11 months ago
Pregnant women embracing exercise despite societal concerns
Some women who are going to have babies are choosing to exercise a lot, even doing tough workouts like lifting heavy weights or running long races.
In some places like India, many people think this is not safe and that pregnant women should only do easy things like walking.
Doctors often agree and tell women to be careful.
But in other places and according to some doctors, exercising while pregnant is actually good for the mom and the baby.
It can help the mom feel better, not gain too much weight, and recover faster after the baby is born.
It can also make the baby healthier.
However, it's important for women who didn't exercise much before getting pregnant to start slowly and listen to their doctors.
If a woman was already active, she can often continue exercising, but she needs to be mindful of her changing body and drink lots of water.
Pregnant women are increasingly engaging in strenuous exercises, challenging traditional norms.
Societal reactions in India often range from shock to advice to 'take it easy' during pregnancy.
Medical advice in India commonly suggests light exercises like walking and yoga for pregnant women.
Scientific evidence supports exercise during pregnancy for numerous physical and mental health benefits.
Starting strenuous exercise during pregnancy is not recommended for those not accustomed to it.
- Who
- Pregnant women, including athletes and professionals, and medical professionals.
- What
- Discussion and debate surrounding the practice and benefits of exercising during pregnancy, challenging societal norms and misconceptions.
- Where
- India (Delhi, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh) and England (Southampton, Brighton).
- When
- The article discusses recent events and ongoing practices, with specific mention of October 2025-26 and 2018.
- Why
- To highlight the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, counter societal skepticism, and provide evidence-based recommendations.
Arguments For Exercising During Pregnancy
Arguments Against/Concerns About Exercising During Pregnancy
Societal Perception vs. Medical Advice
Arguments For Exercising During Pregnancy
Examples of women like Sonika Yadav and Vineeta Singh, alongside expert Gemma May, demonstrate the benefits and feasibility of intense exercise during pregnancy, challenging traditional views.
Arguments Against/Concerns About Exercising During Pregnancy
Many doctors in India advise against strenuous workouts like strength training and running, preferring light exercises like walking and yoga due to lack of precedent and a desire to err on the side of caution.
Benefits vs. Risks
Arguments For Exercising During Pregnancy
Scientific evidence and organizations like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology support aerobic and strength conditioning, highlighting benefits such as reduced risk of gestational diabetes, improved mood, and quicker postpartum recovery.
Arguments Against/Concerns About Exercising During Pregnancy
Concerns exist, even in the West, that exercising during pregnancy may be uncomfortable for the baby, put it at risk, or affect its growth.
Starting Exercise During Pregnancy
Arguments For Exercising During Pregnancy
Women who were active before pregnancy can continue with modified routines, focusing on balance and hydration as advised by medical professionals.
Arguments Against/Concerns About Exercising During Pregnancy
Individuals who did little exercise before pregnancy are warned against starting strenuous routines after conception due to their bodies not being accustomed to such physical demands.
Key facts
- Sonika Yadav's Achievement
- Won bronze medal at All India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025-26 at 7 months pregnant, squatting 125kg, bench-pressing 80kg, and deadlifting 145kg.
- Vineeta Singh's Achievement
- Ran a half marathon at Tata Mumbai Marathon in 2018, six months into her pregnancy.
- Gemma May's Practice
- Personal trainer who worked out five days a week until her 35th week of pregnancy, performing deadlifts, shoulder press, and bicep curls at modified weights.
- American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Recommendation
- Advises women with uncomplicated pregnancies to engage in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Potential Risks
- Belief that exercising may be uncomfortable for the baby, put it at risk, or affect its growth.
- Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy
- Muscle toning, reduced gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain, increased energy and improved mood, better mental health, quicker postpartum recovery, reduced pregnancy pains, and endorphin release.
Quotes
Pallavi Barman
a 43-year-old mother of two who worked out through both her pregnancies
“She clearly listed her concerns to me and gave me specific advise on what to do while doing certain workouts. On lifting weights, she asked me to make sure that I never hit my baby bump. The body’s centre of gravity changes all through one’s pregnancy, so she asked me to especially focus on my balance. When it came to running, she asked me to hydrate well and drink plenty of fluids as the body requires a lot more water during this phase of life.”
livemint.com
“This is not surprising as there is very little precedent in India of women exercising through a pregnancy. Most doctors err on the side of caution and advise pregnant women to avoid gym and running. They usually suggest walking and pre-natal yoga as the best exercise for pregnant women.”
livemint.com
Katie Preston
a 30-year-old corporate trainer in Southampton, England
“Many still believe exercising during pregnancy is not comfortable for the baby in the womb, may put it at risk and affect its growth.”
livemint.com
Gemma May
a personal trainer in Brighton, England, who specialises in pre- and post-natal fitness
“She used to perform deadlifts, shoulder press and bicep curls at weights lower than she used to hit pre-pregnancy.”
livemint.com
Dr. Uma Vaidyanathan
senior consultant (obstetrics and gynaecology), Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh in New Delhi
“While working out during pregnancy is good and comes with plenty of benefits, those who have done little exercise pre-pregnancy, shouldn’t start after finding out that they are bearing a child because their bodies are not used to the strains of physical exercise.”
livemint.com
Sources
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