Every expectant mother’s primary priority during the critical nine months is to maintain their fitness and nutrition. Pregnancy fitness is evolving to meet their body’s demands, from Pilates to low-intensity exercises. If you have been riding a bike for a long time, don’t let your baby bump deter you. To find out what happens to your body during your pregnancy cycle and what measures you should take during this crucial time, Indianexpress.com contacted specialists.
According to Dr. Dharmesh Shah, the founder and director of Holistica World, your body changes significantly throughout pregnancy. Cycling helps enhance muscular tone, control weight gain, and preserve cardiovascular fitness—all of which can be advantageous after delivery. However, because to weight growth and changing posture, pregnancy also causes joint stress, increased tiredness, and changes in balance.
“During the first trimester, extreme fatigue may limit your endurance, and as your baby grows in the second and third trimesters, you might experience shortness of breath and joint discomfort, particularly in your lower back, hips, and knees,” he stated.
How far along can you ride without risk?
You may cycle throughout pregnancy, he explained, but it’s important to ease off and pay attention to your body. During the first two trimesters, when your tummy is smaller and your balance is less of an issue, cycling is usually thought to be safer. According to Dr. Shah, cycling can become more painful after the second trimester due to changes in the body and potential effects on balance, which raises the risk of falls.
Agreeing, Dr Manisha Ranjan, Senior consultant obstetrician & gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida said that cycling is generally safer in the first and second trimesters. “During the first trimester, your center of gravity remains stable, and the risk of falling is lower. By the second trimester, your growing belly begins to shift your balance, which can increase the risk of falls, making stationary cycling a safer alternative,” she attached.
According to her, most doctors advise stopping outdoor cycling by the third trimester. “During this period, your balance and agility significantly decline, increasing the risk of injury to both you and your baby. Stationary bikes become the recommended option at this stage, as they eliminate the risk of falling while still providing cardiovascular benefits,” she attached.
Precautions to remember
1. Speak with your physician: Consult your healthcare professional to be sure cycling is safe for you before beginning or continuing any workout regimen.
2. Keep an eye on your intensity: Maintain a moderate level of effort. High-intensity, strenuous rides are not appropriate during pregnancy. Instead of pushing yourself to the maximum, concentrate on staying fit.
3. Modify your Cycle: As your tummy swells, it’s more comfortable to keep an upright posture, which can be achieved by raising the handlebars.
4. Pay Attention to Your equilibrium: As your bump becomes bigger, your equilibrium may become problematic. It’s safest to switch to a stationary bike if you begin to feel unsteady.
5. Maintain Hydration: Drink lots of water since dehydration can be bad for you and your unborn child.
6. Pay attention to your body: Stop riding and take a break if you experience pain, dyspnea, or any other strange symptoms. Since each pregnancy is different, it’s critical to adapt to your own feelings.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
