Egyptian Fencer Reveals She Competed in Paris Olympics While 7 Months Pregnant

I’m lucky to have shared the trust of my husband @ibrahimihab11 and that of my family to be able to come this far,

she wrote

You make of us all women so proud to show we are truly capable of ANYTHING! I am even more proud because I am Egyptian,

one wrote

And you should stop exercising and ask for advice if you have any vaginal bleeding or pain,

she stresses

There is no evidence of harm to the expectant mother or her baby,

she stresses

It may not feel uncomfortable for her to exercise in the third trimester – every woman’s journey is different,

she says, pointing out

If you feel well and comfortable, you can keep exercising right up until you give birth,

she says, pointing out

This is not the level most pregnant women should train at unless they too are athletes,

she adds

After 16 weeks of pregnancy, you should also avoid any exercise that involves lying on your back for any length of time, as this can put pressure on major blood vessels and decrease blood flow to your baby,

she says

The UK physical activity guidelines recommend pregnant women aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, including muscle-strengthening activities twice a week,

she says

Balancing between pregnancy and pursuing your passion is never easy, so you should be super proud of yourself regardless of the outcome,

one user said

I first took up swimming and gymnastics, but then I had to leave gymnastics and I joined fencing by chance,

she said in comments released by the International Fencing Federation

This specific Olympics was different,

she wrote on Instagram

Helen Gloverrower

Many men in Team GB have children, and it’s not spoken about because it doesn’t change anything. And it’s expected that their careers are longer than women’s careers,

Glover told Radio Times

My baby and I had our fair share of challenges, be it both physical and emotional. The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life and sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it,

added the fencer, who is competing in her third Olympics

What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, and my yet-to-come to our world little baby,

she wrote on Instagram