Walking during pregnancy can bring about a myriad of benefits for expecting mothers. Not only does it help decrease the risk of complications, but it also contributes to the overall health of pregnant women. Shazia Shadab, Lead Physiotherapist at Cloudnine group of hospitals in Bangalore, Jayanagar, emphasizes the significant positive effects of incorporating a brisk walk into the daily routine, even for a short duration.
Here are some key reasons why walking is important during pregnancy:
- Maintains fitness: Walking serves as a low-impact aerobic exercise, enabling pregnant women to stay fit without subjecting their joints to excessive stress. It supports cardiovascular health and assists in managing weight gain.
- Boosts mood: Regular walking releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can be particularly beneficial during pregnancy when hormonal changes may influence mood.
- Improves sleep: Engaging in physical activity, such as walking, contributes to better sleep quality and may help alleviate common sleep disturbances experienced during pregnancy.
- Aids digestion: Gentle exercises like walking can aid in preventing or alleviating constipation, a prevalent issue during pregnancy, by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding digestion.
- Reduces swelling: Walking helps enhance circulation, subsequently reducing swelling in the ankles and legs, which is commonly observed during pregnancy.
- Manages gestational diabetes: Regular physical activity, including walking, plays a role in managing gestational diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
- Prepares the body for labor: Walking engages and strengthens various muscles, including those in the pelvic area, potentially preparing the body for labor.
- Enhances energy levels: Contrary to common misconceptions, walking can actually boost energy levels, making it an ideal exercise for pregnant women.
- Supports overall well-being: Walking fosters a sense of well-being, offering expecting mothers an opportunity to connect with nature and experience mental relaxation.
- Facilitates postpartum recovery: Engaging in regular walking can contribute to a smoother postpartum recovery by maintaining physical fitness and aiding in muscle recovery.
