pregnancy and max hr

[hsmpcycle]

Hey Vigg,

I am currently 37 weeks pregnant and have been riding my bicycle throughout my pregnancy. I ran into the same problem you did with the doctor suggesting that I stay within 140 bpm. Like you, I questioned this and looked for alternative answers.

I did intensive research at the library and found a book about professional athletes excercising while pregnant (I currently don't remember the name of the book). In this book the doctor/author said that many doctors out there have never really taken the time to study pregnant women and exercise. Because there is so much lack of information and research, doctors play it easy/safe by suggesting 140. This doctor/author did the research and found that if a woman is active before preganancy, she can continue this type of activity while pregnant, but not as intense. He concluded that the average heart rate for an active pregnant woman should be 145-160 for 30 - 50 min. Since a vast majority of women don't workout or are just starting to exercise while pregnant, their heart rate should be maintained betweeen 130-140.

He also concluded that though babies that were born to active mothers were slightly smaller, they were stronger (less likely to get sick, etc.) and more intelligent than babies of mothers that did minimal or no exercise (this is not why I chose to continue riding, but it is another great benefit). The other important factor is that you MUST eat at least 500 calories more than the average pregnant diet and drink a lot of water.

After finding this out, I presented my doctor with the information that I found, and we both concluded that I must start my rides off at a slow and steady pace for 10 min. keeping my heart rate at 135, then slowing increasing it every 10 min. By the time I get to 50 min., I average about 150-160. I did this till my 3rd trimester, and then my doctor told me I MUST put the bike on a stationary unit, because of the risk of falling. I found the stationary part HORRIBLE at this time, because I have been feeling more pressure in my pelvic region and it has been very painful. I currently walk, but maybe twice a week I will sneak in a 30 min. ride.

Another bonus, I don't have a problem with water retention, backaches are non-existent, and I have kept my weight gain under control.

I hope this helps.