Moving through pregnancy: tips to stay active

Moving, staying active and gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy can help keep you and your baby healthy. For most women, being active during pregnancy is a good thing. But you don’t need to head to the gym to increase activity. With a few daily changes to your routine, you’ll be moving more in no time.

Healthy pregnant women need at least 2½ hours of exercise each week which is about 30 minutes each day. This may sound like a lot, but don’t worry. You don’t have to do it all at once. Instead, get moving by doing a few minutes of activity throughout your day.

Here are some tips to help you reach your fitness goals:

• Park farther away in the parking lot when you visit stores or go grocery shopping.
• Set a timer on your phone to get up, stretch and walk around your house or office once every hour.
• If you are watching TV, take the time to stretch out your arms and legs.
• Walk and talk while you are on the phone, whether it be outside or around your house.
• When walking around the office, grocery store or parking lot, walk the long way instead of taking shortcuts.
• Plan fun outdoor weekend activities. Apple picking season is in full-swing – take a walk around the orchard while you pick some apples.
• Skip the elevator and take the stairs.
• Calling or emailing your co-worker at work? Get up and take a walk over to chat instead.

Tomorrow is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. The goal is “to encourage women to take control of their health; to learn the facts they need to make smart healthy choices, and to make time for regular physical activity.” By making small changes to your day, you can reach your fitness goals. Be on the lookout for events planned in your local area.

Read our article to understand why physical activity is good for most pregnant women and to learn which activities are safe.

Tags: exercise, fitness, National Women's Health and Fitness Day, physical activity, Pregnancy