Yahoo LifestylePregnant Weightlifter Still Lifting On The Day She Gives Birth
Crossfit fan and heavy weight-lifting mum-to-be Meghan Umphres Leatherman was still in the gym days before giving birth
Staying active during pregnancy is the best thing mums-to-be can do for their own wellbeing, the health of the baby and to make sure they're in the best shape for labour. But one mum has taken things to a whole new level.
Weightlifter and Crossfit obsessive Meghan Umphres Leatherman was still in the gym lifting whopping 215lb weights on the day she went into labour - and was even breaking records in the days leading up to giving birth.
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Fitness fanatic Meghan, 33, admitted that she never planned to scale back her hardcore exercise regime just because she was pregnant.
“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 explains.
Meghan's not your average gym-fan. She's run eight half marathons in the last four years and contined to hit the gym four times a week during pregnancy. Plus, as well as gym sessions, she continued to take her dog on the three-mile walk every day too.
“I didn’t lose motivation just because I was pregnant," she added, saying that keeping to her regime kept her feeling on top of things.
“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,” she explained.
“I think women should embrace pregnancy and not use it as an excuse to get lazy.”
And naturally she plans to be back in the gym just three weeks after giving birth (with her doctor's blessing of course).
Our excuse for not heading to the gym is looking a bit pathetic now, if we're honest.
