Walking and Pregnancy: Some Facts

We have all heard that walking is great for pregnant women, but what does it really do? Walking during pregnancy on a regular basis (at least 4 times a week for 25 minutes) helps to:

• shorten labor
• lower your chance of getting gestational diabetes
• keep the extra pounds off
• relieve stress
• get your body back after baby (toned muscles burn more calories than flabby ones)

I have been walking for the past couple of weeks and have noticed that my lungs are healthier and my leg and lower abdominal muscles are toning up.

If you are pregnant and did not exercise much before, make sure to take it easy. If you walk too hard, your lower abdominals are going to let you know! Don't ask me what they have to do with walking, but apparently they are connected. Find your pace and try to keep it steady.

Remember: never walk to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness. Pushing yourself to the limit forces your body to use oxygen that should be going to your baby.