commuter pregnant cyclists, specifically up brixton hill!

[GirlWithTheMouseyHair]

When I have to go into central London without ds I cycle. Last 4-5 months I've prob cycle 2-4 times a week but across mainly commons, 45 mins each way (streatham to west end). I've got barely any work trips in the next 6 weeks but then have 7 weeks of cycling to the globe and back 5 days a week, via elephant and castle and brixton. I'm 4 weeks pregnant.

I know advice is to keep up exercise you already do, but my cycling is quite sporadic and I have bloody brixton hill to get up at the end if the day! WWYD? Should I go on rides at least at the weekends to keep it up, or walk up brixton hill (oh the shame) or just not cycle?

there is no shame ever in walking up a hill with a bike ever - It would be a shame to give up the bike if you enjoy the ride

I cycled when I was pg with my children right up until my sense of balance went and I could barely stay on! Your body will tell you when enough is enough and it's good for you to stay fit throughout your pregnancy.

Congratulations btw!

Its funny, I also commute sporatically by bike and I love it. But since I found out I am pregnant I decided to stop. Not only am I more breathless, but I just think I have too much to loose if I fall or have an nasty accident.

If we had real bicycle lanes and such I may continue to do it very carefully, we just don't. Hill or not.

Funny huh?

I would carry on with the cycling, as long as it's comfortable. I am cycling every day at 24 weeks, but my route is mostly flat. I am a bit slower now, but I definitely feel better for the exercise.

If you can't manage the hill on a bike anymore, then there's no shame in walking that bit! But do stop if you feel uncomfortable.

hah! I take DD to the childminder once a week on the back of the bike up Brixton Hill (it's only a 15 min journey but that hill...). I used to be able to get all the way up with her 35lbs on the back, but I swear as the weeks go by it gets harder. I'm 15 weeks & I'm pretty sure I'm going to be pushing her up that hill fairly soon. No shame!

I biked up until 31 weeks (now almost 36). In Oxford, which is a bit mental with other cyclists and bus drivers intent on cutting it fine. Anyway, I stopped because it no longer felt comfortable, like my pelvis was about to shatter. Also, my balance is now a bit off, so I wouldn't want to take the risk of anything happening. If it were quiet country lanes, it would be a different matter, but a busy city: it's not worth it.

I now take one of the said buses and miss my bike terribly, but I know it's the right decision.

Admittedly my cycle commute is on a dedicated bike/pedestrian lane on a country road (so the cars are all doing 60, am grateful to be offroad), up a very steep hill; I am currently 7+3 but am determined to continue until I don't want to. That is the important bit - if you're happy doing it, keep on doing it. If not, find another way. The main worry for me is that if I choose to leave cycling for a few weeks, my shape & centre of gravity will shift, and I will struggle to get back on without being super-wobbly.
I push my bike for the worst of the hill on days when I've brought too much junk with me, it is windy or I'm exhausted, and there is no shame whatsoever in walking - miles better than falling off!

Walk the hill if you feel the need. I only stopped cycling at DP's request (was about 20 weeks) because my route was very car heavy and he was worried about idiot drivers.

I used to do 100 miles a week but if I was having an off day I'd walk a hill. Better that than strain a muscle!

I would definitely cycle some days but get the bus on other days depending on how I felt. Early on I mostly felt fine but there were some days when I would get really out of breath really quickly. Having cycled up Brixton Hill a bit (though not while pregnant) I'm sure it will be fine if you take it steady and the more you do it the easier it will be. At least it's on the way home. Loads of pregnant people I know have found cycling much more comfortable that walking.

You might find this article interesting if you haven't seen it already.

www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/oct/27/cycling-pregnancy-london

If I see a pregnant lady cycling up the hill I will be sure to cheer you on! I'm a Brixton Hill dweller and due in June so I will probably be the one walking very slowly up the hill.

iskra you cycle with your DD on the back of the bike UP BRIXTON HILL? You're officially amazing!

I am slightly worried about other road users, and what I have to loose now if I come off the bike (it's yet to happen to me but never say never, have noticed taxis especially playing more fast and loose recently), my route to the Globe is thankfully very cyclist heavy and now I've found a cycle route that voids the Elephant and Castle roundabout I think I'll keep going for now.

I just can't stand wasting money (and time) gettting public transport!

I live at the top of Brixton Hill (in Streatham Hill) and that hill is a killer - my DH complains about it every day! Good luck!

haha. I cycle it very slowly!

Am 14 weeks and haven't stopped my cycling commute through West London - Nor am I planning to! If nothing else, it gives me a bit of exercise twice a day (which i'm missing as I have been told to give up my spinning/zumba classes)!

Only thing is that my balance doesn't seem to be quite as good as normal. Just make sure you keep concentrating and wear a helmet/high vis!

i am a bit worried about other road users though....

larami i agree with your dh, i've been cycling up that hill for 2 years, it doesn't get easier!