Cycling to first scan - bad idea?

[Violetbeau]

I have my 12 week scan tomorrow and was planning on cycling with my partner. It’s a 30 min cycle which is a distance I’m comfortable cycling and have done so regularly recently. Any pregnant cyclists got an opinion on whether it’s a good idea? Just wondering if there’s something I’m not thinking of - more in relation to the way home.

I can't see why that would be a problem. I would keep cycling as long as you feel comfortable, just be extra careful on the roads.

I often cycle to scans as I cycle to work and I work in the hospital where I get scanned! The only problem is you need to have a full bladder so need to drink a decent amount of water about an hour before the scan. I find cycling the last bit on a full bladder a bit uncomfortable but not really a huge problem. I’ve got an early reassurance scan tomorrow and I’m planning on cycling there.

I couldn't do it with a full bladder - it would be a (soggy) disaster! Your pelvic floor might be significantly better than mine though.

Physically can’t see an issue. And if all goes well then great.
Being a slight pessimist, if the scan didn’t go perfect would you want to ride home again ?

I cycled to my 28w appointment. I ended up having a long discussion about my traumatic first birth (plenty of snot and tears, and the mw was not terribly sympathetic). I really enjoyed the headspace of a bike ride home.

I personally wouldn’t purely because they want you to have a full bladder so I don’t think I’d be very comfortable doing that on a bike for 30 mins

I cycled to both 12 and 20 week scans - quickest and most pleasant way, and (at this time) skips any possible covid exposure on public transport. No bother :) I've stopped cycling now cos I can't readily hack the bent over on my road bike! :/

Most Dutch women would as that’s the main mode of transport and they’re all fine!

Cycling is of course fine. However, in the event of bad news you may not feel like the return journey. Similarly if your alternative option was public transport then you may prefer the bike! Not trying to be negative, just been through this pregnancy business quite a few times now. Plan for the best outcome though and good luck! X

Having had a loss at a 12 week appointment I wouldn't. Three very positive pregnancies after but at the time I could barely sit in the car. Also, Dutch roads are significantly safer for cyclists than ours are. Good luck!

absolutely fine. especially if that's your usual mode of transpory.
pelvic floor should nit be an issue yet at 12 weeks. and 'full bladder' doesn't mean 'full to bursting' just 'had a drink and not been to the loo for an hour' kind of full.

cycling is great exercise for pregnany women.

if the scan didn’t go perfect would you want to ride home again ?

This ^

@Landlubber2019

if the scan didn’t go perfect would you want to ride home again ?

This ^

Maybe it's just because I've never had an appointment I didn't walk, cycle, or take public transport to, but I can't figure out why cycling would be something I'd be less inclined to do particularly afterwards if things didn't go well.

You might not need a full bladder btw, I didn’t.

Good luck

I did! And no full bladder needed.

I can't see that cycling is any worse than driving, if you're worried about the slim chance of bad news.

I did. And I'll be cycling to my 20 week scan! :)

With dc1 I cycled pretty much every day until the day before she was born. I think you will be fine.

Thanks everyone for the advice and well wishes! I did cycle and all was well. I decided to only drink one glass of water before leaving and more when I got there so it wasn’t too unpleasant while cycling. In the end they were over an hour late and I ended up caving and peeing then sculling some water just before going in 😂 It didn’t seem to matter anyway!

I think I cycled to all my scans for both kids. The f the worst had happened I’d much rather be on my bike than trying to get out of the hospital car park.

Glad it went well @Violetbeau congratulations 🙌