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Cycling during pregnancy
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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Cycling strengthens the pelvic muscles and increases leg strength, and also develops the joints in the hip area. And this, in turn, makes the birth process easier and reduces pain. In addition, such trips help to increase the respiratory rate and improve heart function. This is also very important during childbirth. Cycling during pregnancy makes the pelvic floor muscles, as well as the abdominal muscles, stronger, as a result of which the likelihood of stretch marks and the development of obesity decreases.
Is it okay to ride a bike while pregnant?
Riding a bicycle during pregnancy is allowed, but it should not be forgotten that there is some risk for both the woman and her child. At the same time, the danger to the fetus in the event of a fall increases in proportion to the increase in the duration of pregnancy. Of course, before getting on a bicycle, you need to consider many factors - such as how you feel, your riding skills and the nature of the ride itself. The greatest danger is posed by sudden braking or turns and, of course, falls.
If you ride slowly, with good skills and on a familiar road, it is quite safe. Before the trip, you should also make sure that the bike is in good condition. You should also pay attention to the road you are going to ride on - you need to choose a path with a smooth surface, on which there will be no holes.
Cycling During Early Pregnancy
Riding a bicycle in early pregnancy is allowed after consultation with a doctor, in the absence of contraindications to this. It should be taken into account that if a woman did not ride a bicycle before pregnancy, she is not allowed to start during pregnancy.
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The benefits and harms of cycling during pregnancy
It is very useful for both the expectant mother and her baby to spend more time outdoors. And cycling, among other things, allows you to stay in good physical shape and recover quickly after the birth of the child.
Benefits of cycling during pregnancy:
- Stagnant blood in the pelvis and legs is dispersed;
- The perineal muscles become stronger and more elastic;
- Back muscle training.
But not everyone shares the opinion about the benefits of cycling for pregnant women. There are many doctors who believe that such exercises can be harmful for expectant mothers. In general, the concerns are well-founded, since fast riding can lead to problems - due to constant shaking, it can lead to an increase in the tone of the uterus, as a result of which premature labor can begin.
Cycling during pregnancy is dangerous because a woman can get injured, not only when moving, but also when braking. Falls are also very dangerous, because they can cause abdominal damage. As a result, premature rupture of amniotic fluid, placental abruption or the onset of labor are possible, and in the worst case, even the death of the baby.
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