We all know the importance of exercise during pregnancy, but are there any specific exercises that are not safe? Anything that could physically harm the baby?

I found this information (http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/exercising_pregnancy.html):
Most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid weight training and sit-ups after the first trimester, especially women who are at risk for preterm labor.

Lifting reduces the blood flow to the kidneys and uterus, and exercises done on your back (including sit-ups and leg lifts) cause your heart rate to drop, also decreasing the flow of oxygenated blood to your body and the baby. It's better to tone your abdominal muscles while on all fours, by relaxing and then tightening your muscles as you exhale.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's also a good idea to avoid any activities that include:

* bouncing
* jarring (anything that would cause a lot of up and down movement)
* leaping
* a sudden change of direction
* a risk of abdominal injury

Typical limitations include contact sports, downhill skiing, scuba diving, and horseback riding because of the risk of injury they pose.

Although some doctors say step aerobics is acceptable if you can lower the height of your step as your pregnancy progresses, others caution that a changing center of gravity makes falls much more likely. If you do choose to do aerobics, just make sure to avoid becoming extremely winded or exercising to the point of exhaustion.

And check with your doctor if you experience any of these warning signs during any type of exercise:

* vaginal bleeding
* unusual pain
* dizziness or lightheadedness
* unusual shortness of breath
* racing heartbeat or chest pain
* fluid leaking from your vagina
* uterine contractions

Some of that information is pretty much common sense. Sit ups, even if a woman was actually able to do sit ups during pregnancy, she should realize it can't be the best thing to be doing. And anything bouncy would be a definite NO! And anything that causes discomfort in the abdomen should be avoided.