Does Cycling Affect Pregnancy?

Does Cycling Affect Pregnancy?

pregnant

Swimming, fitness, and walking are great sports to practice when you are pregnant. But what about cycling: is that wise with a big belly? Read further below.

To start with, exercising during your pregnancy is very healthy. Research has shown that it reduces pregnancy ailments such as pelvic instability and a better night’s sleep. Moreover, the recovery after delivery usually goes more smoothly and it has advantages for your baby, by exercising you promote the development of his heart and nervous system.

What is sensible?

Needless to say, it is better to leave skiing, horse riding, and contact sports such as hockey when pregnant. But a lot of sports can be done during your pregnancy, such as swimming, aerobics, yoga and running.

Bicycles

This is also a sport that you can do well when you are pregnant. It is even one of the sports that you can keep doing for a long time. You put less pressure on your joints on the bike than with other sports. You can also keep the pace low – that way you move, but you don’t put too much strain on your body.

Note: we are talking about recreational cycling, so not a round of mountain biking in the woods. Get a sturdy mountain bike for recreational cycling.

What should you pay attention to?

In itself, you can just cycle around as you are used to. But if your fat stomach gets in the way, make sure you have enough distance between your body and the handlebars. You can also set the handlebars a little higher.

And whether you start cycling in the first or third trimester, at any time during your pregnancy, the following applies: listen to your body. If you are tired or find it difficult to concentrate, it is not wise to use the bike. Maybe you break too late or you are not alert enough to other road users. And of course, the last thing you want is to collide or fall. Also stop cycling if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or hard stomachs.

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