While cycling is a personal decision for you to make, is it safe to cycle while you’re pregnant? Even though there aren’t any easy to find medical suggestions that directly state not to ride bikes during pregnancy, there are dangers that pregnant cyclist should be aware of.

Despite the fact that many pregnant women have ridden bicycles through each trimester, common sense should be the driver here. According to a study by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, you shouldn’t have to give up cycling if you’re pregnant. But there are activities you should avoid while pregnant, such as horseback riding, skiing, mountain biking, and other risky activities.

If you really want to cycle while you’re pregnant but are uncertain about outdoor conditions, you can always ride a stationary bike indoors. This is particularly safer during the later stages of pregnancy.

How To Be Safe If You Cycle While You’re Pregnant

An important rule for pregnant women undertaken activities, is to not fall and hurt yourself. As your pregnancy progresses, your body takes on more weight. That, plus the additional bump can easily cause you to lose your balance and fall off the bike while cycling.

Moreover, there’s also the unforeseen risk of being knocked into by other cyclists, or worse, cars on the road. Although not specific to cycling, any injury that results in a significant impact on the growing bump can cause the placenta to be dislodged. Obviously, this can be fatal to the fetus.

With these points in mind, here’s a little advice for women who would still want to cycle while you’re pregnant:

#1 Listen to your body!!

Given that pregnancy is already taxing to the body, listen to what your body is telling you. For example, it’s normal for pregnant women to feel fatigue in early pregnancy, and this happens without exercising. And towards the end of the pregnancy, women become breathless.

So, on the days when you feel energetic, go ahead and exercise. But if you’re feeling unwell or tired, it’s not good to push yourself as you could get hurt. Also, you may not be able to cycle as far or as fast the closer you get to the end of your pregnancy. In this case, just enjoy the activity at a pace that you’re comfortable with.

#2 As the pregnancy progresses, modify the way you cycle

For instance, as the baby grows bigger, you may need to raise the handlebars of the bike. In addition to cycling more comfortably, it will allow more room for the baby bump. You should also be aware that as the pregnancy progresses, you will feel heavier. You may want to consider wearing shorts with extra padding to cushion the increased weight and lessen the saddle-soreness.

#3 Be mindful of shifting center of gravity

It may be time for you to stop cycling if you have difficulty maintaining balance in the latter stages of pregnancy. Joints and ligaments are more relaxed due to hormones being released during pregnancy. Therefore, you will be more prone to sprains and other injuries.

If while being pregnant you try to compensate for your shift in center of gravity, you may easily fall off the bike.

Moderation Is The Key

Whether cycling or other exercises, and how much you do, you are your efforts moderator. Don’t over-do it and stay in your comfort zone.

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