Keeping fit in Kent while pregnant

Keeping active during your pregnancy will not only benefit your own health and that of your baby but will also help pass the time and probably find you a new bunch of friends all in one go.

From swimming and water-based aerobic style classes to yoga and pilates there is plenty taking place across Kent for mums-to-be.

While some classes involve a brief chat with a midwife or medical professional before taking part, others will rely on you to be responsible so it is best to check with your own midwife before embarking on anything new.

Below is a selection of classes currently running across Kent.

Swimming

Puddle Ducks

Puddle Ducks run aquanatal classes across east and west Kent in a number of private, school and leisure club pools. It is a gentle mix of yoga, relaxation and aquacise.

Puddle Ducks Aquanatal groups are currently meeting in Otford, Tunbrudge Wells, Ashford, Margate, Canterbury and Maidstone.

For the latest timetable visit www.puddleducks.com

Aqua Bumps

Strood Leisure Centre runs weekly aqua bumps classes for mums-to-be.

The water-based aerobics classes currently take place on Monday evenings.

To book telephone 01634 333933.

Aqua Natal Swimming Classes, Chatham

Oaklands School is hosting water-based classes for mums-to-be from 20 weeks.

Sessions, which currently take place on Tuesday evenings, must be booked in advance.

Please telephone 01634 333821.

Aquanatal, Gravesend

Cascades Leisure Centre in Thong Lane runs weekly classes for those expecting a baby.

Telephone 01474 337471 for further information or to make a booking.

Yoga

Little Yoga Bears, Medway

Pregnancy-based yoga for mums who have reached 14-weeks right up to birth based in Rainham.

Telephone 07921866082 or email littleyogabears@hotmail.com for further information.

The group also has a facebook page which can be found by searching littleyogabears

Mama Medway Pregnancy Yoga , Medway

Pregnancy and post-natal yoga take place with Mama Medway currently at the Woodlands Academy in Gillingham.

Please email mamamedway@gmail.com or visit their website here (www.mamamedway.co.uk/

Pregnancy Yoga, Gravesend

The Cyclopark at Gravesend currently runs Pregnancy Yoga classes suitable for mums who have reached 14 weeks gestation. To book call 07838 991660 or visit www.cyclopark.com

Maidstone Yoga Centre

Based at The Broadway, Maidstone Yoga Centre is ready to welcome mums-to-be who are either practicing yoga regularly or new to the activity. Telephone 01622 685864.

Unity Yoga, Tunbridge Wells

Antenatal yoga classes run regularly at this west Kent centre. Mums-to-be need to have reached 14 weeks gestation and all levels and abilities are welcome.

Telephone 07702 751143 or visit www.unityyoga.co.uk.

Relax, Stretch and Breath, Canterbury

Run by the Canterbury and District NCT branch this drop-in class takes place on Monday evenings for those who have reached their twelfth week of pregnancy. It meets at Barton Court Church off New Dover Road. Email lucymarkes@btinternet.com or text 07831 615 998

Pilates

Sittingbourne-based firm Your Body offer antenatal pilates classes. It is a small group class specifically designed with pregnancy in mind. The class focuses on good posture for pregnancy, pilates on the ball, stretching, relaxation and breathing techniques. Suitable for mums who have reached 14 weeks gestation. Telephone 07935 947581 or email dee@yourbodypilates.co.uk