are you walking a lot?

LynsiBHM · March 2011

Everyone says it helps to walk a lot in the last few weeks to "get things going." I've heard it's a gravity thing, I've heard the baby's head hits your ute and helps "ripen" it, I've heard it's just the physical activity in general... whatever the reason, does it work? Are you walking a lot?

I typically walk my dogs every night and try to walk on my lunch break if it's nice out, but now it is becoming painful (just as I was planning to increase it!!) I get the whole lightning crotch thing that sometimes stops me in my tracks and my lower back aches when I walk. Also, if it's cold out, I start having BH contrax and ligament pain (from tensing up I guess?) Plus I have to pee every 10 steps, so walking outdoors for a long time or walking around somewhere fun (like the mall) is very difficult.

Anyone have any good walking tips? Should I resort to the boring treadmill?!

MissYouDietCoke · March 2011

I've walked over 30 miles since Feb 25th. It has not helped me at all, as my cervix is still closed up tight!

It's been warm enough for the last 2 days to walk outside, so that's been awesome, but I've been sticking to the treadmill for the most part. I go when I know there's some sort of show on the TV that I want to watch. (on Bravo or USA, usu)

TreatsMcGee · March 2011

I've been trying to walk, but my GOD am I slow!! Everything has started to hurt--hips (from sleeping on my sides), stomach, lightening crotch, etc. It's hard. I would suggest just taking it super slow? I'm sure any upright movement helps.

jamacattack · March 2011

Honestly, I hardly ever walk anymore because of the pain. From what I understand it only helps if the baby is ready. You could try bouncing on an exercise ball or something- supposedly it does the same thing.

LynsiBHM · March 2011

jamacattack:
Honestly, I hardly ever walk anymore because of the pain. From what I understand it only helps if the baby is ready. You could try bouncing on an exercise ball or something- supposedly it does the same thing.

awesome idea! I used to sit on one while I watched tv in college... I may have to start that again for the next few weeks!

Kered6799 · March 2011

We are walking more outside now that the weather is starting to change, its about a 2 mile loop. If not then I only do a mile on the treadmill and its 20 minutes usually. I do have to pee even if I go right before and I bring water with me. No idea on tips. sorry!

AmyNicole622 · March 2011

I've been walking the whole pregnancy so I'm not sure it will move things along faster but doesn't hurt to try. I'm now doing an hour in the morning (inside the high school gym) then after DH gets off work we do the treadmill for 30 mins. We usually walk outside but the weather has been horrible and I usually have to pee every 5 minutes. OB said if nothing else, the exercise will help with labor and recovery.

ncbelle · March 2011

I always walk a lot and still workout otherwise as well.

It's not that walking puts you into labor put rather that it helps get baby into the best position and helps prepare your body for the task ahead. Once you are contracting, it can help things along.

Bouncing/rocking on an exercise ball is also good.

Sorry no tips as I've been lucky enough to escape any walking pains thus far. I'd say stay hydrated and take it slow if you haven't been particularly active during pregnancy.