Proper hydration is extremely important, so drink at least a pint of water an hour before your workout and five ounces of fluid every 10 minutes during exercise. If you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated, so continually sip your water to keep your tank topped off.
Support bras (2-3)
Since your breasts are probably larger now, you’ll need a bigger and more supportive sports bra. Visit a running shop for a good selection of bras with serious support. The athletes working there are more likely to know how to fit you than folks at a basic sporting goods store. Your bra should have enough elasticity to allow you to move your arms and back freely while keeping your growing assets locked and loaded.
Comfortable shorts (2-3)
Go for elastic waists to accommodate your expanding middle. Remember that your back end will grow, too, so perform a clandestine toe touch in front of the dressing room mirror to make sure you’ve got good coverage from behind.
Comfortable tops (3-5)
Wick-away materials help draw sweat away from your body, but you may find the spandex-like material too clingy in later months and the specialized material costs extra. Big cotton T-shirts and tank tops over a high-quality sports bra work nicely, too.
Sweatpants or yoga pants (2-3)
These soft, elastic pants are great for Pilates, yoga, and strength training, as well as lounging around the house. Many women wear them post-delivery as transitional clothes since they look hip paired with a layered tank or peasant shirt. Just don’t wear them on cardio equipment like spin bikes or elliptical machines because the loose material at the hem can get caught in the moving gears.
Warm-up jacket or sweatshirt
A simple zip-up hoodie will allow you to maneuver around your belly while keeping you warm before and after your workout. Slip it on to take a brisk walk around the neighborhood or to cover up sweaty gym clothes if you need to run to the store before hitting the showers.
Comfortable athletic shoes
Some women’s feet grow up to an extra size during pregnancy, so get professionally measured before you decide on a shoe. Cross-trainers have harder soles and slightly higher sides to provide more balance and ankle support than traditional running shoes. Unless you’re already a runner and plan to keep it up, a cross trainer may be your best choice during pregnancy. Shoe brands are often tailored for certain feet shapes so get your shoes at a proper athletic store with staff that can help you navigate the available choices.
Good-quality socks
All socks are not made alike, so try on several pairs with your new athletic shoes before deciding. The big, fluffy cotton socks may look comfy but can also feel bulky inside your shoe. Thinner socks with wick-away material may seem flimsy but actually prevent blisters by keeping moisture off your skin.
Bathing Suit
If you’re planning on doing water aerobics, any maternity swimsuit will do. But if you plan to swim laps, those adorable tankinis and swim skirts will cause excessive drag and slow you down. Invest in an extra large racing suit with wide straps and a built in bra. The spandex will expand with you as you leave others in your wake!
Recommended
Health and exercise books
While expectant moms can safely perform most exercises, there are few that are off limits and many that require modifications in the last trimester. A quality prenatal exercise book will contain pictures to demonstrate proper technique and discuss hydration, nutrition, stretching, and target heart rate zones.
Exercise DVDs
Between first trimester exhaustion and last trimester doctor’s visits, it can be tough to consistently get to the gym. Exercise DVDs are the answer. They’re available at sports stores, online, and through mail-order catalogs; plus eBay is full of used DVDs. Some gyms even offer exercise video libraries so you can check out a new DVD each week.
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.
All the pregnancy info you need—from the first trimester to the last.
Can You Sleep Your Way to Conception?
Expert Q & A
The TTC Community
Sing, Sing a Song? 
Real Mom Tips
Celebrity Parenting
Your Baby Book
1st Birthday Recipes
Baby Shower Fun
Good Toddler Apps
Gifts for Newborns
Baby Slings
Snooki Says... 
Work-Life Balance
WAHM