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