Ask an Expert – Women’s Health Nurse

I'm 38 weeks along. Before I found out I was pregnant I walked alot & was losing weight. Since I found out I've been kinda scared to walk for exersise because I feel over weight & I'm afraid that if I start walking again for exercise I'll over do it & hurt the baby. I really want this baby to be healthy but everyone in my family tells me he would be better of if I walk more. I don't know what to do because I know my family would never understand why I feel the way I do about my weight. What would you suggest I do??

Hello Melissa,

   It is good that you were walking and watching what you ate before you became pregnant.  It would also work well if you continued both habits into your pregnancy.  Make sure your medical provider is aware of what kinds of exercises you are doing, but walking is a very good form of exercise.  Don't focus too much on weight loss right now because you are going to be gaining weight while your baby grows within you. Exercise can keep your endurance up and help keep your weight within the parameters that is healthy for a normal pregnancy.

   Good luck with your pregnancy, and I hope you find a way to keep exercising and eating right for you and your baby.  If you continue to feel anxiety about your weight and feel like you want to do too much, maybe you should find a counselor or other professional to help.

Phylana

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