Weight watcher: Lea-Ann’s extreme workouts provoked and outcry when she posted pictures of her efforts online (Picture: Nick Stern/Wenn.com)

Keeping fit during pregnancy is usually limited to a bracing walk or maybe a gentle swim.

So when keen bodybuilder Lea-Ann Ellison – just two weeks away from giving birth – posted pictures of her pumping iron, it caused an outcry.

The 35-year-old said: ‘After the birth of my second child, I knew I needed to step it up big time.

‘I loved being a Mom but I wanted to be a HOT Mom.’


In shape: Lea-Ann takes a breather from the strenuous weightlifting (Picture: Nick Stern/Wenn.com)

However, the Los Angeles native’s quest has not gone down well with everyone. Since putting photographs on the Facebook page of fitness company CrossFit she has created something of a social media storm.



Some were quick to criticise eight-and-a-half months pregnant Mrs Ellison. Ava Szlamas wrote: ‘This woman is a disgrace. Pregnancy is a time to take care of your body and be gentle, not test it to the limits.’

While Megan Smith wrote: ‘Stupid female…’

Controversy: The pictures caused a stir online (Picture: Nick Stern/Wenn.com)

But many stepped in to defend her. Charles Bailey said: ‘I think we should all be more concerned about a mom who eats McDonald’s every day of her pregnancy.’

A stunned Mrs Ellison responded: ‘I had no idea what a stir this would create… It makes me feel proud and loved and STRONGER!!!!’

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said recreational exercise can be beneficial during pregnancy.

Weightlifting is not listed as a sport to avoid, but it recommends pregnant women desist from contact sports, scuba diving, and take care not to lose balance.