Walking Speed

Walking is a general exercise for the leg muscles that involves moving continuously without running over a given distance within a specific time period. In particular, walking speed determines the health status and metabolic rate in pregnant women. An average person’s walking speed can be up to 5.0 kilometers per hour, but in pregnant women, it can decrease to as low as 2.5 kilometers per hour because pregnant women are usually fatigued, and the weight gain due to pregnancy could slow them down. Walking increases energy levels, boosts the vitality of the body organs, and helps control body weight, thereby considerably reducing the risk of pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes, hypertension, swollen feet, and varicose veins. Therefore, walking improves the pregnancy experience and ensures the birth of a healthy baby. Walking speed should be adjusted to a manageable rate depending on the mother’s energy levels and the stage of her pregnancy.