Cycling when pregnant?

[Holly29]

I know this sounds like a weird request - but DH and I have booked a holiday in Ile de Ré in France this summer and although I've never been, the way to get around the island is by bike apparently. I will be 7 months pg, is there any way I will be able to cycle or is that just madness? (Maybe I can get a little pull-along basket on wheels behind DH ) As it's my first pg I simply have no idea how cumbersome a bump is...

It depends really, there was no way I could have cycled, I got SPD and it would have been far too painful. My gp also advised me not to ride a bike or horse ride whilst I was pg just in case I fell off but I guess you can make your own judgements on that one.

I cycled until about 8 months. As long as you're comfortable and feel safe there's no medical reason why you shouldn't. Is good non-weight bearing exercise for you too. I'd recommend a traditional sit up and beg bike if you're hiring with a proper padded ladies saddle and take it slow!

Oooh yeah, you've just reminded me - don't think those lovely varicose vein in the most unexpected place would have taken it either

I went cycling the other day at 8 months and I really enjoyed it, as the bump just hung there. Far more comfortable than walking.

ooh we went to the ile de re as a big family holiday when my nephew was 6 months old in 2005 - it was fantastic. not many hills so the cycling is not too strenuous, and plenty of places within short distances of each other so you dont need to try and do too much in one day.

There are also buses that go round if you found the cycling too much.

Thanks guys, it sounds like I should just play it by ear - depends how I feel when i get there. Thank goodness for mumsnet! I was all ready to cancel

don't know about actual cycling, I've just had to stop my spin class at 27 weeks as it was getting too uncomfortable. For me it really depends on how the baby is sitting when i get on the bike - bit like walking, sometimes fine, sometimes impossible. personally wouldn't risk it for a day in/day out cyling hol as it could be awful if you have to cycle! doing a bit occasionally or for a to b seems to have been fine for most of my friends up to 8 months. also know someone who let themselves be cycled across shepherd's bush round about at 8 months (she was sitting on the rack at the back) tho wouldn't recommend it! lol

Just wear some control pants that come up to your chin to work like a shock absorber sports bra. No joking, you'll be fine as long as there are no hills to climb.

As SydneyB said a tradtional bike better than something like a mountain bike as you want the handle bars higher than the seat by quite abit, so you dont' bend forward, that could be uncomfortable.

Have a nice holiday. How lovely.

i didnt chance it as i was BIG for 7m pg so would've been wobbling all over the place!! ..have a lovely holiday

Am nearly 37 weeks and still cycling most days (in London traffic). No problems, but I'm SLOW now! Also would strongly recommend the most sit up and beg bike you can find - the more you bend over, the more squished you feel, and it gives me slight indigestion if I don't sit up straight.
Enjoy the holiday!

I biked through two pregnancies, in London traffic, no problem at all.

But I don't think you should get on a bike at 7 months if you haven't been biking throughout. You're much more likely to fall off or otherwise injure yourself.

I cycled to work until around 7.5 months, when it got a bit uncomfortable (I ride a racing bike). My boss was beginning to think I'd end up giving birth on it!! I do a lot of cycling anyway though, and my bump wasn't huge. Definitely get an upright sort of bike, as others have said here!

Im still cycling but its not attractive and Im only going out when its dark so people dont see me.