Pregnant Athletes Nada Hafez and Yaylagul Ramazanova Compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Is It Safe To Play Sports During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Should Know

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, officially branded as Paris 2024 or Paris Olympics 2024, are currently underway in the City of Love and Lights. There are over 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries competing in the multi-sport event. Playing for the Olympics requires immense determination, months, if not years, of practice, and an exceptional level of skill to be able to compete with people of varying skill and expertise levels. To be an athlete, one must be fit, both mentally and physically. The athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are making waves with their fitness levels, incredible skills, and amazing performances. However, some athletes are creating a buzz for a different reason. Athletes Nada Hafez and Yaylagul Ramazanova are in the spotlight for competing at the multi-sport event during pregnancy. Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez revealed that she is seven months pregnant as she competed at the Paris Olympics. The fencer even won her first match against the USA's Elizabeth Tartakovsky. But lost to Korea’s Jeon Hayoung. Nada was not the only pregnant athlete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Azerbaijani archer Yaylagul Ramazanova, too, is seven months pregnant. Yaylagul Ramazanova competed in the women’s individual category of archery. She even managed to defeat China’s An Qixuan but lost to Germany’s Michelle Kroppen in the pre-quarterfinals. With a number of pregnant athletes participating in the Olympics, the question arises: Is it safe to play sports during pregnancy? Paris Olympics 2024: Egyptian Fencer Nada Hafez Competes While Seven Months Pregnant, Says ‘This Time Carrying a Little Olympian’.

Is It Safe To Play Sports During Pregnancy?

According to medical experts, exercising and playing sports are safe for pregnant women. It is okay for a healthy pregnant woman to take part in sports. However, it is important to consider what kind of sports a pregnant woman can participate in. Pregnant women can take part in sports like walking, running, swimming, shooting, archery, fencing, cycling or low-impact aerobics. It is important to note that each body type is different and may react differently to various activities. Hence, it is crucial to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before undertaking any such activity during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid activities that are strenuous, which may cause them to lose their balance and fall, injuring the baby. Activities that could result in them getting hit in the stomach should be avoided at all costs. Activities and sports like horse riding, gymnastics, skating, tennis, football, rock climbing, snowboarding, water skiing, surfing and skating should be put on hold during pregnancy. After Nada Hafez, Six and A Half Months Pregnant Archer Yaylagul Ramazanova Competes at Paris Olympics 2024; Azerbaijani Athlete Beats China’s An Qixuan, Loses to Germany’s Michelle Kroppen.

During the first two trimesters of pregnancy, it is important for pregnant women to avoid heavy and high-impact sports. Stick to low-impact sports like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, prenatal yoga, low-impact aerobics and water aerobics. However, this too needs to be consulted with a doctor or a gynaecologist. During the third trimester of pregnancy, however, women can take part in sports like golf, fencing, archery and shooting since they are not strenuous and require low amounts of stamina. While participating in these sports, if at any point you feel as though you are running out of breath or straining, it is important to immediately speak to a medical supervisor.

Pregnant Egyptian Fencer Nada Hafez Competes at Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Pregnant Azerbaijani Archer, Yaylagul Ramazanova Competes at Paris 2024

It is certainly great to see that pregnancy is not stopping women from taking part in sports and representing their countries at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It is also encouraging to see the progress being made in professional women's sports, which is redefining the notion that a woman cannot be an athlete and a mother at the same time.

(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2024 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).