Benefits Of Walking During Pregnancy

Staying healthy during pregnancy is vital for you as well as your little one in the womb. We often hear of innumerable workouts that are good to be practiced during pregnancy. The most ideal and safest workout is walking. Walking during pregnancy suffices to balance your health and fitness. Walking does not need any expert help and neither does it cost you anything. All you have to do is find a convenient place and time and just start walking. Read on to know the wonders walking can do to you and your darling baby.

Benefits of walking during pregnancy

• Aids Normal / Vaginal Delivery
  Almost all pregnant women aspire to have a normal and safe delivery. Walking helps you achieve just that. The constant movement around your hips help the baby position itself properly aiding to a normal delivery. However, remember to stop walking the moment you feel even the slightest discomfort.
• Helps keep diabetes at bay
  Many of us are at a high risk of gestational diabetes. Walking during pregnancy ensures proper blood flow to all body parts and also avoids gestational diabetes.
• Manages weight during pregnancy
  Weight gain is a major concern to all would-be mothers. While you know you cannot really avoid bloating during this period, walking is one thing that you can do to make sure you do not gain abundant weight. Although walking is a moderate exercise, it ensures you do not bloat up excessively.
• Lowers blood pressure
  There is a lot of fluctuation in blood pressure when you are pregnant. Walking is a very good exercise to keep your blood pressure well within the ideal range thereby avoiding any complications during delivery. This in-turn aids vaginal delivery.

When to start walking

Walking is considered a very mild exercise generally. However, during pregnancy, many gynecologists advise only walking as a sufficient workout to keep your body fit and healthy during this period. You can start walking as a regular exercise after the completion of 3 months into pregnancy. Check with your doctor if it is safe for you to start walking. Some of you might have been advised complete bed rest. Refrain from walking until your doctor advises.

Pace and timings

Rigorous walking is a big no during pregnancy. Remember to be safe at all times although you have a healthy medical report. You are in no race now. Neither are you walking to shed extra calories. So, walk at a pace that is very comfortable to you. The idea is to keep you active and activate all body parts while you walk. Do not rush to reach your target.

Morning sickness might keep you from taking walks once you wake up. It is a good practice to stick to a timing for your walking schedule. But if you are unable to follow the same timings daily, it is okay. Most of you might find it easy to go for a walk in the evening. Start early in the evening. 5 pm should be ideal. Reach home before its dark even if you have a company. Parks are a good choice for walking during pregnancy. Many a times you might feel the need to rest while you are walking and the benches in a park will keep you comfortable.

Here are some general tips to consider while walking during pregnancy

1. Choose footwear that is comfortable while you walk.
2. Wear breathable outfits. Sweating is a common problem during pregnancy.
3. Carry a bottle of water with you. It is good to sip a little water while you walk.
4. Treadmill walking is to be avoided during pregnancy.
5. If you have sufficient space in front of your house or within your compound itself, use the space for your walking.
6. If you choose to go to a park, ensure you are back home before it is dark. Choose parks that have seating options.
7. Do not use earphones if you prefer walking outside. Make use of this time to talk to your baby or just enjoy the nature and surroundings.
8. Avoid traffic prone zones.
9. Do not set targets in terms of distance or time. Just walk as long as you can. Stop the moment you sense any discomfort.
   

Fancy items like maternity belts and the like are available in market. My personal opinion is that they are only a farce and a total waste of money. If you are ready to invest money for proper and safe walking, invest on shoes that aid in comfortable walking. Pick breathable clothing from your wardrobe. This low or zero investment exercise is sure to keep you and your fetus healthy. Happy walking! Stay healthy, stay fit!