Cycling to work pregnant?

Minier81

Calling all cycling commuters..... just wondering if you would consider it dangerous to cycle when pregnant? I mean until the bump becomes too big to make it practical.

PS Not sure if this is the best forum for this so feel free to move it mod

January

I reckon it's a decision you have to be comfortable with yourself rather than others thinking it's OK.

Take into account the risks involved, if you fall or get knocked over it's not only you that may be harmed but the baby too.

Victor

A friend is a commuter cyclist and she kept cycling until perhaps a week before the birth. She found it a useful way to work off stress. It's also a low impact form of exercise, so easier on the knees and feet later on. However, if you are one of the skinny cyclist who does a few hundred km a week, then you might be competing with baby for calories.

It will somewhat depend on you and the route, time, etc. If you have to fight through traffic, then cycling less would be perfectly understandable, but if it's a quiet route or an off-peak time, it shouldn't be a real problem.

Baby is now two and enjoys sitting up front in the cargo bike.

Like anything, strike a balance.

RainyDay

I did hear of one lady who cycled into Holles St herself when the time for delivery came!

Cookie_Monster

No more dangerous than cycling while not pregnant, ie very very low risk.

monument

Minier81 wrote: »

I mean until the bump becomes too big to make it practical.

If you have an upright sitting bicycle there's generally no such time when this this happens. Althought everybody is different.

It's more down to what you're comfortable with.

corktina

well I wouldn't do it.... :-)

seamus

You're statistically more likely to be hit by a car while walking to work than while cycling.

There's no "do or don't" answer on this one, there's no good reason not to cycle, but it's understandable that many people would be quite uncomfortable about it.

Maybe give it a go - take the bike out for a quick spin locally on a Saturday. You will know very quickly whether or not you feel comfortable.

Minier81

corktina wrote: »

well I wouldn't do it.... :-)

out of curiosity do you cycle anyway??

Thanks guys, all the comments are welcome.

I cycle 8-9 km each way from D14 into town, at slightly off peak times (work 7.30-3.30 usually). I know it'd be really good for me and would not think twice about the exercise side of it.Its purely the risk of falling or getting knocked down. I would safe I am a cautious cyclist (cautious of buses and cars coming up to left turns etc) and have never had an accident so it would be a remote risk, like getting knocked down as a pedestrian I suppose.

Its nice to hear about people who did continue to cycle to work during pregnancy. Testing out a local spin is a good idea seamus.

Dravokivich

The risk, is presented more in the regularity of the exercise prior to pregnancy, than doing it, itself. If you didn't regularly cycle the commute before, it's usually advised not to pick it up once you've confirmed pregnancy. Same deal with most forms of exercise.

BenShermin

Go for it Minier, we need more pregnant cycle chic on Dublin's streets :

http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/2008/05/with-child.html?m=1

Victor

corktina wrote: »

well I wouldn't do it.... :-)

When was the last time you were pregnant? :pac:

Minier81 wrote: »

out of curiosity do you cycle anyway??

I suspect he doesn't.

Mrs OBumble

seamus wrote: »

there's no good reason not to cycle, but it's understandable that many people would be quite uncomfortable about it.

Ahh, there are some good reasons why some pregnant women (a very, very small number of them) should not be doing any exercise at all. But if that happens to the OP, then their doctor / OB will be advising.

Other than that, there very good reasons to keep up whatever exercise routine you already have, so you are as fit as possible for the delivery.

Other people's discomfort is none of the OP's concern, at least while she's doing things like exercise that the healt h professionals do recommend. (Different story if she was asking about smoking or drinking ...)