What are the benefits of walking for pregnant women on the fetus?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Appropriate walking during pregnancy is beneficial to fetal health, as it generally promotes oxygen supply to the fetus, supports fetal skeletal development, improves the intrauterine environment, enhances fetal adaptability, and aids in the development of the fetal nervous system. When walking, pregnant women breathe more deeply and rapidly, increasing oxygen intake in the lungs, which is then delivered to the fetus through placental blood circulation, providing the fetus with a more abundant oxygen supply.

Walking appropriately during pregnancy is beneficial to fetal health, as it can generally promote oxygen supply to the fetus, support fetal skeletal development, improve the intrauterine environment, enhance the fetus's adaptability, and assist in nervous system development. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Promotes fetal oxygen supply: While walking, a pregnant woman's breathing deepens and quickens, increasing oxygen intake in the lungs. This extra oxygen is delivered to the fetus through placental blood circulation, providing more adequate oxygen to meet the fetus's developmental needs.

2. Supports fetal skeletal development: Walking is a gentle form of exercise that stimulates maternal metabolism and enhances absorption of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients are transferred to the fetus via the placenta, promoting healthy growth and increased strength of fetal bones and teeth.

3. Improves the fetal intrauterine environment: Walking promotes overall maternal blood circulation, including blood flow to the uterus. This helps reduce blood stagnation within the uterus, creating a more stable and healthier environment for fetal growth and minimizing adverse environmental impacts on the fetus.

4. Enhances fetal adaptability: The slight body movements experienced by the mother during walking provide mild stimulation to the fetus, helping it gradually adapt to gentle external vibrations in utero. This contributes to developing the fetus’s sense of balance and its ability to adapt to external environments.

5. Assists fetal nervous system development: Adequate oxygen and improved blood circulation supply essential nutrients for fetal brain development. Additionally, when pregnant women walk with a pleasant mood, beneficial hormones secreted in their bodies can indirectly influence the fetus, supporting healthy development of the fetal nervous system.

Pregnant women should choose places with fresh air and flat surfaces for walking, avoiding crowded or complex traffic areas. Walking duration should be controlled—20 to 30 minutes per session is recommended—to prevent excessive fatigue. If discomfort such as abdominal pain or bleeding occurs during walking, activity should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought promptly.

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Why is fetal movement more frequent at night than during the day?

Under normal circumstances, increased fetal movement at night compared to daytime may be caused by factors such as the fetus's sleep cycle, maternal attention levels, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, or fetal hypoxia in utero. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息, avoid staying up late, follow a balanced diet, and manage body weight appropriately.

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Does a heating stove emit radiation, and is it safe for pregnant women to use?

A standard-brand electric oven (such as far-infrared or convection type) emits mostly non-ionizing radiation, which is low in intensity and within safety standards, posing no risk to the fetus. Pregnant women can safely use such ovens if maintaining a distance of more than 1 meter, limiting each use to less than 1 hour, and ensuring good ventilation. Under these conditions, using the oven can help relieve discomfort from cold without health risks.

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What should I do if microcephaly is detected at 37 weeks of pregnancy?

At 37 weeks of gestation, if microcephaly is detected, it is essential to promptly complete further examinations, evaluate fetal development, consult with multidisciplinary specialists, develop a delivery plan, and prepare for postnatal interventions. A rational approach should be taken to avoid panic. If tests indicate severe complications or abnormalities in the fetus, timely medical consultation and adherence to professional diagnostic and treatment recommendations are advised.

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What impact does fungal infection during pregnancy have on the baby?

Fungal infections during pregnancy may lead to intrauterine infection, skin infection, respiratory tract infection, eye infection, or impaired fetal development in the baby, with varying degrees of impact depending on the type of infection; timely intervention is required. If symptoms of fungal infection occur during pregnancy or an infection is suspected, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended. Severe fungal infections during pregnancy, such as candidemia, may invade the fetus through the placenta.