There are as many opinions about what kind of life a future mother should lead as there are mothers themselves.
Recommendations on what rules to follow while waiting for a baby change every decade. And this is normal, because our lifestyle also changes outside of pregnancy. Even some 30 years ago, we did not fly so often on airplanes, did not go en masse to gyms and swimming pools, the rhythm of life and the level of stress were completely different. But one piece of advice remains the same: a pregnant woman needs physical activity. Walking is optimal.
pediatrician, writer, host of the TV show “School of Doctor Komarovsky”
Good people should breed!
“Pregnancy should not normally affect the lifestyle of a pregnant woman. When you change it drastically, it is stress for the body, because in this case it must adapt not only to pregnancy, but also to a dramatically changed lifestyle. You don’t have to constantly think about pregnancy. Live a normal life. You don’t need to jump with a parachute or go mountaineering, of course, but in general you shouldn’t change anything radically. Pregnancy is not the beginning of a maternal feat, but the path to the holiday. “
According to Dr. Komarovsky, the expectant mother needs physical activity and fresh air more than ever. At first, because it strengthens the immune system, and the likelihood of picking up an infection on the street is much lower than in a crowded room.
Secondly, walking helps to improve peristalsis, and many pregnant women face constipation.
Thirdly, walking is an excellent prevention of varicose veins, edema and excess weight.
But, as usual, there are nuances. If before pregnancy you did not walk much on foot, you should not suddenly start making long walking marches.
The load should be moderate to prevent overwork, severe thirst and pain.
You need to be careful when walking if you have hypertonicity of the uterus, acute toxicosis, there is a threat of miscarriage or polyhydramnios. Well, in the last stages, you always need to keep in mind that childbirth can begin suddenly: you should not go far from home, the phone must be charged, and the bag for the maternity hospital must be ready.
“During pregnancy, you can continue to go to the gym, to the pool, if there are no medical contraindications. The main thing is that the movements are natural, physiological. Walking is natural, but standing on your head, walking with a wheel or sitting on a twine is unnatural, ”says Dr. Komarovsky.
In addition, extreme loads, contact and active sports, where there is a risk of falling or getting injured, should be avoided.
But you can travel.
“Impressions, emotions – it’s all great, a pregnant woman should have fun. But you have to take care of quality health insurance, access to medical care, quality food and water, ”the doctor adds.