A bodybuilder working out through her pregnancy has hit back at critics who say she’s putting her babies at risk.
Fitness coach Maria Gilbert, 32, is due to give birth to twins in a month but has continued to exercise well into her third trimester.
She is already a mum to three children – age four, 11 and 13 – and says during her last two pregnancies, staying active came with a whole host of benefits.
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But Maria, who lives in Wicklow, Ireland, with her kids and husband Matty, says she’s often criticised for hitting the gym.
“I know the health benefits of working out during pregnancy, so I was never going to stop unless doctor advised me not to,” she told What’s The Jam.
“A few narrow-minded people who have said I am uneducated or selfish.
“They’ve said I’m depriving my babies of nutrients and that it is not the time to get ‘ripped’.
“But my babies are thriving.
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“I appreciate their concern, but I lifted weights during my last pregnancy and my baby was 10lbs at birth and super healthy.”
Maria says gym and fitness has been her “life” for the last 11 years and although she’s judged sometimes, she gets tonnes of support too.
“People in the gym do stop and praise me on a daily basis but I don’t feel like I’m doing a lot, I never overly exert and lift so light,” she says.
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“I guess even making it to the gym full stop is a big achievement when pregnant.”
Maria was bodybuilding when she fell pregnant and has spent the last two years competing in the wellness division.
“I went from training five days per week to just two,” she said.
“I do one upper body day and one lower.
“I am still weightlifting like before, I’ve just reduced the weights significantly.
“The only exercise I can’t do anymore is hip thrusts as I find them very uncomfortable.”
Maria plans to get back to her normal routine as soon as she can.
She said: “I’m due on June 1 and will see if I have natural or section delivery.
“Hopefully I can have them naturally and I can get back to the gym sooner.
“But will definitely wait until I’m fully healed.
“Hopefully six to eight weeks will be enough time.”
To anyone looking into working out while pregnant, Maria advises checking with a doctor first.
“You can continue working out if you were doing it before pregnancy and there are no risks involved,” she says.
“It can prevent pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, as well as help to maintain good weight control and mental health.”
