Disclaimer: Do what you feel most comfortable with and check with your doctor if that makes you feel better. Honestly, my first doctor told me to stop biking during my first appointment because of the risk of falling… I found a new doctor after that. My husband and I have been biking our whole lives and even raced. We feel confident in our bike abilities and safety. Every pregnancy and family is different. This is purely our story.
My Pregnancy Cycling Stories
Pregnancy is a wild ride on its own. Why not add a bike to the mix? My experience cycling through pregnancies was different every time, but one thing stayed the same: I needed to keep moving for my sanity.
Pregnancy #1: The Zwift Baby
With my first, running became uncomfortable pretty early on. The bouncing? No thanks. So, I hopped on my bike instead and rode all the way to my due date. I remember Zwifting 10 miles on my due date because why not? That child was practically pedaling in the womb. (She still loves biking, so clearly, it worked.) I dropped the seat height a little and raised the handlebars a lot. And I mean a lot. It looked ridiculous but it was comfy. My knees would hit my belly other ways and no one wants that.
Pregnancy #2: The Trailer Towing Phase
This one was the opposite. I biked a lot at the beginning, but as my belly grew, it became uncomfortable, especially since I was towing a toddler. (Which, let me tell you, is like towing a sack of potatoes that occasionally screams for snacks.) Running and walking actually became easier this time, and I switched gears (literally and figuratively).
Pregnancy #3: Hills, Toddler Carrying, and Regret
By my third pregnancy, we had moved to a hillier area. I biked until we moved, as the hills became too intense—and trust me, they weren’t the kind of hills you casually cruise up. So, I switched to hiking. Hiking while pregnant is basically an extreme sport, especially when your toddler decides they, too, would like to be carried. Picture me, 8 months pregnant, carrying my toddler on my back while my 5-year-old snapped photos of the struggle. No, that photo will stay in the archives.
Tips for Cycling While Pregnant
1. Get an eBike (Seriously, Just Do It) If it’s in the budget, get one. Borrow one. Trade your soul for one. Whatever it takes. If you’re towing a toddler while pregnant, an eBike is your best friend. I wish I had gotten one sooner, especially with my first pregnancy. I personally preferred an eMTB (electric mountain bike) for its fit, comfort, and dropper post. (If you don’t know what that is, it’s basically the magic button that lets you adjust your seat height on the fly—a lifesaver when you’re riding with a belly.)
2. Indoor Riding = Fewer Pee Breaks Indoor riding on a trainer was a game changer. No traffic, no weather, and most importantly, no public restrooms required. Oddly, I never had to take pee breaks mid-ride. Either I’m built differently, or I just didn’t drink enough water (probably the latter, don’t be like me).
3. Have a Supportive and Encouraging Husband Let’s be honest. My husband probably wished I biked longer and more often. If your partner isn’t into biking, recruit a friend, a parent, or even your toddler (they are excellent hype people).
4. Listen to Your Body (You’re Already a Queen, No Need for a KOM) There’s no need to go for that QOM (Queen of the Mountain) right now—you’re already the real queen, about to sprint into childbirth. Just ride for the joy of it. Slow down when you need to, take breaks, and embrace the fact that your belly is now a built-in wind resistance trainer.
5. Balance Changes? Meh. People warned me that my balance would change as my belly grew. Honestly? I never really noticed a difference. Maybe because the change happens gradually, or maybe because I was already so used to balancing a toddler on my hip while making dinner. Either way, I adjusted just fine. Just be mindful that your center of gravity is shifting, and take turns a little slower if you need to.
6. Getting Back on the Bike Postpartum Ah, the postpartum return to cycling. It is just like riding a bike, but also… not. Things feel different. Your body has changed. And, let’s be real, your woo-ha has definitely changed. Nobody talks about this, but I will: that first ride back? Uncomfortable. Your saddle might feel like a medieval torture device. Get a good chamois (padded shorts) and give yourself grace. You may even need a new saddle! Get a bike fit if you need to. It gets better. You just created life—your sit bones will survive.
Final Thoughts
Cycling while pregnant is totally doable, but it’s all about what feels good for you. If riding makes you happy, go for it. If it feels uncomfortable, take a break. The bike will always be there when you’re ready. And if anyone gives you side-eye for biking with a belly? Just smile, wave, and drop them on the next climb.
Did you cycle during pregnancy? What worked (or didn’t) for you? Drop your stories in the comments!
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