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Pedaling Through Pregnancy

The Benefits of Biking
While Expecting

By Dr. Aneema Van Groenou

It's summer and you want to enjoy the outdoors. After all, you belong among the birds and the bees this season and deserve to flit about in the sunshine, too. What? You're not feeling quite that light on your feet this trimester?

Try biking. Swooping along on your own personal chariot while getting a little healthy exercise is a perfect solution. Biking has the advantages of speed, safety and sheer fun. Plus, it's low cost, social and doesn't involve an entrance fee.

But whether you're a veteran cyclist or are just pulling your cobweb-covered 10-speed out of the garage, biking will present a few special challenges during pregnancy.

Is biking really safe during pregnancy? Non-bikers and urban bikers may rightly be concerned that a two-wheeled excursion that requires balance and a helmet doesn't seem all that safe. True. If you are not completely comfortable riding a bike, pregnancy is not the time to learn. Try learning in a few years when you can borrow your preschooler's training wheels. And urban biking is not ideal – pregnant or not – unless you have access to bike paths and are very alert to traffic.

Common sense is your best protection when biking and you will naturally be extra cautious now that you are pregnant. Remember to obey the rules of the road and signal so that cars, other bikers and pedestrians don't respond unexpectedly. Gear up your bike for safety with a bell, lights, reflectors and a lock, in case you get worn out and simply decide to take public transportation home.

You should also be aware that you'll really notice how much exercise you're getting. This is because your body is supplying oxygen and nutrients to your fetus as well – even while you exercise. Your heart and lungs work much harder to make sure your uterus and your muscles get the blood supply they need. The good news is that you get a better workout in less time. And the more consistently you exercise – say, half an hour several times a week – the more you'll improve your cardiovascular fitness.

Before going biking, check with your doctor to make sure this activity is appropriate for you. Each pregnancy and woman is different. Pregnancy can affect your center of balance, so some women may be told not to bike ride after a certain point in their pregnancy. Consulting your health care provider is recommended.

Want to see more?

• Stretching Your Limits: Flexibility Helps During Pregnancy
• In the Swim of Things: Aqua Aerobics and Water Therapy During Pregnancy
• Get Into the Swing of Things: Golfing During Pregnancy
• Talk about it!

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