Walking During Pregnancy: Myths, Benefits, and Side-Effects
1. Don’t Push Yourself:
Usual guidelines deem walking about 150 minutes a week safe for a pregnant lady. When divided, it is a 30-minute walk five days of the week. It should not be irregular, and the timing should be active. The more active you are, the more benefits you will experience.
2. Carry Water Bottle:
Avoid dehydration. It is the most important thing to do during pregnancy. Drink lots of water when you are in walking and exercise routine.
3. Walking Shoes:
If you want to support your ankles and arches, then the best method is using walking shoes. Do not wear ordinary slippers as they may slip.
4. Never Forget Your Sunscreen:
If it’s a summer day, stepping out without sunscreen could keep your baby’s life at risk owing to the ultraviolet rays. Umbrella, cap and a bottle of water are other essentials that you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to. Dehydration might increase your body temperature, and your child won’t be too happy about it.
Safe Walking Tips:
Although walking is an exercise that has minimal issues for either the mother or the baby, there are still a few things that should not be ignored.
- Don’t walk too fast or too slow, allowing your body to absorb all the heat on a sunny day. This might lead to premature contractions.
- Keep your center of gravity fixed around your belly.
- Wear comfortable shoes always and walk with extreme attention, so you don’t trip or slip.
- Sip in the water you take along with you every few minutes to keep yourself hydrated but in little measures.
- Look forward when you take walks. Avoid any falls.
- To improve the posture of walking, you can always use maternity belts which are available in several medical stores.
- Take breaks. Do not let your body heat up and cause health concerns.
- If you feel any soreness near hips or pelvis, stretching can help. They offer relaxation to muscles and ligaments and in turn, improves flexibility.
- Duck walking during pregnancy is also quite frequent and safest exercise, especially in the beginning trimester. But take your doctor’s advice before this.
When to Consult a Doctor:
If you observe or suffer from the following symptoms, you must rust and see your medical professional immediately,