Are you currently pregnant and curious about the safety of walking during pregnancy and how it can benefit your overall health?
You are at the right place. In this article, let’s discuss everything related to walking during pregnancy.
Walking is one of the easiest moderate aerobic physical activities that almost all of us can follow.
Especially if you are pregnant, most doctors suggest that you go for a walk. Walking during pregnancy is recommended as it is effective, safe, and easily accessible.
Although almost all of us can walk during pregnancy, it is important to get the green signal from your doctor before beginning any form of exercise.
Benefits of Walking during pregnancy
1. Safe
Walking is one of the safest forms of exercise, especially for pregnant women, as it is low impact and doesn’t strain the muscles.
2. Accessible
Going to the gym or a yoga center takes a lot of time and effort.
But walking is easily accessible, as you can go anywhere at any time at your own pace.
3. Effective
Although walking is a low-impact exercise, it is a great form of exercise to keep yourself active and maintain your weight.
4. Improves mood
It is proven that waking consistently for 30 minutes a day helps improve your mood, especially if you are pregnant.
5. Enhances sleep
During pregnancy, it may be difficult for you to fall asleep.
By walking for 30 minutes, you become tired as your energy is drained, and you tend to sleep better.
6. Lowers back pain
With a growing belly, pregnant women tend to have back aches. Regular walking can help strengthen your back muscles and reduce back pain.
Is it safe to walk during all three trimesters?
If your doctor approves and if you are physically fit, then it is safe to walk during all three trimesters of your pregnancy.
However, during your first trimester, you may experience nausea and morning sickness. So make sure you start slowly and don’t push yourself too much.
During your second trimester, you might feel better than in the first trimester. But don’t overdo your walking; stick to a 30-minute brisk walk.
The benefits of walking during pregnancy 2nd trimester are that since you feel very active, it helps drain out your energy and helps you sleep.
In the third and final semester, you would have gained quite some weight, and with the big baby bump, it might get difficult for you to walk.
So just walk as much as you can and don’t push yourself too hard.
When should I avoid walking during pregnancy?
As much as it is safe for most people to walk during pregnancy, there are a few exemptions.
Avoid walking if you experience :
Leg swelling after walking
Increased dizziness
Pain in the chest
Persistent headaches
Conclusion
When you go for a walk, ensure that you carry a water bottle to help you stay hydrated.
Many people wonder if walking during third trimester is safe. Yes, it is.
Also, it is essential to stay healthy and fit during pregnancy, but don’t push yourself too hard and only do as much as your body can handle. Walking during pregnancy is however considered to be safe and healthy.
But each and everyone’s body and pregnancy are different. So listen to your needs and what your body says, and do what works for you.
Do not think twice about calling your doctor if you experience any pain or symptoms.
Please contact Jammi Scans if you have any questions regarding pregnancy scans.
Our experienced and dedicated staffs are available to guide you with detailed information.