Walking Through the Trimesters

During HypnoBirthing’s “Exercise and Pregnancy” module fitness conscious moms learn about starting a walking program. It’s wise to talk to your health care provider to receive the final nod of approval before beginning an exercise program.  We highly recommend walking as a great pregnancy exercise.

In an earlier post in this series I recommended strategies for starting a program. Every woman’s pregnancy is unique. Listen to your body to determine when to start your walking routine. Being fit during pregnancy is an important advantage in natural birthing. In establishing your routine consider your overall fitness and how you are feeling through the phases of pregnancy.

Walking Through the Trimesters

During the first trimester (weeks 1-13) you may feel less inclined to walk as you body adjusts to its new hormone levels. Your focus during this time should just be on doing what you can. Aim to get a regular routine established and gradually build up your time.

As you ease into the second trimester (weeks 13-25) any nausea should have subsided, and you will find it easier to exercise. You can look forward to increasing the time and frequency of your walking. This trimester is sometimes called the “honeymoon” phase of pregnancy. It is usually the time when most women feel their best. Don’t let feeling your best lead you to overdoing your workouts. As the weeks progress, if you have been consistent in your walking, increase the intensity during small intervals throughout your workout. Intervals maximize your efforts. Remember: listen to your body.

As long as you remain free of complications during pregnancy, walking during the third trimester (weeks 26-40+) is recommended for all women. Even if you haven’t started until this trimester, it is never too late to start to reap some of the benefits. It’s hard to not to notice a growing belly and its effects on your center of gravity. It can take some time to acclimate to the increased weight around your midsection. Go easy, but go steadily. Exercising regularly places you less at risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Continued walking to increase fitness levels can have additional benefits of a shorter labor. Burning extra calories cuts helps monitor the weight.

The hardest part of starting anything is just doing it. Walking is easy. Put one foot in front of the other and you’ve started!

All content here should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health during pregnancy.