fitness instructor.”