Why is walking during pregnancy good

Walking during pregnancy has countless benefits for both mommies-to-be and babies, some of which are:. Although walking while pregnant is absolutely safe and actually recommended by gynaecologists and midwives, seek medical approval before taking walks or practicing yoga in pregnancy. Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about walking during pregnancy. Walking in pregnancy helps with labor as it strengthens your muscles and gently draws the baby down into your pelvic floor muscles.

It is also helpful in shorter and less intense labor. Some of the biggest benefits of walking while pregnant include:. Since your pelvic floor muscles can get strained and weakened during pregnancy, walking helps to tone and train them to cope with the growing weight of your baby.

Furthermore, by strengthening the muscles of your pelvic floor, walking also prepares them for childbirth. Although the initial time depends on your efficiency and familiarity with working out before pregnancy, you should ideally walk for approximately 30 minutes a day — at least four to five days each week, if not all days.

Regularly walking in pregnancy can help in making your back strong, supporting your growing belly and relieving backache. Walking during pregnancy strengthens pelvic muscles and pelvic tilts, in return, can ease lumbar pain by gently stretching your lower back muscles.

Since it is completely safe to walk during pregnancy third trimester, you should walk for at least 30 minutes a day, four to six days every week. However, you must consult your medical professional if you are comfortable and want to walk or exercise for longer. Walking in pregnancy is the simplest form of working out that suits all pregnant women regardless of varying fitness levels.

While it is simple to do, it makes a huge difference in the entire pregnancy and labor experience. However, you must listen to your body if your doctor has approved to start a walking program.

After all, pregnancy is not about setting fitness records or increasing your strength and endurance. It is about staying active and attaining its benefits, even if it is a short walk. Listen to your body and rest if you feel extremely tired. Benefits of Walking During Pregnancy. Walking and Pregnancy : When to Start? To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Artal R. Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Accessed May 26, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Department of Health and Human Services. Gregg VH, et al. Exercise in pregnancy. Walking during pregnancy: Reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Studies show that women who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes or having unplanned cesarean sections. Helps you burn calories so you keep your weight in check. Boosts your mood and energy levels. One study found significant improvement in the moods and fatigue levels of pregnant women who walked about 30 minutes four times a week.

Eases back pain and other aches. Back pain during pregnancy is common and can often interfere with daily activities and sleep. Walking can help keep your back muscles strong and warm up so that they can support your growing belly and not become stiff.

Just make sure you exercise well before bedtime, or walking may have the opposite effect. Relieves constipation which is a common symptom during pregnancy. Exercise helps move food through the digestive tract faster, so less water is absorbed in the colon, making stools softer and easier to pass.