If you want to ride a motorcycle while you’re pregnant, either for the thrill or because it’s included in your daily commute, you may be wondering if it’s something you can do while you’re pregnant.
Aside from the inherent dangers of riding a motorcycle, we’ll look to see if there are any other reasons why it wouldn’t be a good idea to ride a motorcycle at this time in your life.
We’ll also consider the point of view of those that are avid riders, as well as doctors who are avid riders that give advice on the topic. This is important because there will be a split here between people that ride all the time, and those that are just being offered a ride, but never really get on the back of a motorcycle as a regular occurrence.
Can I Ride a Motorcycle While Pregnant? Answer: No.
We’re saying no, mostly because of the dangers involved in riding a motorcycle for anyone, not just a pregnant woman. Yes, it’s cliche but motorcycles are proven to be more dangerous than being in a car or truck. The number of accidents is greater because drivers of cars don’t see drivers of motorcycles and tend to cut them off more often than other vehicles. This is why we say don’t ride a motorcycle if you’re expecting.
There’s also the fact that even if you are wearing the proper protective clothing and a helmet, there’s nothing protecting you from being thrown from the bike, or flying into something like the car or the middle of the road. It doesn’t take much to jeopardize your pregnancy, and something of this nature almost guarantees that you’d lose your baby, and potentially your own life as well.
Yes, we know that hundreds of die hard bikers are going to disagree, and we understand that the driver does make a difference and an experienced rider will be able to drive more defensively than an inexperienced one. But the point is that even if you are following all of the rules, and obeying all of the traffic signs, and doing everything in your power to have a safe ride, you could still end up having a major accident. It happens all the time.
Shaking and Bumps When You Ride A Motorcycle
Some people also make the claim that because of the rumbling of the bike and the bumps you hit in the road that your baby is getting shaken around too much and that’s not good for them. So even if you don’t get into an accident, just being on the bike is not good. While we understand what they’re saying, this seems a little overprotective. However, if you have a high risk pregnancy you should avoid the situation altogether.
A Needless Risk
It’s amazing that you see some moms to be struggling with the choice between riding their motorcycle and keeping their baby safe. You’d think it would be an easy choice, since their only thought should be the welfare of their unborn child. However, the rush of adrenaline and the wind in their face, and all the other intoxicating effects of a motorcycle ride are just too much to handle.
You have to keep telling yourself that you’ll be able to ride again someday, and be strong enough to let the bike sit for a while. It will still be there once your baby is born, although that will have to be another dilemma for you, whether or not you want to risk your life now that someone is dependent on having you around. It might just have to wait a while longer, and you’ll just have to come to terms that your riding days are over for a long time.
If You’re Going to Do It Anyway
Some bikers are not going to sit well with the idea of giving up riding just because they’re pregnant, so we have to address how they should ride if they choose to do so. Try to make the rides as short as possible, try to stay off the main roads and just cruise around where there isn’t too much traffic and possibility for an accident. Drive the speed limit, and try to avoid bumps and potholes.
