Bike Riding While Pregnant: 9 Things You Need To Know

Riding a bike is a fun exercise and one that a lot of people continue to enjoy today. Pregnancy tends to complicate a lot of things, putting a damper on some of the things you love. Luckily, biking is safe for a pregnant woman, as a matter of fact, it is actually encouraged. Even during pregnancy, you need to keep up with some form of exercise and biking is a fun one. Here are 9 things you need to know about bike riding while pregnant:

Know Your Limits

The first thing you need to worry about when biking while pregnant is your limits. You will need to ensure that you don't put your body through more than it can take. Forget your routine before you were pregnant, and start worrying about your new limits. Find out the distance you can cover, the speeds you can maintain, and how frequently you can ride. 

Moderacy Is Key

Bike riding when pregnant is simply for cardio, and a way to get out of the house. It is imperative that you don't use this time to start trying out new things or exploring the area. Keep all sessions in moderation, keeping all riding sessions to the exercising limits alone. Once you have given birth, you can return to your competitive riding. 

Always Gear Up

Safety is paramount when riding and this is never more accurate than when you are pregnant. You are now staying safe for two, so be sure to stay extra safe. Wear all the appropriate safety gear even for short rides. If your old safety gear doesn't fit, be sure to pick up a few new ones in maternity sizes.

Always Have A Partner

Riding may not be the most demanding activity but it isn’t advised to go alone. If possible, get yourself a riding partner especially when you will stray far from home. If you have a spouse or partner, then it is a perfect couple's activity. You never know what sort of emergency you will have when on your ride, so don't be alone. 

Ride in Safe Areas

Riding a bike is a fun activity that can be done anywhere, but not when you are pregnant. Stay away from busy or crowded areas like major roads for your safety. If you have to ride in such areas, then stick to bike lanes where available, or on the side of the roads. The ideal location for a bike ride is a park, or some back roads. 

Hydrate

You need to stay hydrated at all times especially when biking while pregnant. Be sure to take a water bottle on your ride. Don't judge your water intake by your pre-pregnancy riding stats as it will be inaccurate. Now that you are pregnant, you will likely consume a lot more water than before.

Stationary Bikes

If riding a bike on the road is too risky for you, then you may want to try stationary bikes. You get all the exercise and cardio that comes with riding a bike without the dangers of the outdoors. Sign up for a spin class or get yourself one of the stationary bikes at home. You can ride from the comfort of your home and pace yourself better.

Stay Balanced

One thing that seems to be a surprise is that pregnant women tend to lose their balance. You won't balance easily on the bike and before mostly due to the extra weight that comes with pregnancy. If you are unable to find your new balance, you may be better suited to look for other alternatives. 

Take Bathroom Breaks

Bathroom breaks are something that becomes frequent when you are pregnant. With your water intake increasing when biking, your bathroom breaks will need to increase as well. Take many bathroom breaks before heading on a ride to ensure you don't have to use a strange bathroom on the way.

Be sure to check your pregnancy progress before riding a bike. A pregnancy due date checker will help you estimate your due date and you can plan all bike rides appropriately.

Conclusion

Biking whilst pregnant isn't dangerous as most people fear, but rather, is a welcome fitness regimen. So long as it doesn't your bike ride doesn't coincide with your due date, you have nothing to worry about.