Is It Safe to Walk for Exercise in Every Trimester of Pregnancy?

Is It Safe to Walk for Exercise in Every Trimester of Pregnancy?

Whether this is your first or fifth pregnancy, staying active can help with anything from general aches and pains to easing your labor.
But if you haven’t exercised before or even if you have a regular routine when you’re not pregnant, you may not know what moves are OK to do throughout the next 9 months.
Walking is a moderate aerobic activity that doctors recommend to most pregnant folks because it’s safe, effective, and accessible.

Is it safe to walk during pregnancy?

It is recommended that if you’re pregnant or postpartum and healthy, you should aim to exercise 150 minutes each week. This can be split up into five 30-minute sessions of moderate-intensity moves, such as brisk walking.
Walking is considered a safe activity during pregnancy because it works your cardiovascular system without taxing your muscles and joints.
Walking is a very low-risk activity. It doesn’t increase the possibility of complications — like low birth weight, preterm labor, or miscarriage — for most people.
That said, each person and each pregnancy is different. You should always speak with your doctor to see if walking (or other types of exercise) is safe for you and your baby.

Benefits of walking during pregnancy

Moving your body in pregnancy may not always sound appealing, especially if you’re still in the throes of morning sickness. However, keeping fit and active has numerous benefits that may help you feel better in the long run.
Walking and other moderate exercise during pregnancy may lower your risk of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and even delivering via cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section.
Other benefits of walking include:

• It aids with maintaining a healthy weight gain throughout pregnancy.
• It keeps muscles strong to reduce back pain.
• It helps keep your bowels moving to combat constipation.
• It maintains or improves your fitness level throughout pregnancy.
• It works your heart, lungs, and blood vessels for overall cardiovascular health.
• It helps shed baby weight when continued after birth.

Other types of moderate activity with similar benefits include:

• Swimming
• cycling on a stationary bike
• doing dance, yoga, or other pregnancyspecific fitness classes

Another great thing about walking is that most anyone can do it. All you need is a
supportive pair of shoes and a safe path to follow.
Pack a water bottle to ensure you’ll have easy access to water. Otherwise, have fun and keep at it.
Before you know it, you’ll be walking the same route with your sweet baby in tow!
 

Sources: Health Line