QuestionI am a keen cyclist and also trying to conceive. It is now the time trial season and I am wondering whether I can continue to race as normal or whether this may reduce my chances of becoming pregnant. I am in my early 30s, not underweight (BMI 22) and have very regular periods. I have been doing various competitive sports for many years although I am currently concentrating on cycling. I am planning to do 10 mile time trials, lasting 25 or so minutes. My heart rate is likely to be around 170 throughout the race. In particular, I am wondering if there is any evidence to suggest that I should not race in the 2 weeks between ovulation and finding out if I am pregnant.
AnswerGenerally, fit women can continue with their regular fitness routines without any problems with conception or miscarriage. Since you have a healthy BMI and have very regular periods, you are well adapted to high level training.
One meta-analysis study of exercise during pregnancy found a slight correlation between high impact/ high intensity/ high volume training with miscarriage in the first trimester, but this association has not been confirmed in any other research to date.
In your case, while your sport is high intensity, cycling is non-impact, and 25 minutes time trials are considered moderate volume (as opposed to runners who may run for an hour or more daily). So you don't fit into the high impact/ high intensity/ high volume group. A HR of 170 is not unusually high for female athletes. I don't see any red flags for you to be concerned about.
