| Exercising during pregnancy is something that | | | | sure that your cycle has been inspected and |
| no expectant mother should miss. Cycling is a | | | | that your braking system is in top condition |
| low-impact exercise widely recommended for | | | | - you are carrying more weight now than |
| pregnant women, providing cardiovascular | | | | previously so it may take more effort to |
| benefits and helping you to remain in great | | | | stop. |
| shape! | | | | |
| | | | If you are concerned about the safety of |
| Do not forget to take in to consideration the | | | | riding a cycle when pregnant then why not |
| fact that cycling (or indeed any exercise) | | | | consider a stationary exercise cycle. |
| burns more calories than resting. Pregnancy | | | | Exercising in this way will raise your heart |
| means that you will already need an extra 300 | | | | rate and give you a good workout without the |
| calories per day before adding on extra for | | | | dangers that road riding can present. |
| exercising. Calorie counting computers are | | | | |
| available, but your body should tell you when | | | | Outdoors or indoors be sure to stay well |
| it is hungry, you may be surprised at how | | | | hydrated. Drink plenty of water as gestation |
| much extra you eat. | | | | requires water to make amniotic fluids to |
| | | | protect your baby. You will notice that |
| When pregnant your center of gravity can | | | | cycling will make you feel hot and you will |
| shift after the first trimester which can | | | | produce more sweat than normal, so taking a |
| cause problems with balance. You may also | | | | bottle of water on the bike with you is very |
| feel a little forgetful and accident prone | | | | important. |
| when pregnant so be sure to take all safety | | | | |
| precautions and ride in a safe controlled | | | | When riding it would be ideal to wear a heart |
| manner, preferably in calmer areas. Try to | | | | rate monitor. Try not to exceed 140 beats per |
| stick to cycle routes rather than main roads! | | | | minute pulse rate. Always be prepared to stop |
| | | | if you feel shortness of breath or dizziness. |
| Although your baby is well protected by the | | | | |
| amniotic fluid you should try to avoid any | | | | Bicycling may become uncomfortable during the |
| potentially dangerous riding such as after | | | | latter trimester of your pregnancy. At this |
| rain when the roads may be wet, or riding off | | | | time you may wish to consider other forms of |
| sealed roads on rough terrain. Also please be | | | | exercise such as swimming or walking. |