Embracing motherhood can be difficult, but it is a beautiful experience in your life. After all, you’re nurturing the most beautiful part of yourself. And you’re choosing the best for him or her. So, when it comes to performing different types of exercises while you’re carrying your baby, it is always better that you perform some low–impact exercises – like swimming, brisk – walking, yoga asanas, etc.
But cycling? Oh! You remember enjoying cycling during pre-pregnancy days. With World Bicycle Day approaching, you must be wondering whether you can do some cycling during pregnancy, just like your pre–pregnancy days. You must also be wondering, whether cycling is safe during pregnancy.
Is Cycling Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! The answer right off the bat is that cycling during pregnancy is absolutely safe, and has many benefits to offer.
- It can fight morning sickness as well as pregnancy cramps,
- It helps in building up strength during labour, and delivery
- It helps boost your energy
- It helps you feel calm and reduces your pregnancy depression and stress
- It helps in battling pregnancy insomnia, and fatigue
- It helps get rid of your body’s toxins
- It helps improve your blood circulation
- It helps reduce gestational diabetes during the early phases of your pregnancy.
However, while you learn about the benefits of cycling during your pregnancy, you might have to consider a few safety measures.
What Precautions Should You Take While You’re Cycling
From the first trimester of your pregnancy to the last, your body is undoubtedly working very hard to help your little one grow inside you. So, along with the growing baby bump and changing centre of gravity, if you consider taking up cycling, you might have to consult the doctor, take precautions and then opt for cycling.
That said, the precautions that you might consider are:
- From the first trimester, the hormones can your entire body as well as your mind for a ride. The pregnancy hormones produce the placenta – the organ responsible for nurturing the life inside you with the much–needed oxygen and nutrients (via the umbilical cord blood) and further develops the foetus. So, be careful of the bumpy roads. As the bumpy roads may make you imbalanced and increase your chances of falling, giving rise to miscarriage. Adding on to this, if you somehow feel nauseous or tired, don’t force yourself to cycle.
- By the time you enter the second trimester, your chances of miscarriage will have reduced. You tend to revive your previous strength and feel refreshed. Cycling in this trimester may be beneficial for you. It can keep your weight under check, and pregnancy pain at bay. Just be careful not to feel tired.
- The moment you step into the third trimester, your baby bump becomes prominent. With the protruding belly, there will be a shift in the centre of gravity. You also may not be able to move comfortably during this stage of your pregnancy. So, when you cycle, choose a cycle with low bars, and a wide and gel-based seat to support your bottom. Also, try to cycle on flat roads so that, you don’t fall, thus harming your baby inside
- Whether you’re in your first trimester or last, due to bodily changes such as morning sickness, weight gain, and swelling, there are chances that you might lose your balance. So, try to maintain your balance while you’re cycling and take it slow.
- If you’re cycling outdoors, cycle when the roads are less crowded. Don’t forget to choose those paths that do not have potholes and are less polluted.
- Try not to ride during cloudy weather or when there are fumes or toxins in the air.
- Take rest whenever you feel the need for it, especially when you’re feeling tired or lazy.
- Choose a cycle that will allow you to adjust the height of your handle as well as the seat.
- Although cycling outdoors is safe, you can always opt for cycling indoors. That is safer. As long as you remember to stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion and getting too hot.
Always consult your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy, pain, breathing difficulty, chest pain, weakness in the muscles, or bleeding.
So, if you are thinking of cycling outdoors or indoors, follow the above-mentioned tips and start. Just don’t worry!
Also, follow our blog page and get some more information on pregnancy, postpartum, baby care and the benefits of cord blood banking.