Weight gain during pregnancy is important, and crucial to the healthy development of your growing child. This doesn't mean you should gain in excess and it by no means keeps you from exercising. Working out is a healthy choice for expecting mothers. It can help you keep your energy up, your weight down, increase your strength and help to prepare you for delivery. There are a few guidelines, however, to follow while working out during pregnancy:

Drink plenty of water

You will need plenty of water while exercising, so you don't over heat yourself, or your baby. It is important to keep your body temperature from getting too high so you and your baby don't get sick. Make sure you have a water bottle with you through your entire workout.

Wear supportive and comfortable shoes

Heaven knows your feet are already aching enough with the extra weigh you are gaining, so make sure your shoes fit properly and are comfortable and supportive to prevent further foot pain, and injury.

Wear a supportive bra, or two

Your belly isn't the only thing growing during pregnancy, so make sure you are wearing a very supportive sports bra. You can even put on two if you feel more supported that way (you wouldn't be the first to do it).

Listen to your body

Your body is a good indicator as to whether or not you need to take it easy, or stop all together. If you aren't feeling well, that is your body's way of saying to take it easy.

Take breaks

Working out is a great thing (and you don't have to limit yourself to just walking on the elliptical), but make sure that after each type of exercise that you take a break and give yourself time to prepare for the next round.

Avoid stomach exercises

The muscles in your stomach have separated to allow your tummy to grow and make room for your beautiful bundle of joy. Due to this, it is strongly recommended that you avoid doing stomach exercises like sit ups and crunches. You can focus on toning your arms and legs, but don't focus on keeping your stomach from growing. This could result in permanent injury to you, and possibly the baby.

Breathe

You are not the only person in this workout, so make sure you are breathing enough. Proper breathing ensures that you and your baby are getting the oxygen that you need.

Don't weigh yourself

You aren't going to lose any weight during pregnancy. You shouldn't be! Don't weigh yourself after working out. As long as you are working out and eating healthy, there is nothing to worry about. Your body will gain the weight it needs to sustain the pregnancy and keep your baby healthy.

Check your pulse

It is not good for the baby if your heart rate gets too high, so make sure you are checking your pulse and doing exercises that help you get fit, but that don't raise your heart rate too high.

Stretch

Stretch, stretch, and stretch again. The more you stretch the better. This will keep you from locking up and getting sore after working out. With all that extra fluid in your body, you will need all the stretching you can get. You may even try stretching when you wake up and when you go to sleep.