Get in Shape, Girl
Businesses help moms stay healthy and chic during pregnancy.

Being six months pregnant is challenging. My feet ache, my skin is becoming taut and my fingers are so swollen that my wedding ring doesn't fit anymore. While I spent most of the first trimester on the couch watching Oprah, I've vowed to become more active as the third trimester approaches. I'm also trying to reconnect with my inner glamour girl, who loves nothing more than makeup, clothing and new shoes. I know she's still in there, somewhere.

With these goals in mind, I set about finding local businesses that could help me become a healthy, stylish mom-to-be. Here are a few of the places that I discovered along the way:

Triad Yoga
Relaxation and conversation meet maternal bliss at Triad Yoga. The studio offers a prenatal yoga class Fridays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Prices for continuing students range from $15 for one session to $1,200 for an annual pass. There are discounts for new students. Using breathing techniques and gentle yoga positions like the "downward dog", the class is designed to keep moms strong and limber in anticipation of delivery. Positions are aimed at toning a pregnant woman's changing body while easing comfort.

The class is also a place where clients can exchange information, like how to handle common aches and what their experiences have been with local doctors and hospitals.

"It's not just about the yoga", said Mark Devenpeck, co-owner of Triad Yoga. "It's also a huge learning experience so that women can receive the best treatment possible beyond the studio".

Triad Yoga also hosts partner workshops ever few months. "In the workshops, husbands are taught to nurture their wives, connect and really embrace the beauty of this wonderful experience", said Devenpeck.