Very sad - I was told not to ride

[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...

[Bikingmomof3]

First, congrats on seeing your baby girl.

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.

[snapdragen]

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

[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.

[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

[Trek420]

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

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"

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

[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!