I must apologise that this is my inaugural post for 2011. Uni work was nuts at the end of last year, and BoyWonder and I travelled home to Australia for a holiday in November (future blog posts on that later). Before then, I was cycling to work three or four times a week. Off on holiday we went - where we walked, swam and snorkelled in the sunshine. And then returned to freezing temperatures back in London, only for it to snow a couple of days later. It was a bit of a shock to say the least, but not more than the surprise I got the following week... at the hospital... when I found out I was 7-weeks pregnant. It was good news - I was expecting the doctor to tell me something was wrong, but it was a surprise, albeit a pleasant - nay - a big, exciting and joyous one!
So, I will catch up over the next few weeks on the load of foodie and travel blogposts I have planned, but for now, back to the cycling...
Obviously I wasn't going to cycle to work in the ice and snow - I wouldn't have done this without being pregnant, it just been too dangerous. But seeing as I am pregnant, the risk of falling/sliding/stacking was just too great. And while the weather is hardly balmy yet (!), it is getting less cold, and the ice and snow is gone. I've passed the 12-week mark, the doc has said I can exercise, I've kept up with my yoga and pilates... so I was contemplating getting back into my cycle-to-work (somewhat encouraged by the general crapness and unpleasantness of my public transport commute...).
But a couple of the pregnancy sites and books have said it isn't a good idea incase I fall off (but it's OK to cycle on an exercise bike... dullsville). But one book has said it is good - keeps the hips moving and my growing weight will be supported. My boss - who was lovely and very excited when I told him my news - freaked today when I told him I was going to start cycling again. Now, I must point out that I have never fallen off my bike before.
I miss my bike, I miss the general well-being and relaxation I feel when I've cycled.
With such mixed responses so far, I am be keen to find out if there are any other Mum's out there who continued to cycle - or anyone else who has any thoughts?
Cheers, KangaRue
Cycling to work is a big NO! NO! as far as we are concerned. However, lie on the bed, stick your feet up in the air and do 'air' cycling. You never know, he/she might pop a head up and say "Hello Mummy".
ReplyDeleteMum and Dad XXXX
I was still cycling (recreationally away from busy streets) when I was 9 months pregnant. You asked on twitter what my best 3 purchases were. Have to say they were a baby swing, nothing fancy, no music, no vibrating, an inflatable ring when they get to point of being able to sit up, and our door bouncer! I have all of these in my loft and you are welcome to them.
ReplyDeleteThis post by a friend of mine in Melbourne may help you - she cycled all the way through her pregnancy: http://tothotornot.com/2010/08/hot-or-not-cycling-during-pregnancy/
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
My first pregnancy, age 36, I cycled each day - a round trip along the Pacific Highway and home again for about 5kms is all. Nobody told me it was not a good thing to do - I just did it to keep fit, and because I could manage it before work.
ReplyDeleteTo me, most of parenting is about trying to find a balance between what your head and your heart tell you. Happy balancing!