Bike Riding While Pregnant?

[flowergirl]

I am seriously considering getting into cycling. I have a 1 year old and another on the way. And my fitness while pregnant has been an up and down rollercoaster. Sometimes I'm really into it, other times I just want to be lazy and sit on the couch. lol I wanted to get a bike as a hobby for my husband and I, so I was researching prices for the bike seat attachment for my son. Then I thought about it and was thinking, well hmm that can't be safe especially with my son on the back. but on the other hand, I'm sure a mom somewhere is doing it. What do you all think about it? I don't plan to ride far away or anything. Maybe ride at the park or in the neighborhood. Away from busy streets and intersections. If you've done this or currently doing this, how has your experience been? I am 4 months(18 wks) right now. and I really want a bike. We are moving to the 'sunshine state' very soon and I think it'll be a great fitness alternative for me.

 

[Corzhens]

I vehemently disagree with the thread title. It is not good to risk the pregnancy not only with biking but in any other strenuous activity. There are women who have the strength and tenacity for biking no matter what condition they are in but the risk is always there. If I were the pregnant woman, I would take great care of my pregnancy and would always be consulting my ob-gyne specialist on the matter. Think about it.. for the benefit of the baby.

 

[joshposh]

Wow umm, you should really consider the danger aspect of riding a bike while you are pregnant. Sure anything can happen if you are walking in the park, but riding just ads the danger factor. I don't care how careful you are, you can never control stupid people. They are all around you and they will screw up your day eventually. So please becareful.

 

[sbatz72]

Wow, this sounds like an incredible way to get back into shape. I think anyone who wants to exercise while pregnant should do it. I think if you want to train while pregnant this is even better. The exercise will be good for both you and your developing baby.

 

[gavinfree]

It's been proven time and time again that fitness during pregnancy is 100% safe, IF you were already active before your pregnancy. It's a little more risky to start exercising vigorously during pregnancy when that's not something you did before becoming pregnant. Heck, there was a woman that ran marathons while pregnant, and her baby was/is perfectly healthy. Basic exercise while pregnant is safe (aside from the risks a person usually faces), but I wouldn't recommend going to hard at it since you've mentioned that you sometimes get into fitness and other times avoid it.

It's not a black and white issue to say it's a great idea or a terrible idea.

 

[flowergirl]

I vehemently disagree with the thread title. It is not good to risk the pregnancy not only with biking but in any other strenuous activity. There are women who have the strength and tenacity for biking no matter what condition they are in but the risk is always there. If I were the pregnant woman, I would take great care of my pregnancy and would always be consulting my ob-gyne specialist on the matter. Think about it.. for the benefit of the baby.

I appreciate your opinion, but to say "Think about it..." is a little condescending considering that is the reason for my post in the first place lol. Anyway, I would never blindly do anything to intentionally harm my baby. The only reason I even considered it, is because it's not very common that adults fall off of their bike on a regular and I wouldn't be riding in the street. However, I definitely wouldn't do this late into my pregnancy. For obviously reasons but right now I have only just started the 2nd trimester and barely showing.

 

[flowergirl]

Wow umm, you should really consider the danger aspect of riding a bike while you are pregnant. Sure anything can happen if you are walking in the park, but riding just ads the danger factor. I don't care how careful you are, you can never control stupid people. They are all around you and they will screw up your day eventually. So please becareful.

I have definitely "considered" the dangers. Good advice though. I would most certainly take caution if I do decide to do it. I don't even have a bike yet and we are about to move to a different state so I still have time to decide, after I discuss it with my OB! thanks for your input!

 

[flowergirl]

Wow, this sounds like an incredible way to get back into shape. I think anyone who wants to exercise while pregnant should do it. I think if you want to train while pregnant this is even better. The exercise will be good for both you and your developing baby.

It's been proven time and time again that fitness during pregnancy is 100% safe, IF you were already active before your pregnancy. It's a little more risky to start exercising vigorously during pregnancy when that's not something you did before becoming pregnant. Heck, there was a woman that ran marathons while pregnant, and her baby was/is perfectly healthy. Basic exercise while pregnant is safe (aside from the risks a person usually faces), but I wouldn't recommend going to hard at it since you've mentioned that you sometimes get into fitness and other times avoid it.

It's not a black and white issue to say it's a great idea or a terrible idea.

Thank you both for understanding how beneficial exercising while pregnant can be. I was really wondering how common this is. I guess not that common, at least not on this forum but your input is appreciated.

sbatz72: I agree, training is good. I have a really good personal trainer w/great pricing, it's just hard to get to her due to schedule conflicts with military husband, a baby, and her busy schedule.And it sucks bc she is one of the few professional trainers I can afford. I was trying to think of alternatives to this issue.

gavinfree: Thank you so much for saying that. People freak out if a pregnant person does the slightest things, but when you go for your OB appointments, they will tell you wether you need to take it easy or not. I worked the entire pregnancy w/my first baby and everyone at work freaked out if I even looked like I was gonna lift or move something. After a while, I had gotten so used to it. I was completely lazy lol. When I came back to work from maternity leave, I was so weak I could barely even lift myself up onto things like I did before. It's a shame people think that you can't be into fitness while pregnant. My personal trainer is well informed on this and has trained many pregnant women before. She does not go easy on me either. I lift weights and everything during our sessions. It's great. I just feel bad because I haven't been in 2 weeks and have done little physical activity on my own. I agree, the issue on bike riding is definitely not black and white..I know there are lots of things to consider before going through with it. I was really hoping to hear that others have utilized this fitness technique also during pregnancy. I do understand the risks, completely!

 

[Lizel]

Exercising at home would be a better idea, you can google search for exercises created for pregnant women.
That will benefit you more, and won't risk in any way. Riding you're bike while being pregnant isn't the best idea,
because you never know who will be hinding in those bushes.

*Edit, don't know why this got quoted*

 

[Dora M]

I'd say that by using your common sense when you go riding your bike, you will minimize the risk of some possible accident. I don't see why you should be confined to doing other activities or exercises when you enjoy going for a ride. You can be the victim of an accident in any situation, at any time in your life, riding a bicycle is only one of them. Also, a great majority of people tend to somehow associate a pregnancy with an "illness". Where I come from women work and continue with their daily activities until shortly before they give birth. I'm sure that you wouldn't be straining yourself exploring mountain bike tracks, or that you have an inclination to racing in the streets. Taking it slow and easy, ambling through some nice parks or along special bike paths is a great way to relax for anyone, including pregnant women.

 

[Corzhens]

I'd say that by using your common sense when you go riding your bike, you will minimize the risk of some possible accident. I don't see why you should be confined to doing other activities or exercises when you enjoy going for a ride. You can be the victim of an accident in any situation, at any time in your life, riding a bicycle is only one of them. Also, a great majority of people tend to somehow associate a pregnancy with an "illness". Where I come from women work and continue with their daily activities until shortly before they give birth. I'm sure that you wouldn't be straining yourself exploring mountain bike tracks, or that you have an inclination to racing in the streets. Taking it slow and easy, ambling through some nice parks or along special bike paths is a great way to relax for anyone, including pregnant women.

That would depend on the physical makeup of the woman. There are women who should not be doing any strenuous physical activity while pregnant. As you said, you can figure in an accident no matter what you are doing but riding will expose you to more risks. But anyway, since I don't see and haven't seen a pregnant woman rider here, I don't think it's a good idea to ride a bike when you are pregnant.

 

[GemmaRowlands]

I would never discourage anybody from exercising during pregnancy, however it is important that you know your body and know when you've had enough for the day. You should try to stick to safe and easy routes, as you don't want to put yourself under a huge amount of strain. When you're pregnant, you should always do your best to minimise risk, so be careful where you're cycling. However, this certainly doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it at all, so it is definitely worth giving a little bit of thought to.

 

[William2015]

My wife has rode up to 4 months of the pregnancy. Everything was good, so I see no serious risks if to ride carefully

 

[briannagodess]

I remember when I was pregnant, I research like crazy about exercising while pregnant. And most studies indicate that it is healthier to exercise in your pregnancy. There was just a caution about weight lifting, that women who weight lifts before pregnancy can continue to do so. But those who didn't must exercise complete caution or start with very light weights. And I think this also applies to biking. If yo haven't ridden a bike extensively pre pregnancy, then you must be careful when you do decide to ride a bike during your pregnancy. Of course, consulting your ob gyne is also a good thing as she or he knows what are your limits.

 

[Carnold23]

From what I was told, you can continue whatever activity you did before you were pregnant while you are pregnant. So if you weren't a big biker before I wouldn't suggest you start now. Maybe wait until after baby is born and then start cycling to help lose the baby weight.

 

[sunshiney]

I think the best course of action is to check with your doctor first, but as long you don't push yourself too hard there's no reason you can't do some moderate cycling. You are the best judge of your own limits, so stay mindful of how you're feeling and you should be fine.

If you're going to put your son on the back, maybe do a couple test runs first without him just to get a feel for the balance. I've never been pregnant but I imagine your center of gravity shifts a little If you cycled before it might feel a bit different, so that may be something to watch out for.

 

[pwarbi]

As others have said, exercise during pregnancy is important but at the same time there are risks with cycling and no matter how safe of a rider you are, there's always the risk of others endangering you.

If my wife went out cycling while she was pregnant I wouldn't be comfortable with it, but at the same time it would be her decision.

I would think very carefully though before doing it if I was you, just for the safety aspect alone.

 

[Sunflogun]

It really depends on how pregnant you are, if it's the starting months I think it's ok for short rides.

 

[tlspiegel]

I am seriously considering getting into cycling.I don't plan to ride far away or anything. Maybe ride at the park or in the neighborhood. Away from busy streets and intersections. If you've done this or currently doing this, how has your experience been?

What you said about riding close to home and away from busy streets is key. If you are careful about where you ride, and when you ride (not during slippery weather) then I say go for it. Don't get a racing bike! Comfort and Hybrid bikes are the most comfortable and easy to ride. Safer and more stable for a beginner.

From your post, it appears this would be the first time you owned a bike, but have you ridden in the past? Can you balance well on a bike when you're not pregnant?

When I was pregnant with both my children, I did not stop any activity that was normal for me. I swam, rode, and jogged. If your doctor gives you an OK to ride, then give it a try. Start out slowly, don't overdue. Remember to follow your doctor's orders. Ride only when you feel strong and able. If you buy a bike and find it isn't easy for you to ride while pregnant, you can always use it after your baby is born. Good Luck to you!

 

[goldenmaine]

[SIZE=11pt]I think you should ask your physician if you are allowed to do bike riding while pregnant. I know light activities can be done for pregnant women, like stretching and yoga but I don’t know about bike riding. It is good that you are thinking about your fitness since it also important during labor. Maybe you can do some walking since it is safer and less risky. Bike riding can have risks like falling off the bike, sliding off the road or, worse, be involved in a traffic accident, especially when biking on the road to go to public places like the park. If your doctor allows you, then that is great. You can enjoy bike riding, the view while riding and the fitness benefits it gives. It is good that you are only planning to ride in the neighborhood and away from busy streets, so that you are always on the safe side. [/SIZE]