MODEL RELEASED. Pregnant woman exercising. Pregnant woman in a seated stretch posture. Prenatal exercises, often involving stretching of the spine and pelvis, help to strengthen muscles in the back and hips. They also partly remove the pressure of the foetus on the spine, thereby relieving backache, which is a common problem towards the end of pregnancy. Meditation can help to improve relaxation and general feelings of well-being. This woman is eight months (32 weeks) pregnant.