Pregnant...hang up the mountain bike???

[Kim D]

I am in the home stretch of my first trimester (week 12). My doctor advised me right from the start to stop mountain biking (it was my first questionan at my initial prenatal visit). She cleared me for riding the road. Clearly I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my pregnancy or the little peanut growing inside me...
This is my first pregnancy and I'm trying to navigate through it safely (and sanely). I guess I just want some insight as to how other women with a passion for riding the dirt dealt w/ this. I'm overjoyed about becoming a mom, yet feel a little sad every time I see my (other) baby hanging up in the basement collecting dust. Crazy?

[Divscotty]

I would definately do as the Dr said, if you think he doesn't know what he's talking about and goign the safe route so he won't get sued ask for a referal to a sports Dr. But better safe than sorry I say.

Divscotty

[The Rose]

My wife was also advised to stop riding mtb until after the baby was born. The baby came 3 months ago, so next weekend she will be out with me again. It was a bummer when she had to stop because it happened when she had just started developing her skills as a rider. I even had her trying some small drops and jumps.

[Cyclenaut]

I did a Google search on bike riding during pregnancy and found several articles, inlcuding this one. (http://bicycling.about.com/library/weekly/aa091797.htm)

[wooglin-at-home]

Not that I'm likely to get pregnant anytime soon, but I'd certainly seek a second opinion. One from someone who actually knows what MTBing is.

[free spirit]

I just did a roadie ride yesterday with a woman who is about 4 1/2 months along. She bought a large pair of shorts to feel more comfortable. She was told that as long as she could hold a conversation and keep her heart rate under 140 she should be fine for a while. Also, she has taken to riding only the rail trails nice and easy on her mt bike.

I would go with comfort level, no technical stuff. remember you are going to have to piss more and more often and it is going to get uncomfortable. Also, your center of gravity is going to change. Sooner or later, the bike is going to have to collect dust.

The good point: since you're probably pretty fit, the weight should come off fairly quickly after the babies arrival.

good luck

[davkatreb]

Kim, I'm just a dumb old dad, but a thought just struck me: Is the child's father a part of your life? Maybe you could guilt him into doing all kinds of nice things for you to distract you from your predicament.

[Kim D]

Wow...thanks for all the insight and info. Cyclenaut, you rock! That article was very helpful.
As for me, I think I'll stick to the road and just hit the trails hungry next season Great idea about the rail trails...maybe I can do some mild rides just to switch it up a little. I'm sure this will all be more than worthwhile when I get to meet my little peanut this December.
Who knows...the baby may be born with little cleats on its feet!


...and yes, Dad (my husband) is very much involved. He knows that paybacks are a bitch and for every ride I send him off on now, he'll owe me triple when my time comes.

[Cyclenaut]

Best of luck Kim!

I hear December, 16 is a GREAT day for a birthday! :D

[polly]

Yup. I think you've received good advice so far -

I am well impressed to think that you even have the energy for cycling! With all three of mine, my haemaglobin levels dropped to about 8 within minutes of conception, and I got so large that by about 5 months people would point and stare in the street (seriously)

and as for the 'morning' sickness every hour from week 5 til week 42... we just won't go there..

:D

I think the most important thing here is that you keep fit and the baby stays safe - you just can't take the risk of falling off onto something sharp - even though the baby is so well protected (allegedly you can break everybone in your body and the baby can be unharmed) I know that I cut out as many risks as I could - it's for such a short time, and I knew I'd never have forgiven myself if the worst happened, no matter how small the risk taken.

I walked miles - and miles, and miles... (but not out of choice!) I am convinced this enforced fitness is what made the labours easier though.

As you sound full of energy :D I would reccommend swimming, and joining a gym - exercise bikes may be dull but they will keep your legs muscles in reasonable condition at a time when your body is producing hormones designed to soften and stretch every muscle (not just those of baby's preferred escape route!) at my gym you can plug into the tv to relieve the boredom...

good luck... and enjoy! :p

[Kim D]

Thanks, Polly. Now I feel sort of ridiculous for even considering any type of "mild off-road riding" (is there such a thing anyway????). You are so right about eliminating any risks within my control. For now I'll stick to walking and Spinning a few nights a week. I'm only 14 weeks and already strating to pop out. Now is not the time to take chances. Thanks! :)

[Blatz]

I don`t know if it was the cause, but my wife was doing a road ride in the 1st trimester and started to bleed alot. We rushed to the hospital and she had an ultra-sound done. We thought for sure she miscarried. But fortunately things where fine. I would just be very cautious.

[polly]

Glad to hear things turned out well...
The chances were it was coincidence and the bleed would have happened whatever your wife was doing - but, it's hard to tell yourself that at the time isn't it? so i always thought removing as many risky things from my day to day life as poss was the way to go, even if some thought I was going a bit OTT

[Nash]

Kim, congrats to you and your new family. It will be a very rewarding experience, better than any climb, tree crossing, or downhill that you may bomb. My wife and best riding partner had twin girls (you may have seen these fine looking little girlies in the latest issue of the rag) four months ago. She was off her bike as soon as she found out she was prego and did a ton of walking and exercise. She was also on strict bed rest for two months before giving birth. Our babies were born healthy and will someday grow up to ride with Mom and Dad. You will be surprised at how quickly your body recovers after giving birth. Just last night we rode a good fast paced 12 mile technical woods ride and my wife kicked ass. This was only her third time out too boot. Remember the old saying "its like riding a bicycle" its very true. Anyways, concentrate on the most important thing right now which is your baby. You will be back out there before you know it!!!!