Your body has betrayed you. This is your unhappy realization, offered as you glance into a mirror. A pregnancy was meant to provide only joy — but you’ve discovered the ravages of trimesters, the long sprawl of stretch marks, the sag of skin. You don’t recognize yourself; and you don’t like what you’re now forced to see. Motherhood is craved but the effects of its arrival are loathed. You don’t want… this. You want instead to know your own reflection.

So you begin an exercise regimen. This is — you know — recommended by all obstetricians, assured to tighten muscles and help the pregnancy pains. But the low impact walks and slow laps in the pool do not impress you. They’re meant to soothe stress, to target aching muscles; they don’t offer the burst of adrenaline you need.

You decide then to increase your efforts. This will surely reduce your waist, redefine your body.

It will — but at a terrible cost.

Exercising during pregnancy is to be encouraged. The effects of mild movements will help to stimulate a metabolism and lessen joint pain. Those movements must not become too strenuous, however — with an intention to lose weight and reshape skin.

This is dangerous.

All expectant mothers must understand that their bodies will change dramatically during their trimesters. Pounds will be gained; a figure will be obscured. This is normal and to be expected. It’s not, however, to be battled. Performing too many exercises during a pregnancy can trigger worrisome consequences — such as premature labor or harm to the development of the fetus. There is too little protection surrounding an unborn baby, and forcing your body to endure high energy motions can cause irreparable damage.

It is imperative therefore that you understand the purpose of exercise: to encourage an easy pregnancy. It is not to help calories disappear, regaining your former body. Trying to accomplish that can end in tragedy. Don’t do it.