‘I COULDN’T STOP IT’: PREGNANT GYM FAN LIFTS WEIGHTS JUST TWO DAYS BEFORE GIVING BIRTH
A pregnant fitness fanatic refused to give up her exercise regimen and lifted heavy weights just days before her baby was due.
SUPER FIT: Meghan Umphres Leatherman was still lifting weights just days before giving birth.
Meghan Umphres Leatherman was still lifting weights as part of her grueling fitness regimen, which also included gymnastics and cardio, when she was close to giving birth and already 1cm dilated.
The 33-year-old from Arizona, USA, was even lifting weights the day she went into labor, having broken records in the last few days of her pregnancy.
Meghan insists that her exercises, which also included walking her dog three miles each day and taking a four-mile hike through the mountains each week, were not a danger to her baby, and maintains that they made the pregnancy EASIER and its healthier 𝑏𝑏𝑏.
And now, after giving birth to girl 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 Florence Geräine earlier this month, she can’t wait to get back in the gym in less than a MONTH.
EASY: Meghan insists her exercise regimen made the pregnancy a breeze.
The marketing and communications consultancy revealed: “I have spoken to my doctor and she says I can go back to the gym in three weeks. I would never give up CrossFit, being fit helped me conceive in the first place and kept me healthy throughout my pregnancy.”
Meghan started lifting weights two years ago, and said she was instantly addicted to the results she was seeing on her body.
She said: “I never considered giving it up during the pregnancy.”
“It fit my personality. It is a challenge.
NEW RECORDS: The mother-of-one set new personal records during the last days of her pregnancy.
“I like trying to work with others in a community and get motivated to get stronger, fitter and better. I didn’t lose that motivation just because I was pregnant.”
Meghan even claimed that lifting weights prevented her from getting morning sickness and that being pregnant actually made her even more capable of lifting heavy weights. Three days before her due date, she set a new personal record by deadlifting 215 pounds. She was also doing a 110 pound shoulder press and a 165 pound squat, and she watched her energy and strength levels increase as her due date approached.
Despite criticism leveled at expectant mothers who continue to exercise, Meghan says her doctors were supportive of her regimen, adding: “My doctors have been incredibly supportive of what I’m doing.”
RAPID BIRTH: Florence was born after four hours of contractions.
“They were excited that she was setting personal records lifting weights and told me to stay active and hydrated.”
Baby Florence was born after four hours of contractions and Meghan said she had an “easy” delivery.
Defending her actions, she said: “A woman shouldn’t be criticized for trying to stay active and healthy. This actually helped me have an easier pregnancy and delivery. I think women should enjoy pregnancy and not use it as an excuse to be lazy.”
