Cycling during pregnancy

[hometownunicorn]

I'm sure this has been done before but I'm really interested in how long those of you who cycle stayed cycling when you were pregnant and what it was like.

I'm 12 weeks and I want to keep riding to and from work as long as possible. It's only 3 miles each way, and not particularly challenging. I've noticed myself slowing down and it seems a bit harder than it did. I'm on a road bike so maybe need to think about changing my riding position in the next few weeks. I'm not sure being on the drops really works with a bump!

[katiegd]

Hi, I'm interested in replies as I'm also a commuting cyclist and currently 7 weeks pregnant. I am hoping to continue for as long as I can as it's the main way I get exercise.

Also have a 3 mile commute. It's proving a bit tiring at the moment but hoping that after first trimester I'll gain a bit more energy! I have quite an upright style of bike so think I should be fine with this throughout.

Interested to hear how long others managed to stick with it in pregnancy.

[Josephinelavelle]

I did it for pleasure until my bump got too uncomfortable. Only problem was needed to stop for a wee all the time.

[Mum2oneds]

My aunt cycled until a week before birth 3 miles each way. To work then mat leave.

[GemmaB78]

I managed as far as 6 months. Then I just couldn't manage the 7 mile journey (too exhausted!) and my bump got too big.

[satsoooma]

I am 28 weeks and still cycling 2.5 miles each way. Have not had any problems that I can think of. Although, I did take the bus for a few weeks when I had really bad pregnancy sickness. I am slower than I used to be, but that is ok. I do have an upright bike though, so that might make a difference?

[Ellboo]

I cycled up to the point when I stopped work (so about 2 weeks before due date). I was more comfortable cycling than walking due to some hip pain, but wanted to stay active. Definitely slowed down a lot and had to be aware of shifting centre of gravity! I ride a step through bike which helped. Only real difficulty was getting immensely distracted by a brood of ducklings one day (putting it down to hormones) and very slowly wobbling off path and into a bush. My Pregnancy hormones not great for my concentration!

[Saz467]

I used to cycle about 20 miles per day, and continued until I was about 26 weeks. Then it was icy for a while and I didn't want to risk it, and by the time the ice cleared I felt I'd lost too much fitness to go back to it. Also my bump grew so much in that time that my centre of balance changed and I didn't feel safe any more. But if it hadn't been for the ice I'd have carried on indefinitely (though much more slowly!)

Are used to think my baby liked it, as he kicked when I set off in the mornings!

I know someone who kept going to 38 weeks- just keep going as long as you're comfortable!

[Undercoverbanana]

Mountain bike/hybrid would be ok but can't imagine using cleats and bending over on a road bike. I can't remember how long I cycled for in pregnancy. I know I was a bit scared as it was dual carriageway. I'm not normally any kind of wimp but I can remember feeling uneasy - maybe 6-7 monthsish?

[Foggymist]

I don't cycle to commute but I cycled just for pleasure a few days ago at 30+3 and it was the same as pre pregnancy, no more awkward or tiring.

[hometownunicorn]

Thanks, it's really interesting to hear what other people have done. I have a single speed as well which I might switch to for a more upright position as it sounds like that'll help. Or try and persuade DP that I need to buy a more practical step through bike that I can put a baby seat on later...I think he might veto more bikes in the house though.

And I'll watch out for ducklings ellboo!!

[SlackerMum1]

Like others I kept cycling to work (6 miles each way) until about 6-7 months on an upright bike after that I found it was straining muscle/ligaments??? under the bump.... but kept cycling shorter distances locally until the very end.

[Bubblesblue]

It's not recommended in second and third trimesters due to the risk of falling off. I've got mine on a turbo trainer

[GingerHanna]

If it's not recommended in the second and third trimester then that news hasn't made it to the Netherlands!

31 weeks and still commuting to work (3km each way) on my 'sit up and beg' bike three times a week. I'm in the Netherlands and we just continue as normal until we physically cannot. I get worn out quicker now hence why it's only three times a week and not five.

[hometownunicorn]

My midwife said it was fine to continue too. I am a bit more cautious in traffic and a bit slower but I do try to avoid falling off anyway! Interesting how the advice seems to vary.

[breadwidow]

I cycled up til just before mat leave with my second (wasn't doing the commute by bike when I had my first as lived my further from work), so about 38 weeks. It was an easy 20 min ride though

[Orangepear]

I carried on cycling all the way through with both mine. I got a smaller frame so I could put both feet flat on the ground at traffic lights.