Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Walking During Pregnancy- Benefits, Safety, and Risks
Walking is one of the best exercises and is recommended by most health professionals. Though it is a low impact exercise, considering its impact on the joints and heart, it helps the body fight against all sorts of chronic diseases. A 30-45 minute walk can help in reducing weight, decreasing chances of cardiovascular disorders, improving blood circulation, strengthening bones and muscles, and also boosting the body’s immune system. During pregnancy, walking has many benefits and helps the mother stay fit and healthy.
Why Should You Walk During Pregnancy?
It is essential to remain active and also adjust to all the changes happening in your body during pregnancy. Walking is one of the best ways to do this. It is regarded as the best cardiovascular exercise for women during pregnancy. Walking every day keeps the body fit and does not require any specialized equipment, fixed hours or extra cost. It is a safe exercise that the mother can do throughout the nine months of pregnancy after consulting with the doctor. Even if the mother did not exercise before pregnancy, it is entirely safe for her to walk during pregnancy.
When Should You Start Walking?
You can start walking right from the first day of pregnancy. Walking is an exercise that can be done throughout the pregnancy and has almost no health risks. During each trimester, certain tips and precautions should be kept in mind. Most importantly, discuss with your doctor and seek his advice before starting any exercise.
What Are the Benefits of Walking During Pregnancy?
Walking is good for pregnancy and considered to be the best exercise for pregnant women.
Physical Fitness: Walking tones your muscles and keeps you active.
Pain and Discomfort: Leg aches and discomfort due to growing belly are eased by regular walks.
Weight Gain: Although weight gain is natural during this phase, daily walks keep it at a healthy level.
Gestational Diabetes: Women are prone to type-2 diabetes during pregnancy, and walking helps control blood sugar levels, thus, reducing the risk.
Blood Pressure: Walking maintains blood cholesterol levels, thereby, controlling the blood pressure.
Pregnancy-Related Problems: Problems like morning sickness, cramps and constipation are commonly faced during pregnancy. Walking has been known to psychologically ease all these conditions, as can make women feel calmer.
Labour: The hip muscles get toned during walking, which helps in having a more relaxed labour.
Emotions: Walking outdoors is a change of environment, which tends to uplift the mood and acts as a stress-buster. Having a walking group offers you the opportunity to meet new people and socialise.
Health of the Baby: Walking keeps not only your weight in check, but also the baby’s weight. This further makes the process of delivery easier.
Dedication: Walking is easy to do every day and does not require any extra equipment or cost.
How to Prepare for Walking
Keep a few pointers in mind before starting your routine. First, consult with your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you the best about how much exercise and intensity should be followed. Next, before starting off with walking, it is imperative to have the right shoes.
Walking shoes of the correct size are recommended. Also, keep a check on your shoe size, since your feet might swell up requiring a larger size. Gel liners can be used for better shock absorbance. Use a good sunscreen or sunblock if you are walking during the daytime and keep yourself well hydrated.
How Long Should You Walk?
This depends on your exercise routine before pregnancy and also which trimester you are in. Overall, a 45-60 minute walk during the first two trimesters and 30-minute walk during the third trimester for five days a week is good enough during pregnancy. More than just staying active, it is also about how comfortable you are during pregnancy.
How You Can Incorporate Walking Throughout Your Pregnancy
Depending on the fitness level before pregnancy, you should accordingly incorporate walking during pregnancy.
First Trimester
In this trimester, depending on the fitness level prior to pregnancy, the mother should accordingly incorporate walking. Mothers who weren’t exercising regularly should start off with 10-20 minute walks for three days a week, and by the end of the trimester, they can scale it up to 15-20 minutes for at least five days a week. Women who had been exercising or working out can start with 20-30 minutes for four days a week and scale it up to 40-60 minutes for six days a week before the trimester ends.
Second Trimester
In the second trimester, morning sickness reduces significantly, and it is an excellent time to pick up the pace for walking. Beginners can scale up their walking to five to six days a week with 20-30 minutes per day. Those who were intermediate or regular should focus on increasing their pace and achieve 30-50 minutes of walking per day for six days a week. You can even include one day in a week with 60 minutes of walking.
Third Trimester
In the third trimester, the pace needs to be dropped. In this trimester, the mother should focus on feeling comfortable and also be active. Walk as per your mood and convenience. Maintaining the same timings as the second trimester, but reducing the pace is advised. Also, reduce the number of days of walking during the week. This trimester is all about relaxing and preparing for delivery.
Tips for Safe Pregnancy Walking
In addition to following all the tips, there are some general precautions the mother should take care of. Before including walking in your routine, consult your doctor about the routine and intensity. Always remember to warm up before going for a walk. This can involve some stretching and a fast-paced walk for two to three minutes. It is also okay to take breaks as and when you feel exhausted or even skip a day. It is important to keep listening to your body as you walk.
First Trimester
Morning sickness is common in this trimester, and the body undergoes a lot of changes. You should be walking as and when you are comfortable. Increase the duration of the walks gradually.
Second Trimester
Since this trimester is ideal to pick up the pace during the walking sessions, one can also concentrate on maintaining a good body form with shoulders back and head up. Along with walking, swinging the arms can make the session more intense and also give the body better balance. Besides all this, the mother should not overexert herself.
Third Trimester
During the third trimester, it is essential to keep in mind-body posture. Wearing a belly support band or belt while walking supports the belly and lower back. This can be helpful for avoiding soreness in the lower back. Take breaks whenever required, while walking, and do not push yourself. Always carry your phone if you are walking alone or inform someone and stay connected.
Signs to Slow Down
Walking during pregnancy has a lot of benefits, but it is important that you don’t push yourself too much during this period. Walking till breathlessness or exhaustion is not good. During the walk, you should be able to talk without gasping for breath.
Always take breaks or slow down when you feel tired. Staying hydrated is also essential. Vaginal bleeding (especially during 2nd and 3rd trimester), joint pains, swelling in the calf or at joints, chest pains, and dizziness are some extreme signs to look out for and you should consult with the doctor before continuing the exercise routine.
FAQs
Following are a few commonly asked questions:
1. Can Walking During Pregnancy Induce Labour?
Studies show that women who regularly walk during their pregnancy have a shorter and more comfortable labour. While walking, there is a rhythmic pressure on the uterus which leads to the production of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for inducing labour. Also, also due to walking, the baby tends to move down towards the cervix in the correct position for a natural delivery. Further, walking helps tone the body muscles, especially those in the hip, which can lead to a faster labour with less pain. Walking during pregnancy for a normal delivery has been reported in studies in which mothers included an early morning walking session.
2. Can Too Much Walking During Pregnancy Cause Any Problem?
It is imperative to maintain a balance between extremes. According to surveys, it is suggested that during the 1st and 2nd trimester, a 45-minute walk per day is good. As you approach the 3rd trimester, the walking exercise can be toned down to 20-30 minutes per day. There will be signs if the body feels overexerted or exhausted from the workout. One primary concern is overheating of the body from too much walking. Although this usually doesn’t happen, walking on a hot day or working out without proper ventilation can result in this. Overheating of the body means overheating for the baby, which is not good.
Walking is a great exercise during pregnancy and has a lot of benefits. It is one exercise which is easy to follow and easy to adapt to. Keep a few things in mind while developing a daily routine, and you can enjoy a healthy and fit pregnancy.
Also Read: Exercises You Should Avoid When Pregnant Read more
Check out this new Memory
Apoorva
Mom of a 5 yr 7 m old girl
5 mins ago
1 Likes
0 Comment
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
Suggested for you
Getting a Baby Gym For Your Newborn
Baby Playing Gyms are among the most versatile products for babies in the market today. They can not only be used in different ways, but they also have various important developmental advantages for babies.
A baby play gym is a soft mat which has two arches that support the toys that dangle over the head. Some of them have music, lights, baby safe mirrors, tummy pillows, kick activated pianos, and various textured materials while others offer a safe and simple space for the baby to look and play. These baby products may be used from the very first day till the time he starts crawling.
There are different types of gyms available in the market like gyms with lights and melodies, activities gym, nauticual gym, piano gym, etc.
Benefits of Baby Gyms
Baby gyms are quite beneficial. Here are some of the main benefits of baby gyms and mats:
1. Developing the cause and effect relationship
Baby gyms help the child develop a sense of cause and effect relationship. There are certain toys attached with the gym and mats. When the baby touches the toys, they will move, or make a sound or fall. This helps the child in developing the cause and effect relationship as well as understand his role in the scheme of things.
2. Development of cognitive skills
Baby gyms are especially designed for being educational and for encouraging the development of the baby. Most of them have hanging toys which babies can grasp and pull while playing. Some of them also have fasteners and flaps which the child will learn to manage as he grows. A lot of gyms have colourful, spinning toys which need to be turned for creating a reward effect.
3. Gross motor development
This is the most obvious benefit of baby gyms. They encourage your baby to use the muscles of their legs, arms, neck and back. Baby gyms have a lot of space for playing which is good for the growth of the body. This also keeps the baby active and helps him engage in physical activities.
Safety of Baby Gyms
Baby gyms are absolutely safe for the kids as they are tested especially for safety. Most of the gyms are made keeping infants in mind and thus their level of safety is very high. They also have educational toys which are big enough to restrict the baby from swallowing them. The stitches are also reinforced to ensure that the pieces of the mat are durable and do not wear down with slobbering, chewing and pulling.
Baby gyms and play mats are multipurpose and babies can play, sleep and eat on them. They are made of fabric which does not cause any harm to the sensitive skin of the child. You can leave your baby on them for hours together and they would not cause any harm. Get your baby his play gym and see the wonders it does to your child! Read more
Suggested for you
Ghaavan / Dhirde (Wheat Pancakes)
Perfect for the working mom and the mom who has her hands full with kids and housework – this dish is so easy to prepare, and is yummy and nutritious to boot! Use a non-stick tawa to ensure your pancakes don't lose their shape by sticking to the pan!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
12 People
5-10 Minutes
5-10 Minutes
Ingredients
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup rice flour
2 green chillies, de-seeded and very finely chopped
Small piece of ginger, finely chopped
2 tsp cumin seeds
A few tender curry leaves
2 ½ tsp salt
4 cups water
For the Seasoning
1 tsp oil
¾ tsp mustard seeds
A pinch of hing
Method
Step 1
Prepare a mixture of the wheat flour and rice flour in a bowl, with green chillies, ginger, cumin seeds, curry leaves and salt to taste
Step 2
Add 4 cups of water a little bit at a time and stir well so that there are no lumps in your batter
Step 3
Your batter should not be too thick or pasty, neither too fluid and thin. Just enough for a dosa-like pancake to form.
Step 4
Heat a tsp of oil on a non-stick tawa, add mustards seeds, and when it splutters add hing.
Step 5
Pour the mixture into the pancake batter and mix well.
Step 6
Place your tawa on medium heat for 2 minutes, with a light coat of cooking oil.
Step 7
Ladle the batter onto the pan, this will resemble a dosa, there should be holes in your pancake.
Step 8
Drizzle the required amount of oil on the pancake (if you like to be generous with oil, sesame seed oil is considered very healthy)
Step 9
Move the tawa in circular motions at regular intervals to ensure it is cooked evenly.
Step 10
Flip the pancake when the bottom starts browning and the edges start lifting up.
Step 11
Flip the pancake to let the other side cook (but not for too long – this side remains white!)
Step 12
Stir the batter once more before proceeding to make the next pancake, and repeat the process as necessary
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 1 medium (5" dia)
Calories from Fat
36
Calories
92
Total Fat
4.03 g 6%
Saturated Fat
0.854 g 4%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1.566 g
Monounsaturated Fat
1.299 g
Cholesterol
24 mg 8%
Sodium
244 mg 10%
Potassium
94 mg
Total Carbohydrate
11.62 g 4%
Dietary Fiber
1.5 g 6%
Sugars
2.66 g
Protein
3.15 g
Vitamin A
1%
Vitamin C
0%
Calcium
8%
Iron
4%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Read more
Suggested for you
How to set a Monthly Household Budget
Managing household expenses is one of the biggest challenges most face these days. The constant price rise has made planning somewhat tricky but very doable. Learn how to do it all by preparing a simple monthly household budget that you and everyone can follow.
Want to prepare a monthly budget to keep a tab on your expenses but don't know where to begin? The task isn't as difficult as it seems. You need to start by finding out the average expense of all family members before you sit down to begin planning.
How to Make a Budget for your Home without Being Miserly
1. Write Down your Expenses
While you may have an approximate idea of how much you need to spend in a month, you may miss out on something or the other. It's always better to jot down all expenses on a day-to-day basis. When the month starts, write down fixed expenses such as house rent, car EMI and so on. Once you're done with those, you can start logging daily expenses.
2. Compare Income and Expenses
If you and your husband have fixed salaries, home budget planning becomes much easier. However, if you're a freelancer or a businesswoman and your net income varies from month to month, take the average of the last five-six months. You can also consider last month's earnings as your income. Now, subtract your expenses from your income to know how much you're likely to save and keep that amount aside.
3. Prioritise your Expenses
If you aren't satisfied with the amount you'd be saving and want to save more, prioritise your expenses. Strike off those that aren't really important and focus on those you and your family actually need. You'd be surprised by how much money's spent on frivolous stuff like dining out frequently and manis and pedis.
4. Plan for Leisure
All work and no play can certainly make one dull. So don't be too harsh on yourself and set some money aside to plan a leisurely trip or a fun activity every month. You work hard your whole life, even one or two days of fun every month will leave you refreshed and ready to face life's hectic demands. This is also an important tool to teach your children the importance of working hard.
5. Do a Reality Check
Just preparing a monthly household budget is of no use if you don't follow it. Keep a tab on your expenses throughout the month and at the end, you'll see if you're treading in the right track. Finally, compare your actual expenses with the budget you had planned. This family budget planning tip is an easy way to see where to cut corners and where you can loosen the purse strings.
With these home budgeting tips, preparing a monthly expense plan shouldn't be difficult. Newly-married couples can follow it as can moms, dads and everyone in between. The best part of setting a budget is that you don't need to forego all luxuries; you just need to pick and choose between them wisely. Read more
Suggested for you
Prevent New Baby Stress from Stirring Up Marriage Trouble!
Babies bridge gaps between parents. But sometimes, things turn out to be the opposite. You suddenly feel that there’s no time for the one you always enjoyed spending time with. There’s nothing to feel guilty about as studies have proven that many marriages tend to turn blue after the first baby. It’s a bitter fact that sometimes childbirth agitates a relationship.
5 Ways to Avoid Marriage Problems After Baby
The arrival of a baby should mark a joyous occasion in the lives of a couple. However, most couple are not able to deal with the stress of multitude changes that a baby brings with itself. Here are 5 ways in which you can avoid marriage problems after baby.
1. Speak it out
Communication can solve anything in the world, and it is undoubtedly one of the first of ways to keep a marriage strong after a baby that we want to suggest. As you take up the responsibilities of a mom, you'll learn many new things every day. At times, you'll experience failure and feel that you're not a good parent. You may have to forget taking those long naps or relaxing strolls. All this will obviously leave you baffled. Speaking, listening, and empathising together will bring down this stress and improve your marriage. Speaking out solves half the new baby marriage problems.
2. Extract time from your busy schedule
Make a conscious effort to take out time for both of you, no matter how busy your schedule. Find someone whom you can trust and ask for help while you go out for a romantic dinner, movie date, or anything else. Lady, you'll have to schedule everything from your wake up time to sex time. Although that does not sound very romantic, it's the only way you may avoid lack of physical intimacy that often leads to divorce after baby.
3. You need “me” time too!
With all your important chores, you miss out on looking after yourself. Your mind and body work all day to nurture family needs and require rest too. Improper self care leads to relationship stress after having a baby. 'Me' time will ensure that you maintain a healthy atmosphere in your relationship with the hubby!
4. Do not compete….
Still thinking about how to keep your marriage strong after a baby? Understand that being a good parent is not about who’s better of the two. While you're perfect at some designated duties, your better half may be good at some others. Realise his contribution and appreciate effort. Though there are risks of divorce after having a baby, your joint efforts will alleviate them.
5. The C words
Complement and criticise are two important words in a marriage. It's natural to be stressed out when you're spending sleepless nights after completing endless chores. It's very easy to criticise either partner on his/her shortcomings, but it’s not right. If you're not in the mood, just avoid discussions. Never fight in front of your baby as it directs a lot of negative energy in your child’s life.
The best mantra for parenthood is to have patience - if there is one single answer to the question 'how to keep your marriage strong after a baby', this is it. Remember that you cannot take back the words you've spoken. Choose your actions and words carefully and respect your partner’s efforts. You don't have to stop being lovers just because you're a mom and dad now. Work as a team to conquer this difficult, yet charming responsibility of your life. Read more
Suggested for you
Travel Accessories for Women During Rains
Everyone enjoys the rains but you also worry about the damage it might cause to your hair and skin. With the occasional drizzle continuing well into September, you may want to reverse the damage! Let's see if you've got it right with our list of travel essentials for women in rainy season.
Monsoons are a much-awaited time among the young and old. The rainy season heralds a change of temperature and can urge you to hit the road and go for long drives and weekend trips. But before you strap on your backpack, there are a few travel essentials for women that you must be aware of.
Must-Have Monsoon Travel Bag Accessories for Women
1. Waterproof make-up
The last thing you want is your travel pictures highlighting running mascara and raccoon eyes. Ensure that you pack a few waterproof basics like mascaras, eyeliners and kajals as well as a stay-on lipstick or a lip balm.
2. Face tissues
Monsoons see high levels of humidity causing skin to become oily. Breakouts are also common. Moist face tissues are a must as part of travel accessories for women during monsoons. Carry a pack in your bag to pat away the oil from your face whenever you need to.
3. Hair oil
Rain water can cause dryness for some people so if you’re planning to prance around in the rain, make sure you hydrate your hair by applying hair oil for a couple of hours before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
4. Sunscreen
Many people think sunscreens are only for hot days without rain. However, the rays of the sun can damage skin in all seasons. A sunscreen is one of the must-have monsoon travel bag accessories for women. Don’t leave home without it!
5. Rain jackets and umbrellas
If you want to keep your hands free, rain jackets are a good idea, especially the hooded ones. However, it’s best to carry an umbrella along as a fallback in case the rain gets too heavy. Besides, a colourful umbrella goes a long way in adding a splash of style to your outfits.
6. Waterproof bag
You wouldn't want water streaks destroying your favourite bag, would you? One of the most important travel essentials for women in rainy season is a waterproof bag that remains protected from the rain no matter where you go.
7. Rain boots
Love splashing around in puddles? Ensure your feet are protected from germs and mud with a pair of sturdy rain boots. You can also choose rain shoes in a ballerina flat style as well as mid-tops to match different outfits.
Make the most of the rainy season while looking and feeling on top of the world with these travel tips. Enjoy the cool showers while still keeping yourself perfectly dry. Your trip will be a lot more fun when you’re prepared for anything. Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
2 hours ago
Q. hello, on my first visit doctor suggested me duphaston twice a day..so m taking it morning n bedtime.now on my second visit doctor added susten sr 200 one tablet daily at night ,as m already taking duphaston at night , kindly guide me when should I take the susten tablet,also m having dizziness after taking susten .
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. Regarding the mentioned concern your local doctor will guide you in a proper way and the doubts can be cleared accorjodingly .so you can discuss and get the solution for query.
Also online consultation can be taken on the platform and it will also be helpful in getting the proper guidance as there could be a detailed discussion which would be benifecial helpful in the correct manner .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. can I take gevocet m during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Please check with your doctor they will be able to confirm whether you can take this medicine or or not as a Dr who have a fair idea and they will know for what thing you are willing to take this medicine so whatever doubt you have associated there be able able able to clear it up for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
Check out this new Memory
Duglu
Mom of a 5 m old girl
4 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Bikram prasad sahu
Guardian of a 2 yr 4 m old girl
4 mins ago
🌎🧡
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
almas
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old girl
6 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Bhavya
Guardian of a 3 m old girl
6 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive