It seems a group of women near Milwaukee, Wisconsin are really putting the belly into belly dancing. Belly dancing has become a popular form of exercise, aided, no doubt, by the gyrations of pop singer Shakira, and pregnancy apparently doesn't represent a barrier to joining in. In fact, it can be a fun way to stay strong while pregnant.

"It just sounded like an interesting way to exercise and move your body," said Marie Ponder, who is seven months along with her first. "There is walking and going to the gym and doing elliptical work, but that doesn't sound appealing at all when you're pregnant," she said. "It's funny, because you think of being pregnant as being swollen and big and you gain weight. But it actually makes you feel in touch with your body and makes you feel sexy."

According to Michelle Douglas, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, exercise "can help with a lot of musculoskeletal pains women experience when they're pregnant, such as low back pain. And it can possibly give you an easier, shorter labor and less depression. If your body is more fit, your body will endure more and be able to bounce back."

I've seen a fair number of belly dancers perform who didn't fit the traditional teenage boy's idea of a belly dancer and they were actually quite good and a lot of fun to watch. If there are classes in your area, it might be worth looking into as a fun way to keep in shape.