<h3>Question</h3>
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What should I look for when finding a pre-natal exercise class?<br />
— Paula, Hollywood, California 
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<h3>Answer</h3>
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Tracey Mallett, mom of two, master Pilates instructor and producer of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000F1IO34/islandtravela-20">3 in 1 Pregnancy System DVD</a> (<a href="http://www.traceymallett.com/">Tracey Mallett Fitness</a>) graciously answers this question - 
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Prenatal classes are general exercise classes modified for women who are pregnant; these classes should address the safety concerns of teaching pregnant women and follow the ACOG guidelines. 
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Any teacher who is teaching a prenatal class should be carrying some kind of personal training or group exercise certification and CPR. I would steer away from classes that have high impact moves or modify the routine keeping both feet on the floor, a good instructor will always cue this for people with knee and back issues. 
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Hot yoga is not recommended due to the excessive heat which can cause harm to the fetus and can increase blood pressure. Jerky and rotational movements present in dance classes and kick boxing need to be taken with care especially in the third trimester when the center of gravity is greatly affected by the increased baby weight and also may cause balance issues. 
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The best advice I could give is to listen to your body and go with your instincts. If something doesn&#39;t feel right the chances are that it&#39;s not. Congratulations and enjoy your days as a healthy new pregnant mommy to be! 
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<h3>About Tracey Mallett:</h3>
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<img class="left" src="/images/stories/ask_savvy_mommy/traceymallett.jpg" alt="Tracey Mallett" width="180" height="120" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000F1IO34/islandtravela-20"><img class="right" src="/images/stories/ask_savvy_mommy/tracey-mallett-dvd.jpg" alt="Tracey Mallett 3 in 1 Pregnancy System DVD" width="100" height="150" align="default" /></a>Tracey Mallett is a familiar face, recognized by millions of viewers as the popular host of &quot;The Method Show&quot; on Fox Fit TV, and now can be seen on Exercise TV. 
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A sought-after fitness expert with over 17 years in the fitness industry, Tracey regularly contributes to Fitness Magazine, Self, Shape, Fit Yoga, Pilates style, Oxygen, Cooking Light, Babyzone.com, Hers Muscle and Fitness and she&#39;s also the babycenter.com prenatal expert. 
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Tracey has recently produced the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000F1IO34/islandtravela-20">3 in 1 Pregnancy System DVD</a> voted one of 6 best prenatal DVD&#39;s for Fit Pregnancy Magazine, Super Body Boot Camp and Renew You series awarded Shape Magazine&#39;s Top 10 pick for 2006. 
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She&#39;s a master Pilates Instructor and certified personal trainer and lifestyle counselor. 
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If you have a question, you would like to see answered here, <a href="/communicate/savvy_mommy.html">send an email</a> and a leading mom expert in the appropriate field will respond to it in the <strong>Ask Savvy Mommy</strong> section. Remember to include your first name, city and state. 
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