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In 2020, a video of Makenna Myler running a 5:25 mile at nine months pregnant went viral on TikTok, garnering over 6 million views and sparking a heated debate about exercise during pregnancy. ESPN initially shared the video on Instagram but later removed it due to its controversial nature. Myler, an amateur runner at the time, reflected on the prevailing fears surrounding pregnancy and physical exertion.
Drawing inspiration from pioneering mothers such as Gwen Jorgensen and Paula Radcliffe, Myler continued her rigorous training despite limited guidance. Her determination paid off when she finished seventh in the women’s Olympic trials marathon in February 2020, just ten months after giving birth to her second child.
Myler is part of a growing cohort of athletes who are challenging traditional norms by competing at elite levels while managing motherhood. During the track and field qualifiers in June 2020, Elle Purrier St. Pierre, who had given birth to a son earlier that year, secured spots in both the 5,000-meter and 1,500-meter runs for Team USA. Similarly, Marisa Howard, another new mother, qualified for the Paris Olympics in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a personal best time of 9:07.14.
These women exemplify the benefits of exercising during pregnancy, demonstrating enhanced strength and speed postpartum. Howard, acknowledging the contributions of trailblazers like Alysia Montaño, Allyson Felix, and Kara Goucher, noted the shift in perception over the past decade. “Ten years ago, it was uncommon to have a baby in the middle of your career. Now it’s being celebrated and championed,” she said.
Medical professionals now recognize the numerous benefits of exercise during pregnancy, which include improved heart health, muscle strength, and reduced risks of complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Dr. Alexandra E. Monaco, an OB/GYN and clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida, emphasized that exercise is generally safe during pregnancy and offers significant health advantages for both mother and fetus.
Despite these benefits, guidelines around exercise during and after pregnancy remain unclear. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly during pregnancy. However, determining the upper limits of safe exertion remains a challenge.
Historically, fear and a lack of robust research have led to overly cautious recommendations. In the early 1900s, maternal bedrest was the norm, and it wasn’t until 1985 that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published exercise guidelines for pregnant women. Initial guidelines, such as limiting heart rates to 140 beats per minute, have since been deemed outdated.
Olympian Alysia Montaño, known for competing while visibly pregnant, believes that increased visibility of pregnant athletes can help dispel myths and fears about exercise during pregnancy. “Your body is your body. You know what you can and can’t do,” Montaño said, advocating for a personalized approach to pregnancy and exercise.
Athletes like Rachel Smith and Marisa Howard tailored their training to accommodate their changing bodies, balancing intensity with rest and alternative exercises. Myler’s experience underscores the importance of listening to one’s body and being flexible with training goals during pregnancy.
These stories highlight the need for further research focused on women’s health and exercise during pregnancy. Dr. Miho Tanaka, director of the Mass General Brigham Women’s Sports Medicine Program, stressed the importance of expanding research to include diverse data sets and address clinical gaps.
The increasing presence of women’s sports medicine programs and collaborative efforts among experts are paving the way for more comprehensive research. Emerging studies suggest that intense exercise during pregnancy can be safe, provided that athletes listen to their bodies and adjust their routines as needed.
For aspiring athlete-moms and pregnant women in general, understanding one’s body and embracing a flexible approach to exercise are crucial. Elite athletes and medical professionals alike recommend consulting healthcare providers, finding enjoyable forms of exercise, and focusing on pelvic floor health. Embracing a holistic approach to health, including adequate nutrition, hydration, mental well-being, and sleep, is also essential.
As more athletes successfully balance motherhood and elite competition, the narrative around exercise and pregnancy is changing. With increased support, education, and research, pregnant women can confidently pursue their fitness goals, benefiting both their health and that of their babies.
