in second gear

[IQU3838]

Hi,

I don't understand the underlined part of the following paragraph, could anyone help me out? Thank you very much.

When I got pregnant, people started veering away when they saw me wobble their way on that bike, my balance affected by the addition in my middle front, their faces betraying fears I might give birth in second gear.

Does it mean "in a second"?

[JTRiff]

not teacher

Nope. Bicycles have gears- 1st,2nd, third...up to tenth gear.
She's riding her bike in 2nd gear and wobbling. It's not a particularly clear bit of writing, however.