Staying active during pregnancy is one of the best things a mummy-to-be can do for her own wellbeing, the health of her baby and to make sure she's in the best shape for labour.
“I was never sick at all. There were times I just need to go in and lift when hormones are running a little stronger than I’m used to"
But this mum took things to a whole new level…
Meghan Leatherman, 33, has revealed that she point-blank refused to pause her intense exercise schedule while she was pregnant, continuing to walk her dog three miles every day, visiting the gym four times a week, lifting 215lb weights and hiking four miles in the mountains once a week.
A devotee of a hardcore fitness regime, CrossFit, which holds a heavy emphasis on weight lifting and intensive interval training, Meghan explained that she never intended to scale back her exercise regime when she found out she was pregnant.
Speaking with Barcroft Media, she explained: “I would never give up CrossFit – being fit helped me to conceive in the first place and it kept me healthy throughout my pregnancy."
She added: “I didn’t lose motivation just because I was pregnant."
“I was never sick at all. There were times I just need to go in and lift when hormones are running a little stronger than I’m used to.
“To go in and be extra physical kept me focused and thankful and gave me a feeling of empowerment.
“I never considered giving up. I had family give me a hard time early on but I just said my doctor’s said it’s ok. It made me feel good so why stop?”
Meghan gave birth to a healthy daughter, who she and husband Chad named Florence, weighing in at 6lb 11oz.
Her birth took just four hours, something else Meghan believes is down to the weightlifting.
“A woman shouldn’t be criticised for trying to stay active and healthy. This actually helped me have an easier pregnancy and delivery.
“I think women should embrace pregnancy and not use it as an excuse to get lazy.”
**Do you agree with what Meghan has to say? Let us know via the Comments Box below now. **