cycling impact for baby turning to a head down position?

[caraway33]

Those who cycled during pregnancy- when did your baby turned to a head down position?

Could cycling have an influence for a baby staying in breech position?
Also could cycling affect uterine muscles and sacrum making it asymetrical/twisted (cited by spinningbabies as most common cause for breech)?

I'm almost 31 weeks and commute few times a week to work, round trip 20 miles also it's a choice transport for other destinations. Until a month ago lived much closer to work/city and wouldn't need to cycle more than 10 miles a day.
Recently realised that have sharp pain on the right side when walking or straight after cycling, most likely caused by supporting the weight on the right pedal when going downhill. (If relevant, it's a road bike. Bicycle is my means of transport for the last 10 years.)

Last weeks' ultrasound showed a baby being breech/transverse which wouldn't worry much but turns out midwife clinic where would like to deliver have a strict date for babies to be head down by the 34th week.
Cycling preventing it would be the only reason for me to stop cycling before feeling ready- I'm not quite yet as coordination is still fine and find train commute more draining.

Just worried that cycling could have misaligned pelvic muscles/bones which in turn may affect baby position timeline and wonder about other people experiences and opinions.

[Pollyputhtekettleon]

I really wouldn't worry about it. I work from home, on my laptop in bed, in a reclining position, 5 days a week, 7 hrs a day. Apparently the WORST thing for baby's position. All of mine have been head down and facing the right way at the end.

My midwife recently did a course in the effect of muscle strain/unbalanced muscle development etc on labour. Interesting theory. She was excited as she said she had noticed how hard it was to get babies to move down not sideways in women who were constantly hawking a toddler around on one hip during pregnancy. But seriously, I think people are under so much pressure to do everything perfectly in pregnancy and child rearing they forget to just live.

Great that you are exercising though.

[lljkk]

I don't understand the thing about supporting your weight on just rt pedal, but anyway, you could presumably walk or stand for that amount of time, so what's the difference?

Your clinic being so strict, ultrasound at 30 wks, Is this in UK??

I cycled until end of 4 pgs.
I dunno when they turned head down, plenty in time anyway.
I think in UK they don't get alarmed about head not down before 34-36 wks.
MW for my 1st & 2nd pregnancies was also a keen cyclist. :)

[iwouldgoouttonight]

I didn't cycle quite as far as you, I only did about eight miles a day, but I always believed it was cycling that helped both my babies get into a good position. Leaning slightly forward, as you do when cycling, had supposed to be good for getting babies to turn hadn't it? And keeping fit and exercising will definitely help you in labour.

Disclaimer, this is entirely based on my experience and I'm not a medical professional!

[caraway33]

Thank you for replies, feeling reassured. Hopefully s/he will turn sooner than later!
No, I'm not in UK. Japan- regulations and procedures regarding pregnancy/childbirth here are odd indeed.
I actually keep cycling a secret from all midwives as it is absolutely a no to cycle or run from the moment a pregnancy is discovered.
Seem not to be able to get a sensible advice regarding physical activities as the only thing I've previously got told once inquired about jogging in the second trimester was to stop it immediately (for no reason other than pregnant women shouldn't).
Only walking and stretching type exercise is deemed appropriate.

[lljkk]

oh dear, I've heard some funny things about precious bubba wrapped up tight after birth, too. Good luck with your subversive ways!!

[Pollyputhtekettleon]

Caraway, good luck with all that. You aren't under Sakamoto by any chance?

[caraway33]

Thank you for wishes
No, not Sakamoto Polly, epidural isn't a priority and although having a choice would be good, I hear he only does epidural labours?..

[Pollyputhtekettleon]

Didn't realise that Caraway. I have a lot of friends who had him but I was childless at the time so didn't really catch those details. I guess you are Tokyo. God I miss it. Lived there for 8 yrs. Have some shabu shabu for me. Best of luck with the labour!