Felt like punching someone directly in the face already today? Maybe walking could help prevent your very own 3rd trimester tiredness-induced lawsuit?
Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body goes through many changes (you’re undoubtedly thinking ‘yeah, duh’), and it can be challenging to maintain an active lifestyle. However, walking is a low-impact exercise that is safe and beneficial for women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Walking during this time can help with many physical and emotional changes and challenges that a woman may experience, such as the trauma of having to give up wine for 9 months + the breastfeeding phase. Here are the top 5 benefits of walking during the third trimester of pregnancy:
1. Improves circulation
During the third trimester, the body undergoes a lot of changes, including an increase in blood volume. In fact, you might even feel sometimes like a giant walking bag of baby, bile, blubber and blood! Walking helps to improve circulation and reduces the risk of varicose veins, blood clots, and swelling in the feet and legs. It also helps to keep blood pressure levels within your desirable range and maintain heart health.
2. Prepares the body for labor
Walking is an excellent form of exercise to help prepare the body for labor (please note, we didn’t say ‘mind’). It strengthens the muscles in the legs and pelvic area, keeping them in good overall condition, which can help during labor and delivery. Walking also helps to improve flexibility and range of motion, which can help during the birthing process, though strangely enough, you probably won’t make this observation at any point throughout. ‘Oh wow, I reckon contraction number 16,405 was slightly less agonizing because of my comprehensive walking regime’.
3. Reduces stress
Pregnancy can be a stressful time, particularly if you have to regularly deal with the father-in-waiting 😜, and walking is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that help to elevate mood and reduce stress levels. Walking also provides an opportunity to get outside, breathe fresh air, and enjoy nature, provided your neighbors can give their leaf blower a rest for one god-damn minute.
4. Helps with weight management
Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help with weight management during pregnancy, provided your route doesn’t pass any Krispy Kreme stores. It burns calories, which can help to prevent excess weight gain and improve overall fitness. Walking also helps to maintain muscle tone, which can help with postpartum recovery.
5. Promotes better sleep
During the third trimester of pregnancy it can be challenging, if not impossible, to get comfortable in bed and get a good night’s sleep. It would seem that a baby has carried out a complete hostile takeover of your body, and that naughty baby has determined that you will not be well-rested. Walking helps to tire the body (not the baby, unfortunately), making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It also helps to reduce back pain and other discomforts, which can help in maintaining pre-pregnancy sleep quality.
Walking during the third trimester of pregnancy is a safe and beneficial exercise for women. It helps to improve circulation, prepare the body for labor, reduce stress, manage weight, and promote better sleep. However, we’d recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare provider, who knows your unique health story, before starting any exercise program during pregnancy. They can provide guidance on the safest and most effective ways to exercise during this time.
