MIAMI (CBS4)- Having a baby can be a wonderful experience, but for some women who are expecting those nine months may be stressful, lousy and very uncomfortable.

However, experts say being pregnant doesn’t have to be a downer.

“If you work out when you are pregnant, you feel better about yourself and could embrace the whole pregnancy and you don’t gain excess weight,” Michelle Marie, a personal trainer and nutritionist, said.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, if you’re at a healthy weight before pregnancy you should gain anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds. If you’re underweight, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds and if you’re overweight that number should be 15 to 25 pounds.  Also, keeping your weight gain at a steady pace will make a world of a difference, and of course a little activity will make for a happier and healthier pregnancy.

“You sleep better, lower your back pain and your circulation during your pregnancy if you exercise,” Marie said. “It also reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and postpartum depression.”

Some of the exercises that could help according to Marie are lunges.  You do that by bending the knees as if you were going to sit down slowly, and as your belly grows point your feet outward to make it more comfortable.

Chest presses are also a good one and leg curls with an over sized exercise ball. Keep in mind, do not lay on your back for more than 60 seconds.  Of course walking is always a great option. For all busy moms out there, 30 minute walks three to four times a day will make you feel much better.

It’s also important to note that if you have not been exercising and are pregnant now it not the time to start.

Consult your doctor for the best way to stay fit while you’re expecting.

For more information visit, www.MichellMarieFit.com.