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?

[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!

[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...

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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!