16 August 2023 , 22:15
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A heavily pregnant firefighter put herself through a punishing pregnancy workout mere hours before giving birth.
Captain Gabriela Andrade, 34, did not allow her pregnancy to interfere with her rigorous exercise routine and has divided opinion by showing the world that pregnancy does not equate to slowing down.
On June 12, Gabriela, 34, from Espirito Santo Fire Department, took to her Instagram account to share her intensive workout routine. Just a few hours after completing her workout, Andrade went into labour.
Gabriela's post read: "In the video I was 40 weeks pregnant and in that absurd anxiety" - and it has garnered more than nine million views.
In the video, Gabriela, who was 40 weeks pregnant at the time of the video, goes through a series of fast-paced leg squats, fast-paced pull-ups on the pull-up bar. She even did sets of push-ups, despite her pregnant stomach touching the ground.
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Many were wondering whether such exercises are safe for Gabriela and her baby, but she says her exercise routine was approved by her doctor. Doctors recommend that pregnant women get at least two hours of moderate-intense aerobic exercise each week. Of course, Gabriela surpassed these expectations.
Gabriela was doing an intense training while being pregnantJust one day after posting her workout on Instagram, Gabriela also shared the birth of her new baby boy, Matheus, on her Instagram account. Gabriela, who has more than 130,000 followers, said that Matheus arrived “exactly as planned: at the time he wanted and without any intervention.”
The post has received over 55,000 likes and more than 2,000 comments, especially from women, Gabriela's diligence.
"[You're] an inspiration to all of us. You were amazing !! don't listen to so many people...A true warrior," one commenter wrote.
Another commenter added: "Congratulations girl. In my pregnancy, I intend to continue with my training."
Gabriela shows her exercise routine during pregnancy
She is not slowing down for anyoneHowever, not everyone agreed with Gabriela's intense workout.
"The abs with all that impact, sorry I thought it was ridiculous, unnecessary...be very careful young lady," a commenter replied.
"Unnecessary, dangerous," came another reply.
A third chimed in: "I exercised with good intensity the whole pregnancy, but that's crazy, it's not healthy."
Andrade's workouts were approved by her doctors.
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“I felt happy and honoured to see that I could motivate many women to practice physical activity, take care of their bodies, their self-esteem, their health,” Andrade said, only commenting on the positive comments.
Matheus, who was born with no complications, is Andrade’s second child with her husband Heitor, a fire department manager.
"There would be no reason to stop during pregnancy since I was accompanied and guided by several health professionals who encouraged me at all times and led me very well on this journey," Andrade said. "This does not mean that anyone can do it, but that my body was prepared for that intensity. This does not mean that anyone can do it, but that my body was prepared for that intensity."
Some expectant mothers believe that such exercises as CrossFit, a combination of weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises, are too intense, Andrade said that she also did a lot of swimming, and footvolley, which combines elements of football and volleyball.