Pregnancy/Delivery Recovery

[Trekhawk]

. I know that not everyone has a husband who really is an equal parent, but I was married to a real a****** before, and I swore that when I remarried, it would have to be to someone who was going to be an equal partner, or I would not have remarried. Everyone is different. But I feel good that both of my boys saw an example of an equal partnership and they see the contributions that we both made to their upbringing. Probably the best compliment that I have received was from my oldest son who told me that we were very good role models for a marriage.

Robyn - because some of us said we found it hard to exercise on a regular schedule does not mean our husbands were not equal parents/partners in raising our children. My husband is a pilot and Im afraid getting up to do feeds for me was not a possibility, one because I did Breast feed and two because flying an aircraft without enought sleep is dangerous for him and his crew never mind the people on the ground etc. Everyone finds what works for them when they have children and as we can see by this thread that may differ alot from family to family.

[Surlygirl]

I also had a very supportive husband who put in many hours walking and rocking colicky kids but I breastfed all of them and he had to go to work each day while I stayed home. I also had 3 C-sections, and walking was all I was allowed to do for about 6 weeks and it took that many to recover. You just have to find the right balance and what works for you. Enjoy your baby. They grow up really really fast.

[Kimred]

Nobody here is telling you not to exercise. We are just trying to say 2 1/2 weeks after delivery(if that if she is even on time) might be too much of a commitment. Just don't put to much pressure on yourself to "keep up with the girl nextdoor" enjoy your baby it really does go by to fast! Exercise is extremly important after giving birth mentally and physically just don't push yourself. I exercised all through my pregnancy as well but was still very surprised how out of shape I still was compared to what I used to be. Take it slow or you may also risk injuries. Your body has changed.

I am also very surprised you are still riding your bike outdoors in your last trimester.I would be fearful of falling,after all are balancing a whole new body. Just a thought.

Everybody is different. Just go with your "motherly instincts," There will always be races but your baby will only be a baby for a wee short time. Enjoy him/her , I cannot stress enough how fast it goes!

[MightyMitre]

What a great thread! I'm hoping to start a family next year and this has really enlightened me about what life will be like once baby arrives. I too want to keep exercising but I can clearly see the temptation to try and live up to the Uber-mum image, leaping on my bike and riding home from the delivery suite
From what most people have said, it sounds like it's important to give yourself permission to take it easy, at least for the first few months. I'm planning to stay healthy and active during pregnancy and after, but I guess I just don't know how I'm going to feel. At least I now know not to feel disappointed with myself if getting dressed is the biggest achievement of the day once junior has arrived!

[limewave]

My doctor said I could keep cycling as long as I feel comfortable (and, yes, she knows I mean "cycling" and not just riding my bike around the neighborhood). I've been fortunate that my tummy isn't huge . . . yet. Most people think I'm only 5 months along when they look at me. I can still sit and balance on my bike comfortably. It's much more comfortable than going for walks. My rides are much shorter now--nothing more than 25 miles. And, I don't ride my bike alone or without my cell phone. The only thing I really have to be careful of is overheating and dehydration. No cycling in 90 degree weather, I drink gatorade BEFORE I ride, and bring an extra water bottle.

For anyone else out there that's pregnant or plans on getting pregnant and wants to keep cycling, I recommend getting large or extra large mens cycling shorts. I tried folding my regular shorts down so it wasn't cutting into my stomach, but it was uncomfortable and I kept getting cramps. I finally bought some mens xlarge. I can pull them all the way up to my chest. It's a great support and I haven't had any problems since.

[Kimred]

I personally still would never ride outdoors while in my last trimester. Last year a route I have traveled on a million times a dog took me down. I was only going about 15mph and this little dog who got loose went straight at me under my wheel I had no place to go but down on the concrete HARD! It's way to unpredictable out there and not worth the risk one bit IMO.
I was cycling with 5 others the dog took out one other person all the people there could not have helped me one bit it all happens too fast. Maybe you've never crashed to know how quickly it all happens and how much it hurts!!!!!

To all other pregnant mama's thinking of cycling outdoors I would take all risks involved cars,dogs, and wonder if it's worth it????

[Irulan]

I personally still would never ride outdoors while in my last trimester. Last year a route I have traveled on a million times a dog took me down. I was only going about 15mph and this little dog who got loose went straight at me under my wheel I had no place to go but down on the concrete HARD! It's way to unpredictable out there and not worth the risk one bit IMO.
I was cycling with 5 others the dog took out one other person all the people there could not have helped me one bit it all happens too fast. Maybe you've never crashed to know how quickly it all happens and how much it hurts!!!!!

To all other pregnant mama's thinking of cycling outdoors I would take all risks involved cars,dogs, and wonder if it's worth it????

there are plenty of safer places to ride: paved cycle trails, dedicated bike paths, rail trails, forest roads, non traffic situations, easy singletrack - use your imagination. A fall will most likely hurt you worst than a fetus.

On the first round of pregnancy cycling on another board about three months ago, I found this information in an Australian medical journal

Medical experts who took part in the National Forum on Pregnancy and Sport advised that damage to the womb of the kind that could injure an unborn child is usually associated with forces equivalent to those occurring in a car accident. All medical experts agreed that falls and direct contact of the kinds that occur during contact sports were unlikely to cause damage to the womb or the unborn child. http://www.ausport.gov.au/fulltext/...pub/pisover.asp

irulan

[MightyMitre]

I personally still would never ride outdoors while in my last trimester.....
To all other pregnant mama's thinking of cycling outdoors I would take all risks involved cars,dogs, and wonder if it's worth it????

I can see where you're coming from Kimred, but if a quick bike ride stops mama-to-be going stirr crazy and getting tense isn't it worth the calculated risk?
I would have thought activities like driving would be just as dangerous, increased speed, big metal box etc?