08/02/2026
Let’s clear something up real quick:
Pregnant women are not made of glass.
The other day a trainer at my gym told me they would never program squats or deadlifts for a pregnant client. Never?! Like… ever??
Respectfully: that’s fear, not evidence.
Pregnant women are not fragile.
They are literally growing organs, expanding blood volume, and sustaining another human while walking around like it’s normal. And you’re scared of a goblet squat?? Be serious.
Childbirth is not gentle.
It is not quiet.
It is not passive.
It requires strength, endurance, coordination, breath control, and mental grit. So yes, some of us are going to train for it.
Strength training (yes, including squats and deadlifts) when properly coached, scaled, and cleared by a medical provider can:
• Prepare your body for labor
• Help you push more effectively
• Support your spine as your belly grows
• Reduce back and hip pain
• Improve mood, energy, and confidence
• Benefit BOTH mom and baby
And before anyone says “but it’s unsafe” the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of higher-intensity exercise, for most pregnant women.
They didn’t mean “only walking slowly and stretching.”
Let’s be clear:
This is not about ego lifting.
This is not about PRs.
This is not about ignoring red flags.
It is about trusting women’s bodies, respecting pregnancy as an athletic event, and training with intention instead of fear.
Pregnant women don’t need to be bubble wrapped.
They need education, autonomy, and coaches who understand that strong ≠ reckless.
Train the mom.
Support the baby.
Stop underestimating women. 💪🏽🔥
