Prenatal Workout Motivators: Dogs

Photo: Shutterstock / The Bump

Here’s another benefit of having a furry friend -- you’ll work out more. A new study from the University of Liverpool showed that pregnant women who owned dogs were 50% more likely to exercise for 30 minutes a day than those women without dogs were. Of course, they were walking! The study analyzed over 11,000 pregnant women and found that women were able to stay fit by walking their dogs. Experts believe that owning a dog will motivate women to go for a walk on a regular basis, which contributes to the recommended 150 minutes of activity that pregnant women should do every week.

It’s important to note that the researchers didn’t find an association between the weight of women with dogs compared to those without dogs, the difference was just in the amount of exercise they were getting. Also they say that dog walking alone cannot reduce obesity in pregnant women -- it may take a more intense regime (so talk to your doctor). But it does help. When Fido’s got to pee, he’s got to pee -- and you might have no choice but to get up and get moving to take him out!

Plus, more from The Bump:

Preparing Your Pet for Baby

Pet Safety: What You Need to Know

How Do I Teach My Toddler About Interacting With Our Pets?

-- Sarah Yang

See More: Exercise , Nutrition , Pregnancy Health