Guide de l'Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sur la pratique du cyclisme pendant la grossesse et en post-partum

Translated title of the contribution: Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) cycling pregnancy and postpartum guidance

N. Heron, X. Bigard*, N. Jones

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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Abstract

Objectives
Practical information is needed on the extent to which elite and competitive female athletes can continue to train and compete safely during pregnancy, without risk for themselves or their child, as well as advice for the postpartum period, including breast-feeding. Such information is also needed to recommend cycling for non-athlete women who wish to exercise. For this reason, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has produced this guide to provide information for all those who participate in recreational cycling activities and UCI sanctioned competitions during pregnancy.

Methods
This policy has been developed utilising the AGREE II instrument and has had input from elite female cyclists, including those who have came back to compete following pregnancy.

Results
Supported by clinical evidence, the UCI encourages women to continue cycling throughout their pregnancy. Although cycling exercise is generally safe during pregnancy, some general principles are required for women, especially when cycling in the heat. No competitive cycling events included in the UCI calendar are possible beyond the 1st trimester of pregnancy, mainly to prevent the risk of trauma to the uterus and foetus in the event of an accident. However, the UCI encourages pregnant women to participate in recreational/leisure cycling as a form of physical activity throughout their pregnancy; but the ability to participate in organised recreational activities is only possible up to the end of the 1st trimester. Exercise, and especially cycling exercise, should be viewed as an important component to improve women's psychological health and common complaints during the postpartum period. Breast-feeding is highly recommended when women return to exercise and there is no impact of exercise on the quantity and quality of breast-milk.

Conclusions
There are no significant disadvantages with regard to foetal and/or maternal conditions with high-intensity training programmes when they are subjectively tolerated and carefully monitored, at least during the first trimester of pregnancy. For the global population, exercises at moderate-intensity during pregnancy have many positive effects for both the mothers and their unborn children. That is why it is highly recommended that pregnant women begin or continue biking at moderate-intensity at least 150 minutes a week with at least 3 sessions of a duration longer than 30 minutes each.

Translated title of the contributionUnion Cycliste Internationale (UCI) cycling pregnancy and postpartum guidance
Original languageFrench
Pages (from-to)676-682
Number of pages7
JournalScience and Sports
Volume38
Issue number7
Early online date20 Sept 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • Bicycling
  • Cycling
  • Exercise
  • Health
  • Heat
  • Lactation
  • Recreational activity
  • Sports participation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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