16th February 2012
There are numerous ways to stay fit and active while you're expecting. Throw on your maternity tankini and take a dip in your local pool, or head to the gym for a prenatal yoga class.
But have you ever thought about doing something as simple as walking the dog? Taking Fido out for a stroll is great exercise, and what's more, it won't even feel like hard work. If you take it easy that is.
Experts from the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition have found that man's best friend can actually be a pregnant woman's closest pal. Working with researchers from the universities of Liverpool and Bath, they discovered that mums-to-be who own dogs are more physically active than those who don't.
To be more precise, expectant women were found to be 50 per cent more likely to rack up their recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a day if they had a pet dog in the family.
"We are increasingly seeing that exercising with a dog can lead to improved motivation and effectiveness," said research programme manager Dr Sandra McCune.
"As a low-risk exercise, dog walking can help women who may otherwise find it hard to meet their exercise targets, keep active and fit during pregnancy."
Walking is safe throughout all nine months of a normal, healthy pregnancy and is great for women who were not regular gym-goers before they conceived.
Similarly, swimming can be a safe, low impact form of exercise that can be enjoyed as gently or as strenuously as required.
Of course Fido can't accompany you to the pool, so if motivation is your main problem, then a mixture of both activities may be a good idea. After all, your dog is sure to remind you when it's time for walkies and he won't let you get away with an afternoon on the sofa.
