tips for pregnant cycling?

I'm in my 24th week of pregnancy (first baby) and have been getting horrible round ligament pains when i ride even a little bit fast--they feel like abdomonal muscle cramps. I've already traded my road bike for a more upright and slow comfort bike, but I'm still in a bit of pain. Midwife says the pains are normal (I get them when I walk really fast, too), but they make riding very uncomfortable. I get pretty darn cranky when I haven't ridden in a while. Any tips from other biking mommas out there?

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Permalink Reply by Danielle on January 22, 2009 at 9:19am
p.s. congrats!

Clare said:
Hi gang--I'm happy to report that I rode my pregnant ass to work today for the first time in several weeks, and it was fantastic. I wore the belly bra/girdle thing, did some deep breathing, and had almost no pains. As a bonus, when I ride just a bit slower than usual, I actually hit all green lights down milwaukee. Thanks again everyone for all the advice and support!
Permalink Reply by Matt AKA Jimbo/BMXican on February 11, 2009 at 6:55pm
I would just stay off the half pipe
Permalink Reply by RodimusPrime on February 12, 2009 at 5:36am
especially from other mothers who have done it.

h3 said:
Clare said:
Hi everyone, thanks so much for the advice and well-wishes. If anyone's wondering, I talked to another midwife today and she suggested a maternity support belt for biking and other exercise. Kind of like a girdle for your pregnant belly that may help keep the uterine muscles from freaking out too much when riding. Should be available at Babies R Us or a local maternity store (like Be Bye Baby in lakeview). Midwife also suggested a wider bike seat for my quickly-spreading ass and hips. She was very encouraging of me staying on the bike!

A bicycle seat primarily gives support to your bony prominences (sorry, that's what they're called).
To support the described "spreading" you'd need a seat that's like 2 feet wide . . . nonsensical advice.
Also, aren't you a little concerned about harming the baby with extra pressure on the womb via the support belt? I think the folks here who've been through it may know a little more on this topic than the midwife.
Permalink Reply by Jennifer Mach on February 12, 2009 at 8:20am
Clare said:
Hi gang--I'm happy to report that I rode my pregnant ass to work today for the first time in several weeks, and it was fantastic. I wore the belly bra/girdle thing, did some deep breathing, and had almost no pains. As a bonus, when I ride just a bit slower than usual, I actually hit all green lights down milwaukee. Thanks again everyone for all the advice and support!

Hi Clare! Congratulations on the pregnancy and best wishes for continued biking! I rode up until about week 32, when I became concerned about balance issues, being so top-heavy when on the bike. Do what is best for you-- your body will tell you when to quit. I switched from drop bars to mustache bars and never switched back. Best wishes and come join us in the Cycling Families group in a few months!

Cheers, Jen
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on September 13, 2011 at 7:33am

Article from Copenhagenize - Cycling with Contractions to the Hospital

 

(shared from cyclesisters listserve)

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