We already talked about the benefits of cycling, from physical ones to psychological, but what occurs between cycling and pregnancy? Is it healthy for a woman to ride a bike during gestation? Is she or the future baby running a risk?
On today’s ride, we are going to solve some questions. But, remember the best opinion on these cases are provided by health specialists. In the same way, don’t forget as every body is different and each pregnancy too.
In this way, the information here consider it as tips, not like a guide.
We know cycling is one of your greatest passions, but, in this case, consult your doctor before cycling if you have any question.
Now, take your bike with all the necessary precautions and join us in this maternal ride.
Are cycling and pregnancy compatible?
We aren’t going to torment you neither leave you in suspense to the end. The first thing you must know is yes, cycling and pregnancy are compatible.
If you’re asking the why or you have questions about this, the reason of why cycling and pregnancy are compatible is simple and easy, is a healthy sport.
During the gestation, is preferable for women to perform low impact exercises. Those that don’t need to withstand the body weight and of course, joints don’t suffer so much.
The best examples are swimming, and cycling. In the first case, body is suspended by water, on the second one, by bike.
In the same way, a study indicates that women that perform exercises of moderated intensity from the second trimester and were constant during more than 6 months, presented a notable improvement in their quality of life.
Benefits of cycling in pregnant women
Now that is clear that riding a bike doesn’t represent a risk to pregnant women, it’s important to talk about the different benefits this activity has.
The main benefits are:
- Reduce back pain.
- Prevents constipation and stomach distension.
- Help to have a better sleep.
- Prevents overweight.
- Help to tone muscle, strength and resistance.
- Improves mood and energy levels.
Tips and precautions when cycling
Even though we learnt that cycling and pregnancy are compatible, it isn’t bad to consider some tips for cycling during any moment of gestation. The physical activity will help you to have a healthy process, but don’t forget that exist certain limits in a delicate condition like this.
Even though, before passing to those limits, first, some tips for cycling during pregnancy:
- If possible, circulate inside of bike lanes, these will protect you from cars due are exclusive lanes and have special devices for that delineation.
- Check your posture to avoid the additional aches, to prevent it instead of causing it.
- Hydrate before, during and after pedaling.
- Eat healthy food after cycling to recover your energy.
- Use comfy clothes to be fresh and a sport bra to protect your breasts.
- As much as experimented cyclist you are, in your condition, avoid great distances. Cover only the necessary for a moderated physical activity and do it for gaps.
- During the second and third trimester, avoid slopes, obstacles or zones with bumps to reduce the risk of falling and avoid unnecessary efforts.
- In rainy days of with great heat, don’t go out to pedal. First, is dangerous, while to an elevated temperature may hurt to the baby.
- Depending the state of your pregnancy, is recommendable to use a spinning bike for indoor aerobic exercises.
Don’t risk with cycling during pregnancy
We know cycling, as other thing can be enjoyed, and is difficult when you have to stop indefinitely. However, in circumstances as a pregnancy, can be better to suspend it during a period.
When you’re pregnant is common to suffer dizziness or low blood pressure. If you present one of these symptoms when cycling, you may fall.
Due uterus dilates during pregnancy and affect the veins of large intestine, is normal to suffer hemorrhoids. If you have them, the bike seat won’t help you.
In these cases, is better to pause the activity with your bike. If you present other discomforts, visit to your doctor as soon as possible.
Be calmed, you will ride your bike again with your baby
As you know, by performing a physical activity will help you to the gestation due different reasons. As we saw, cycling and pregnancy are compatible and healthy for you and your baby.
Your bike and pregnancy are two experiences that can be enjoyed together, but always performing it correctly and safe. Nevertheless, we must emphasize that this activity is recommendable to the 5th or 6th month of gestation. After this time, the best for you and your bike will be to rest for a few months.
See you later, ride safe.
