Pregnant Delhi Cop Wins Bronze by Lifting 145kg — Experts Weigh In on Safety Concerns

Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav made headlines after winning a bronze medal at the All India Police Weightlifting Competition in Andhra Pradesh

All while being seven months pregnant. Her remarkable performance included a 125 kg squat, 80 kg bench press, and 145 kg deadlift, totalling 350 kg. While her feat has earned widespread admiration, it has also sparked a conversation around the safety of heavy weightlifting during pregnancy.

Doctors and fitness experts acknowledge that Sonika’s continued training with medical supervision and necessary modifications contributed to her achievement. However, they caution that lifting very heavy weights during pregnancy is generally discouraged.

Speaking to News18, Dr. Sonali Gupta, former gynaecologist at Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, said, “Pregnancy is not an illness. If a woman is medically fit, has strong muscles, and trains regularly, she can continue lifting under medical guidance. But heavy lifts like deadlifts are not usually recommended during pregnancy.”

Dr. Gupta noted that women accustomed to weight training before pregnancy can continue under strict supervision, maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. She pointed out that while weightlifting during pregnancy is rare in India, it is more common in Western countries, where even professional athletes have competed while pregnant — though always with caution.

For women with no prior experience in strength training, however, Dr. Gupta strongly advises against starting during pregnancy. Lifting even moderate weights (5–10 kg) can lead to complications such as bleeding, preterm labour, water discharge, miscarriage, or stress on the baby’s blood pressure. Sudden heavy exertion can also result in fractures or trauma to the mother.

In short, Sonika’s achievement is extraordinary but not without risks — and experts stress that it should not be seen as a model for untrained pregnant women to follow without professional and medical oversight.