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C & K
We are so thankful for Parent Profiles! For over 2 years we did what we could to get our names out there for adoption, but had no success. We started feeling the need to do everything we could, so after hearing some great success stories from others who have used this site, we decided to go ahead and give it a try. I read all the success stories and many of them said more ...
Walking and Pregnancy
One of the most important factors for maintaining a healthy pregnancy is to ensure that you get adequate exercise. This doesn't mean that you have to spend hours sweating away at the gym however or even that you need to purchase any type of expensive home exercise equipment. Instead, the no-frills exercise of walking can provide you with the necessary extra mobility you need to keep your body fit and get it ready for the birth. Taking it up soon after you have the baby can also help you regain your pre-pregnancy weight and figure.
We love adoption! It has brought huge blessings into our lives, including wonderful relationships with two birth families. We hope and pray that you will be guided as you sort out your thoughts and deal with the difficult challenges that you are facing.
Unlike weight training, and even some sports, walking is something you can do from the earliest part of pregnancy, right through until you're almost ready to deliver the baby! There will be times when you can walk further than others, and periods when you can exert more energy.
The only equipment you need for walking your way through pregnancy is a good pair of shoes which will support your feet, as well as cushion them against the increased weight you will have as your pregnancy progresses. There are some women however who gain an extra shoe size, or experience a broadening of their feet, during pregnancy so be prepared that you may need to purchase an additional pair in a different size.
Although walking is a good form of exercise for pregnant women, there are some things you should keep in mind during pregnancy.
1. Build up to longer walks if you previously haven't exercised regularly. As with all exercise sessions remember to have a warm up and cool down period where you walk slower to allow your body temperature to return to normal.2. Drink plenty of water to compensate for the loss of body fluid during your walking exercise.
3. If you live in a climate which is hot and/or has high humidity, find somewhere air conditioned such as an indoor walking track, or even the local shopping mall, where you can exercise in comfort.
4. Watch your posture when walking, especially in trimesters two and three when you will have to compensate for the additional weight/bump at the front and be inclined to have it pull you forward.
5. If walking outside remember to apply a sun block cream to your face to help counteract any ultraviolet light rays from the sun which can create skin changes during pregnancy.
6. If you are walking out in an unpopulated area, such as a woodland park or forest, make sure you leave a note of where you are going, and take your cell phone with you so that if you get into difficulties you can call for help, and people know where to look for you.
7. Do not over exert yourself. Your body has limits now, when you feel tired - stop! A shorter walk every day is better than the occasional marathon!
As your due date approaches, remember that walking can help bring on labor so be especially careful about where you walk! On the other hand if you are past your due date, a trip to the mall for some extra walking might be just what you need to get you started!
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