Exercise produces endorphins that improve mood, which is particularly important during pregnancy when you are experiencing heightened hormone levels. Exercise also helps prevent excessive weight gain, which is both emotionally and physically beneficial. For most women, it is difficult watching the scale creep up to 25-40 pounds higher than their normal weight. Avoiding weight gain above the recommended amount will keep you feeling and looking your best as your baby Drug Abuse grows. In addition, women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, which can be very dangerous for you and your baby. Finally, aerobic exercise can relieve stress and build the stamina needed for labor and delivery, perhaps even making your labor shorter and less painful.