Walking during pregnancy can maintain fitness and muscle tone, ease delivery, lower side effects and the risk of gestational diabetes. It can also have social benefits and be done on the mother’s schedule. Pregnant women should get their doctor’s approval before exercising.
Walking during pregnancy can maintain the expectant mother’s fitness level and muscle tone. It is also believed to help ease the job for faster delivery. Walking with other pregnant women or with young children can also have social benefits. Other benefits of walking during pregnancy include lowering the occurrence of side effects and the risk of gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a high blood sugar level during pregnancy. Since exercise can lower blood sugar, walking is often a good way to help prevent gestational diabetes. Having this type of diabetes can increase a woman’s risk of eventually developing type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes can also cause the baby to be born too large or jaundiced, so walking during pregnancy can have positive health benefits for both of the mother and of the child.
Less serious but uncomfortable pregnancy side effects such as constipation can also be reduced or prevented by maintaining regular walking routines. Even walking 30 minutes most days of the week can have many benefits. Walking during pregnancy is believed to be associated with a faster and easier delivery. It can be done around the mom-to-be’s neighborhood on her schedule instead of requiring structured classes at a community center or gym. This benefit of walking can save parents-to-be money that can be better spent on items needed to care for their new baby.
In some neighborhoods, mainly those with young families, pregnant women or mothers with preschool-age children often walk together. This has the benefit of social interaction along with the physical health benefits of walking during pregnancy. It offers the mother-to-be the opportunity to meet her neighbors who are at a similar stage in life. Having a group of neighborhood women participate in the pregnancy walk can build strong friendships and social support systems, such as childcare exchanges. On rainy days, some neighbor moms-to-be may choose to go to the mall for a walk in a nearby shopping complex.
Another benefit of walking is that it is generally safe enough to participate in during the last weeks and days of pregnancy. Walking can also help the mother-to-be maintain her weight and body tone throughout her pregnancy. When walking during pregnancy, the exercise should be stopped immediately if the expectant mother experiences any pain or dizziness. Pregnant women should get their doctor’s approval before engaging in any exercise routine, including walking.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
