Is it Safe to Go Biking When Pregnant?

Pregnant women receive a great deal of advice, unsolicited and otherwise, on what they should and shouldn’t do during the course of their pregnancy. One of the most enduring myths surround pregnancy is that pregnant women should not exercise, or if they do, keep it to a minimum. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Most experts now agree that both mother and unborn baby benefit when a pregnant woman stays fit and healthy. One thing pregnant women do wonder about is if it is safe to go biking?

Generally, it is considered safe to go biking when pregnant. Since it is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t require any lifting or jumping, it is second only to swimming as a good exercise for pregnant women. In addition, it is easy to choose the level of intensity, so there is little chance that you will overexert yourself. May women wonder about how their balance is affected while biking when pregnant, but since weight and bulk are gained gradually, your balance will adapt gradually as well. You will probably find it easy to continue biking right into the last weeks of your pregnancy.

As always, when considering an exercise program during your pregnancy, it’s wise to consult your doctor, and let her know what your plans are. That way, you can work together to determine what will work best for you. She will probably tell you that it is safe to go biking when pregnant, but that you need to be especially careful to avoid spills and accidents. When possible, stick to smooth bike paths with as little contact with motor traffic as possible. It’s also best to be a somewhat experienced cyclist. If you are new to biking, pregnancy is probably not the best time to start up.

Women who go biking when pregnant realize all of the benefits of any regular exercise program. Stress reduction, endorphin production, better oxygen delivery and blood flow, are all things that will benefit both the pregnant mother and her unborn child. In addition, better physical fitness will help you recover from the birth that much more quickly. In addition, you will also have better stamina during the delivery.

If you are biking when pregnant, keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to keep up the level of intensity that you normally would. Listen to your body, start slow and build up if necessary. Drink a lot of fluids, take plenty of breaks, and avoid overheating. After delivery, exercise a little caution in returning to your regular exercise schedule. Keep in mind that you need good nutrition to stay strong, especially if you are breastfeeding.

While it’s definitely safe to go biking while pregnant, you will want to take it a bit easier than normal, and be especially conscious of safety. Biking when pregnant can be a great way to stay in shape, and build up your strength and stamina. The better your physical condition, the better prepared you will be for delivery and taking care of a new baby.

Article Source: http://www.parentingarticlelibrary.com

You can find helpful information about biking when pregnant and everything you need to know about safe to go biking at Aha! Baby.

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