Mother-to-be sparks FURIOUS debate after filming herself doing intense WEIGHT LIFTING routines while 37-weeks pregnant – as critics accuse her of causing ‘harm’ to her baby

• Lily Stevenson, from Utah, has been sharing clips of her intense workout regime
• The 23-year-old has been proudly showcasing her huge baby bump in the gym
• The muscular mom has been squatting weights of 125kg and deadlifting 155kg 

A pregnant mom has stunned the internet by showing off her grueling gym routine – just weeks before she is due to give birth.

Lily Stevenson, from South Jordan, Utah, has been sharing clips of her intense workout regime which proudly showcase her huge baby bump.

The 23-year-old, who is 37-weeks pregnant with her second child, said: ‘The biggest misconception about weight lifting while pregnant is that you can’t.’

The muscular mom’s personal bests in the gym since being pregnant are squatting 125kg and deadlifting 155kg.

Lily Stevenson, from South Jordan, Utah, has been sharing clips of her intense workout regime which proudly showcase her huge baby bump

The 23-year-old (pictured alongside partner Nathan), who is expecting her second child, said: ‘The biggest misconception about weight lifting while pregnant is that you can’t’

When Lily had her first child, she began focusing on her fitness, with the gym being a huge part of her life, stating that after going once with a friend she was hooked on working out.

During her second pregnancy, Lily decided to go and see her doctor to discuss the possible impacts working out may have whilst pregnant.

She explained: ‘I did speak to my doctor at the time and I continued to talk to her about it and to see what she’s comfortable with.

‘I get pretty anemic when I’m pregnant – she was just a little worried about my energy levels and told me to make sure I was conserving my energy for growing a baby.

‘Getting into the third trimester of this pregnancy my doctor did tell me to really make sure I take it easy.’

For large parts of the pregnancy Lily would be going to the gym five days a week, doing various workouts such as squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.

As she approaches the latter stages of the journey, she has cut back her routine to just four sessions a week.

Lily explained: ‘It’s very empowering to carry a baby and lift weights at the same time.

The muscular mom’s personal bests in the gym since being pregnant are squatting 125kg and deadlifting 155kg

As she approaches the latter stages of the pregnancy journey, she has cut back her routine to just four sessions a week

‘I get a lot of people at the gym saying, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you’re here working out while pregnant.” It’s something that I enjoy and that I love.’

Despite sharing her videos online to help inspire other moms to go and hit the gym, Lily has received her fair share of hate, which has left her in floods of tears.

While showcasing her journey, viewers have constantly questioned her baby’s safety, making comments such as: ‘I don’t mean to sound rude, but is this even allowed when you’re pregnant?

Another wrote: ‘It doesn’t seem worth the risk at all.

And someone else asked: ‘Is this safe?’

Lily explained: ‘I get a lot of haters in my comment saying that I shouldn’t be working out while pregnant and shouldn’t be doing this and shouldn’t be doing that, and it’s going to harm the baby.

‘I’ve heard all kinds of crazy things – I got a few comments about I was doing shoulder press with some waves and they were saying that I could potentially rip the umbilical cord by doing that.

‘In person, I’ve never really had anyone say anything, but I’ve definitely had some crazy looks at the gym.

‘You can definitely tell what people are thinking when they see a huge pregnant lady working out and they give a nasty look.

Despite sharing her videos online to help inspire other moms to go and hit the gym, Lily has received her fair share of hate, which has left her in floods of tears

Lily explained: ‘It’s very empowering to carry a baby and lift weights at the same time

‘My final words for the haters: stay in your own lane.

‘If you have questions, go talk to your own doctor about them. I feel super powerful.

‘Carrying a baby and lifting weights at the same time — it’s very empowering.’

Doctor Lawrence Cunningham, from the UK Care Guide, said: ‘In my experience, some women can safely engage in more strenuous activities than others during pregnancy.

‘Depending on their pre-pregnancy fitness levels, their current health, and the specifics of their pregnancy.

‘When I’ve encountered this scenario in practice, I always emphasize the importance of individual assessment.

‘If a doctor has cleared a woman for heavy lifting at 37 weeks pregnant, it suggests that her pregnancy is proceeding without complications and that she is in good physical condition.

‘However, I would advise that even with medical clearance, the woman should listen to her body and be vigilant for any signs of strain or discomfort.

‘It’s really important to avoid any risks that could lead to injury for both the mother and the baby.

‘Heavy lifting at that late stage is not something I would typically recommend, unless the woman was an experienced lifter.’

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