When that pregnancy test comes back positive, questions usually follow. What can I expect? What can I eat? How much weight should I gain? What can I wear? What kind of exercise is right for me? Your doctor should be your first source of answers. Each pregnancy is different, and what may be right for someone else may not be the right answer for you.

Bicycling is one activity most children anxiously look forward to mastering at an early age. And adults love it too, which makes it understandable that May has been declared National Bike Month. But one important question you may ask is whether bicycling is an activity you should continue or one you should avoid when pregnant.

When selecting an activity or fitness plan during pregnancy, the first thing to consider is whether this is something you already do or something you are adding as a new activity. Some activities are perfectly fine to continue if you have already been involved for a while. If you are an avid cycler, you should be able to continue at least into your second trimester. If you haven't been on a bicycle in years but thought it might be fun to try it during your pregnancy, you might reconsider your intentions.

There are some activities that are appropriate to begin as a novice during pregnancy. Swimming, water aerobics, walking and low-impact classes are exercises that might be comfortable and even recommended as first-time activities during pregnancy. They can be soothing, healthy and restful for most new moms-to-be. Bicycling, however, has both the good and the bad to consider.

Remember: It's important to check with your doctor before doing any exercise regimen during pregnancy.

Bicycling is a low-impact exercise. Low impact is recommended during pregnancy because it is easy on the ankles and knee joints. It avoids the pounding and jarring on the joints that may cause pain and injury. Bicycling is easy on body joints. It is also an activity many have mastered during childhood and have successfully been doing for many years. Biking is generally an excellent aerobic exercise.

As your pregnancy progresses you will notice a shift in your center of gravity. This makes balance a problem, and many pregnant women find they feel "klutzy." Imbalance problems could cause falls and spills. Anything that may cause a fall should be avoided during pregnancy for the safety of both the mother and the baby. So generally, most doctors will recommend not initiating a new sport that may cause balance issues. This includes snow skiing, water skiing, rock climbing and bicycling. These are activities that have the potential for accidental falls and possible injuries.

If you are an avid rider and want to continue during the first part of your pregnancy, make sure to take these precautions:

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