As the New Year starts and we all look to getting rid of those extra pounds we gained over the holiday season, most of us will be looking to start some form of exercise to reduce our waistlines and get a bit fitter in 2012, however if you are starting the year pregnant, then getting in shape can be a little more difficult.

Though every pregnant woman wants to look as good in her maternity clothes as possible, starting a very active form of exercise during your pregnancy can cause more problems than results and can actually cause long term harm.

During pregnancy, your body releases a hormone called Relaxin which softens the ligaments that hold your skeleton together in preparation for labour. Starting a high impact form of exercise such as running or high impact aerobics during this time may not only cause you discomfort but can lead to serious joint issues during your pregnancy and later in life.

Obviously if you are already participating in high impact exercise before you are pregnant maintaining your current level should not harm you but it is still wise to confirm this with your doctor or midwife regularly throughout your pregnancy.

However if you want to take up a new form of exercise during your pregnancy then consider taking the impact out of your exercise regime by using the water. Swimming is a great form of aerobic exercise that will keep you fit during your pregnancy and keep the weight from your body for a while, enabling you to relax into your body and give your back a well earned rest.

And why not get further use from your maternity swimwear by also trying a water aerobics class. With a great many classes designed specifically for pregnant women, water aerobics enables you to carry out an aerobic exercise regime whilst the water keeps you buoyant and absorbs the impact that would otherwise be felt in your joints.

So if you are looking to start a new form of exercise when you are pregnant, contact your local swimming pool and find out about classes and swim times that will suit you. Gentle exercise during your pregnancy will not only keep you looking trim but has also be found to help with labour and speed up the time it takes to return to your normal body shape after the baby is born.