Keeping Active
Keep moving – it will help you and your baby be healthy.
Why?
Being active when you are pregnant is important because it helps to:
- Prevent tiredness, constipation and back pain
- Prevent you from gaining too much weight
- Prevent and control gestational diabetes
- Make labour and delivery easier and more comfortable
Did you know?
Being physically active makes you feel good, gives you more energy and helps you cope better.
How to keep active
- Be active every day by walking more and riding 4-wheelers or snow machines less – this will make your labour and delivery easier
- Choose activities you like to do and try doing them everyday, or for at least 15 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 days a week
- Here are some activities to try:
- Walking
- Dancing
- Fishing
- Bicycling
- Swimming
- Berry-picking
- Camping
Saftey Tips
- If you were not active before you were pregnant, check with your Nurse, Doctor or Midwife before you start
- Start slowly
- Do 5 minutes of gentle stretching before you start your activity
- Make sure you drink lots of healthy drinks and stay cool
- Do not jump, bounce or overstretch
- Listen to your body and rest when you need it
Source: Health Canada. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2010©
Question
I want to start walking but it would be easier and more fun if there were other people to do it with. Any ideas?
Answer: Congratulations on starting to be active! You are doing a great thing for yourself and your baby. Getting involved with your local prenatal program is a great way to get to get active. Talk to the CPNP Worker in your community about starting a walking or snowshoeing group. There is also a video that was made for women who are pregnant or who have just had babies and want to get active. It is called “Active Pregnancy” and is a YHSSA/CPNP production. Talk to your CPNP Worker about borrowing a copy or suggest doing it together at the next CPNP group activity.