Very sad - I was told not to ride

[Lenusik]

Maybe someone can help me with some information.

I've been riding quite a bit although now I am 20 weeks pregnant. But I am afraid that last Sunday was my last ride. And I rode with all my gutts up the South Mountain. God! It makes me so sad! I've learned something new about riding and pregnancy. My coach and his wife, who is an avid rider and also a physio therapist for athlete women told me that I should stop. The reason is that pelvis and the lower back bone is shifting at this point. The saddle pushes right in between my pelvis. The structure of this bone is apparently not recoverable if I continue forcing it. I may end up with serious chronic lower back pains, which definitely nobody wants. If some doctor who does not know anything about cycling told me something like that, I would have dismissed it. But she is a "monster" rider and also a specialist, so she definitely scared me. I am very dissapointed and hope that she is wrong. Did anyone had an experience like this? How do I confirm her suggestion? I really don't want to learn it on my own bad experience.

[mary9761]

what does your OB or midwife say? I didn't ride 25 years ago when I was pregnant with my son, so I can't answer from personal experience, but I'd imagine your doctor could give you an idea what they think.
Good luck and congrats! Is this your first baby?

[limewave]

Hmmm, I hadn't heard about that but I guess it makes sense. My advice is to listen to your body. If you're having pelvic pain, then maybe you should shorten your rides or quit through the rest of the pg. I felt my best when I was riding--it was great. The last week, however, it felt as though the saddle was riding up between my sit bones--that's when I took up walking. Fortunately I only had 2 days after that until I gave birth.

Good luck with everything. I know it can be a frustrating thing trying to stay fit during pg. It seems like everyone has an opinion and they MUST share it with you. Listen to your body and you'll have a great pg.

[SR500]

In this case you really are better off safe then sorry. You'll hear stories of people riding, running, etc..., but best to lay off.

[Dianyla]

Do you think a recumbent would work better re: saddle and pelvic issues? Might be kinda late now to find one, but it's worth investigating. ;)

[Lenusik]

:confused: The problem is that I feel great. My doctor never told me to stop if I feel good, but he does not know much about cycling. I can stay fit doing other activities, but I love to ride. I just don't want to end up with any chronic pains after delivery especially if my coach was right about it. I am triying to find some information online to support her theory, but so far nothing. She was pretty sure about her suggestion, and I trust her because she works with athlete women, with riders and she is a rider herself. Oh what do I do?

[Bluetree]

Agree, better safe than sorry. Perhaps now is a good time to start another fitness regimen. Swimming is great cardio and easy on the skeleton.

[Kano]

I understand what your coach is saying -- there are hormones that start loosening your joints so that the pelvis is flexible enough for the baby to pass through. I didn't NOTICE this happening so much with my first child, but I did with the second -- and I can see the possibilities. I didn't ride back then, but I sure felt "wobbly" in my hips and pelvis when I'd go walking that second time around!

I don't if one can call chronic pain a given, but I DO still have some issues that flare up on occasion 23 years later, and I didn't "abuse" (for lack of a better word at the moment) my body like I could (and probably should) have back then!

I think that if you talk with your OB or midwife as Mary suggests, he or she will do some research for you if needed, in order to give you the most appropriate answer. You might also ask your coach for some literature to read and understand better what he says is going on with your body. He may also be able to suggest a new riding style -- sounds like you ride pretty aggressively, and maybe a more relaxed approach, or different seat style for the duration, could keep you riding? (maybe recumbent?)

Even if you do stop riding for now, it's a small price to pay for the long term benefits!

Have you had that 20 week ultra sound yet? Boy or girl? Adorable? Our grandkids' pictures at that age were pretty cute, especially the ones of the youngest, little Orion -- he poses so well for the cameras! (This is our wee biker's little brother, for those of you who remember Xander in his flaming helmet!) I for one would LOVE to see your baby pictures if you've got them!

Karen in Boise

[margo49]

Better safe than sorry
Better safe and sad than sorry and even sadder

Btw, I agree with Kano about the flex-ie joints, esp the hippy pelvic ones. I noticed it most with my last pregnancy too; tho' of course it would have been *happening* in the others too.

Can you feel the movements yet, Lennie
OOOh, don't you remember that , the rest of you Mothers?

[Lenusik]

I think that if you talk with your OB or midwife as Mary suggests, he or she will do some research for you if needed, in order to give you the most appropriate answer. You might also ask your coach for some literature to read and understand better what he says is going on with your body. He may also be able to suggest a new riding style -- sounds like you ride pretty aggressively, and maybe a more relaxed approach, or different seat style for the duration, could keep you riding? (maybe recumbent?)
Karen in Boise

Karen,
Thanks for the great advice. I realize that my joints are getting looser, however I did not realize that I may cause permanent damage by riding the way I ride. I already slowed down and ride less, but I still try to do my best. Oh well, I guess I could put myself on a trainer or rollers at home where I can constantly control the way I sit. I will be getting off the saddle more often too. And I will definitely check with my doctor on the literature.

I had my ultrasound at 18 weeks and we found out that it is a little girl. She looked very cute rubbing her eye and smiling from the inside. :) She's got long femurs which will make her into a great rider!

[SouthernBelle]

Being kidless, I have no clue. But hsmpcycle, an occasional poster, had a baby in August, rode until about the last 2 weeks. You might want to PM her.

[Dogmama]

Before my neck surgery and afterwards, I had to be off the bike for months. It stretched into five months. I lived through it, albeit not happily.

The bike will always be there for you. Use your spare time to shop for baby clothes, a Burley cart, maternity clothes, a baby helmet, you know, the important stuff!

[Kano]

Karen,

I had my ultrasound at 18 weeks and we found out that it is a little girl. She looked very cute rubbing her eye and smiling from the inside. :) She's got long femurs which will make her into a great rider!


First, Len, you're welcome -- please keep in mind that my experience only relates to my body, and may not be typical. My situation also isn't intolerable except for one time -- and then I took time to learn how to prevent that from happening again! I've never been real good at exercise and stretching, but I do keep up with those...

More important though: I bet your little lady is beautiful! If you have a scanner, we'd all love to see her pictures! (my daughter had me scan theirs, and my mom loved seeing pix of great grandbabies via e-mail! Mom and I were impressed with how ultrasound picture quality has changed in two short years -- 'Rion's pix are very different than Xander's!) Does she have a name yet?

Karen in Boise

[bikerchick68]

Congrats on your pregnancy! As to what you were told... can you just ask her where to find more info on this topic and who else you could talk to about it? I know I'm one of those who gets a second opinion on anything major... and if she's a specialist I'm sure she would understand and support you wanting that too...

I hope things work out however is safest for you and your baby...:)

[Bikingmomof3]

First, congrats on seeing your baby girl. :D

Just putting in my $.02 you are halfway there, soon you will be holding your sweet little girl, I say stay off the bike. Better to be safe.

[doc]

Interesting advice. As far as loosening up goes, it is true that the body makes hormones to loosen the ligaments/joints so the darn baby can pass through. However, everybody is very different. And even as far as elasticity and return to original shape goes, there is variability. Age is a huge factor. The younger you are, the more likely you'll be the same after delivery as before pregnancy. Most women do not have a problem with joints returning to normal. It is very common for muscle and skin to remain permanently stretched.

So I doubt "permanent damage" to your pelvis but I am not a huge advocate of riding while pregnant. Whether we like to admit it or not, riding is an extremely dangerous sport. Rollers sound like a great idea.

[cosc]

I biked all through my pregnancy without any ill effects (that I know of). The last 2 months I only rode a easy 10 miles in the hot summer. Better err on the side of caution. I would get a 2nd opinion. How exciting! A new baby girl to love!

[Lenusik]

Ladies, thank you for all your support and advice. I am going to get a second opinion and also a little more information on the topic. At least riding on the trainer at home was not ruled out completely since I can have a better control of where and how I sit.

I will get a scan of the little one and post it. :)

[Bikingmomof3]

Is the worse case scenario right now that you would not be able to ride on the road for the rest of your pregnancy? If so, it does not seen so bad, since you can use the trainer and various other forms of exercise.

Take care of yourself and your little girl. :)

As a mom of 3 very premature babies, be careful. Not all pregnancies are equal. It would be nice if there was one standard for all women, unfortunately it does not work that way. I would say listen to your body, but I found that turned out poorly for me, with pregancy #2 I felt awesome and was rewarded with 5 months on hospital bedrest :(

My only other advice (from my previous post) would be to consult another OB, if you feel your current OB cannot adequately address your concerns.

I look forward to meeting your little girl via photos. Any names picked out yet?

[Irulan]

I hate to say this, but I think your coach and his wife are full of it. There is much new thinking on pregnancy and excercise specifically cycling, and that is just a new one on me. I suggest you search this forum, Mud Hunnies and the women's lounge at MBTR and possibly road bike reveiw too for many threads on cycling. There are an awful lot of women out there who both road and mountain who kept going until either balance was an issue or the knees whacking the belly was an issue. (usually around 6 or 7 months)

Of all the pregnancy/cycle stuff I've ever read, this is news. Second opinion and more research for sure!! Now, if you have a contra-indication, it's good to pay attention to that. But there is definately some wierd advice out there given to pregnant women that doesn't have much foundation. I'd ask for documentation, please.

I just read your coach is a "he". go figure.

[Lenusik]

Irulan, my coach is a he but his wife is the one who gave me an advice. She is a pro-rider and a therapist for athlete women. That's why it is hard not to pay attention. But I am definitely getting a second opinion. Thanks!

[velogirl]

Not all coaches (or their wives) are created equal. I've been coaching women for the past five years, including many who have become pregnant, and I've never heard this specific piece of advice. There's actually a long thread on my women's coaching group right now about pregnancy and no one has mentioned this either. I would definitely get a second opinion, Lenusik.

Lorri

[reenybeeny]

Hi Len,

I haven't been on this forum for a while, so missed this thread. I'm sorry to hear that you got this recommendation. Personally (after a decent amount of research), I've never heard of anything like this. On the other hand, as a lot of people have pointed out, you do want to be somewhat cautious. The reality is that you probably would have needed to stop biking due to balance issues within a month or two..so you're talking about missing out on 4-8 weeks of biking, pretty small in the scheme of things.

Today is 19 weeks for me--we're having a girl also! My activity level has gone down..I stopped running when I got pregnant because of an exhausting first trimester, and the last time I was on my bike was about 10 weeks ago. Mainly due to having less energy than anything else. I am doing fairly strenuous weights 2x a week, swimming 1x a week, a long walk on the weekend and lots of walking around NYC city streets.

At the beginning I felt guilty about my decreased activity and energy level..a friend of mine said, think of this as if you have an injury, and you need to back off for a fixed amount of time. That helped me to make peace with the change. Exercise is essential to me, but I know that my body is working on another big event now--and I will get back to the stuff I love soon enough.

Hope that helps! Keep us posted on what you find out, and your progress.

Reenybeeny

[Duck on Wheels]

2 more c from an old mom: Yes, your joints, especially pelvic joints, do loosen up more and more through pregnancy. Also yes, you can wind up with chronic hip and/or back pain. I've never heard of biking being an issue, though I don't have the knowledge to say it isn't for sure. Most of those I've heard of or known to have chronic pain post-partum have had some serious hip and back pain issues during late pregnancy as well. Some have been pretty much unable to walk, so they for sure weren't biking either. I would definitely advise leaving off biking if you notice it's hurting. But I also have some positive advice to give:

In my second pregnancy I was experiencing some of this hip pain. This was already at 4 months, so I was worried it would get worse and maybe become chronic. My doctor, like most, pooh-poohed it as a normal complication of pregnancy, nothing to do anout it. But as luck would have it, I worked in the same building as the company's health services. Our physical therapist saw me limping one day and called me in to show me some exercizes that could help. They did. These are exercizes that strengthen the "girdle" of muscles surrounding the pelvis, but without moving the pelvic bones in the process. That way your pelvic muscles take over some of the stabilization that the bones usually provide. It also helps restabilize the bones post-partum. The exercizes are isometric. Sit with your legs outstretched, strap a belt around your ankles and, with one fist between your ankles, tighten the belt to hold that distance. This keeps your hips in a neutral position, perpendicular to the axis of the pelvis when your legs are straight. Now lie back and, with your legs straight, press outward against the belt horizontally (i.e. straight out to the right and left) and vertically (pressing one foot up while holding the other down, then change feet). I don't remember whether she also had me do a diagonal press. I do think she had me roll over and do some of these presses lying on either side and on my tummy. You should probably ask a physical therapist near you whether I'm remembering all this right. My "baby" is 23 already, so this was a long time ago.

[xeney]

Bumping this to say that I am 18 weeks along and my doctors are fully supportive of my continuing to ride until I don't feel like riding anymore. I'm taking it very easy (but then I always do, I'm a lazy slug) and I was told not to ride my mountain bike after the first tri. I am either riding my road bike on the trainer (I'm a little worried about falling so I figure better safe than sorry), or my single speed mixte around town to do errands.

I have a faster single speed that's in the shop right now being built up, and it is also a mixte -- the lower top tube is just a much more comfortable way for me to ride right now. I am really hoping that I can get some riding in this spring because I know it will be very hard to do until the baby is old enough to ride in a trailer.

I'm not having any balance issues so far, probably because I haven't gained any weight. I lost 12 pounds in the first trimester due to morning sickness, and I've gained 10 of that back, every bit of it in my belly. I'm in maternity clothes but they are a couple of sizes smaller than my regular clothes! My doctor is not worried about the weight thing, though, as long as I start showing a net gain by 20 weeks.

Nobody has mentioned the pelvic issue, and I've had only mild round ligament pain, but I am riding a wider Brooks saddle these days which is probably less problematic. I do have a Butterfly on my trainer bike, but I am only doing very short rides there, and I mostly sit pretty upright.

[BeeLady]

Last time I was pregnant was 20 years ago tomorrow. I sold my horse and quit riding, which I had been doing daily, when I was about 3 months. My mid-wife didn't tell me to, but I really didn't want to in any way create a bad situation, namely a horse accident. I would feel the same about cycling; accidents happen and you have more than your own life to consider now. Although you won't believe it when you hit 8 1/2 months, pregnancy is not a terminal condition and finding a very low risk activity until D-day might be worth considering.

[snapdragen]

Anyone know how Lenusik is doing? Her baby is due this month.

[xeney]

I'm aware that pregnancy isn't a terminal condition, but it really bothers me the way everyone seems to think it is. The current research supports reasonable activity during pregnancy, my doctors think cycling is fine.

(Possible snippiness brought to you by general irritation over coworkers urging me, every single day, to accept a ride because they don't think I should be walking the ten blocks between my office and my house. I'm pregnant, I don't have a broken leg.)

[kelownagirl]

I'll never forget the look on my MIL's face when she arrived at the farm and caught me up on the roof of the barn, fixing a shingle when I was 4 months pregnant.... Oy.... :D

[chickwhorips]

Anyone know how Lenusik is doing? Her baby is due this month.

this thread also got started in case she replies over there
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=13904

[hellosunshine]

blimey!YOU ARE MAKING A LIFE,its the cleverst thing you could ever possibly do,its a fantastic gift,the bike is an awesome invention but no where near to what ou are about to achieve,for gods sake sweetie dont muck it up!id give my eye teeth to have kids,pleases please listen to the medics,and i also think you can swim,


why not really really clean your bikes now and get one of those seaty things fixed on so when you do give birth you can train with your baby and just think how strong THAT will make you!i race with women that have had kids and are back to winning races within a year.


TAKE CARE!



any baby name ideas?am sure us lot can create something for you:D :eek:

[Trek420]

any baby name ideas?am sure us lot can create something for you:D :eek:

Yes, I can see it now. We do so well with names for bikes and cars so 4 years later you take the kid to pre-school

"That's a cute imaginative name. And where did you get the name "Pedros Citrus Degreaser"?"
"My Mom did a poll on a womens cycling bulletin board" :rolleyes: ;) :cool:

But yes, cross train, clean and upgrade your bike. You'll be back on the road as a Super Mom

www.velonews.com/train/articles/3767.0.html

[mimitabby]

Yes, I can see it now. We do so well with names for bikes and cars so 4 years later you take the kid to pre-school

"That's a cute imaginative name. And where did you get the name "Pedros Citrus Degreaser"?"
"My Mom did a poll on a womens cycling bulletin board" :rolleyes: ;) :cool:

But yes, cross train, clean and upgrade your bike. You'll be back on the road as a Super Mom

www.velonews.com/train/articles/3767.0.html

You're funny Trek :D

I was thinking of names like Bianchi Waterford
or Scattante Giant ... or Veloce Raleigh

[Lenusik]

Thank you, ladies! I am still here. I was just replying on the general forum since my pregnancy news arenot really cycling related. I am on the final countdown. So far, we have a list for the names. Thanks to everybody for checking in with me!

[xeney]

To those of you who are urging the pregnant women (I assume most of you are replying to Lenusik and not to me) to "listen to the doctors" and stop cycling, I would just like to point out that in both cases, our doctors said cycling was fine. In her case it was a coach who said to stop cycling, and in my case it was ... well, you guys. Who aren't my doctor, so I'm sort of sorry I posted anything here, and I'll just listen to my doctor, thanks.

Seriously, I find this very disheartening coming from a sports-oriented board, assuming that any pregnant woman who is active must be doing stuff against her doctor's advice. Even when she's said exactly the opposite.

[snapdragen]

Here's to cycling while pregnant! A woman in jobob and mines club rode her bike up to the day she delivered! She and hubby used to host rides with names like "Bun goes to the Farmer's Market", or "Bun goes for Coffee" (as in "Bun in the oven"). Now she and hubby take turns towing the boys around in a trailer. (No, not twins, two different pregnancies, riding all the while) Listen to your doctors, ride if you can.:D

[Trek420]

You're funny Trek :D

I was thinking of names like Bianchi Waterford
or Scattante Giant ... or Veloce Raleigh

Thanks. Do we know it's a boy?

[Blueberry]

xeney-

I'm not preggers and don't plan to have kids, but wanted to give my 2 cents. I too was somewhat taken aback by some of the responses. I guess there are 2 issues: 1) is cycling an OK exercise for your body and 2) is cycling too risky.

I think 1) was the original question asked, and best addresses by your doctor/trainer. Since you've got the go ahead - go for it! 2) is an issue each person must decide. There are risks in *everything* we do. We cross streets, get in cars, ride our bikes - where the threshold for you during your pregnancy is is something only you can decide (I personally would choose to ride). We all have opinions. What I do wonder, though, is whether it's really any more dangerous in the event of an accident than having a young child in a bike trailer? Perhaps if we're not going to ride pregnant we shouldn't do that either. I'm not trying to start a debate- just to point out that we really have 2 debates going on at the same time:)

Love the bun rides, snap. That's hilarious!

[xeney]

I was thinking that too, CA, that there are two different issues, mom's health and baby's health, and most people put #2 way before #1. It's usually just mom and doctor who are thinking about both at the same time.

I actually have taken one bad fall during this pregnancy, but it wasn't on a bike, it was while I was doing laundry. The dogs had moved a throw rug that covers an extremely slippery patch of floor, and I didn't notice and I fell down very hard. Baby was fine, I was very sore for a week and had to drive everywhere, but man, not one person told me to stop doing laundry. ;)

You know what is verifiably bad for unborn babies, though? Stress hormones. Right now I'm preparing to argue a case in front of the US Supreme Court, work in general is killing me, I can't sleep, we thought we were going to lose our little dog last month, my husband is taking a full course load and can't help out much around the house, and I am still working out the logistics of my career once the baby is born. Anything I can do to reduce stress -- cycling, long walks, lifting weights -- I am seeing as a net positive for this baby's health. (Not to mention mine.)

[Grog]

Geez, I feel much safer on my bike than in a car, most of the time.

I'm with you Xeney. Do what you have to do (and it's great that your doctor concurs...). If you feel like cycling, do. The benefits of being active certainly outweight the risks. Of course, commonsense applies, and if your condition changes during pregnancy, you'll know what to do.

[Lenusik]

Ladies! This is exactly what I chose to do. I rode outside until I was 5.5 months pregnant. And since then I've been using a trainer inside and it is only because my husband is concerned about my safety. I decided not to stress him out. But I still play tennis at 37 weeks! And who said that I cannot fall on the court. My doctor and my body tell me that I am fine and I should go for it. So why not?! And if my labor starts after a tennis lesson or a spinning session at home, then so be it! I am looking forward to it.
Thanks to all of you!

[HappyAnika]

Xeney: Congratulations!!! :D :D :D I'm so happy for you! I myself hope to be embarking on the adventure of pregnancy soon.

Having discussed the issue both with my doctor and my best friend who is a doctor, the plan is to ride until I feel uncomfortable/unsafe. As far as safety issues, I will not be doing any strenous climbs or superfast descents while pregnant. I will only ride when conditions are good in areas I know and feel comfortable riding in. It will be more casual riding in efforts of maintaining fitness, not competitive riding in efforts of increasing fitness. As I said, this is the plan. I realize things may happen that might change that plan, depending on how the pregnancy progresses and how I feel.

I'm in full support of your riding while pregnant as long as your doctor agrees and you feel good about it. I totally agree with you about the laundry thing. I manage to hurt myself doing lots of things other than riding. Such is life. ;)

[LadyinWhite]

I was talking with DH about this thread and he started laughing. What was so funny? He says "You got SO big so fast, the very thought of you getting on a bike..." :rolleyes: sheesh

It's true though.. pretty hard to ride any sort of bike when you are big as a house!