A sedentary pregnant client with a BMI of 35 should aim to achieve which goal for a healthy lifestyle?

For a sedentary pregnant client with a BMI of 35, the goal of walking for 30 minutes on 5 days a week is particularly beneficial for several reasons. This option strikes a balance between being achievable for someone who has not been active and providing enough physical activity to support maternal and fetal health.

Regular moderate-intensity exercise like walking helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, and can mitigate the likelihood of complications during pregnancy. Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as recommended by health organizations, aligns with this goal. Walking for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity for 5 days a week achieves this recommendation while being a manageable daily commitment for a pregnant individual.

Other options, while potentially beneficial, may not provide the same holistic benefits or might be less practical for someone who is new to exercise. For instance, walking for only 10 minutes daily may not be sufficient to meet the guidelines for effective cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits during pregnancy. Joining a yoga class or swimming can certainly be healthy activities, but they may require more fitness or flexibility than a beginner might possess, or may not contribute as significantly to the overall recommended exercise duration for a pregnant woman with a higher BMI.