Delhi Cop Lifts 145kg, Wins Bronze While 7 Months Pregnant — Is It Safe?

Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav has achieved a rare feat — winning a bronze medal at the All India Police.

Weightlifting Competition in Andhra Pradesh while being seven months pregnant. She lifted a total of 350 kg, including a 125 kg squat, 80 kg bench press, and 145 kg deadlift. Her accomplishment has drawn both praise and concern, sparking a wider debate about the safety of heavy weightlifting during pregnancy.

According to Dr. Sonali Gupta, former gynaecologist at Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida, pregnancy itself is not a medical condition that prevents physical activity. “If a woman is medically fit, has good muscle strength, and is used to training, she can lift weights under strict medical supervision,” she said. However, Dr. Gupta warned that heavy lifts such as deadlifts are generally discouraged for pregnant women due to potential risks.

Dr. Gupta added that women who have been training regularly before pregnancy can continue exercising — including moderate weight training — provided they maintain proper nutrition, adequate rest, and are monitored by healthcare professionals. In contrast, women new to weight training should avoid starting such workouts during pregnancy, as even lifting 5–10 kg could lead to serious complications such as preterm labour, bleeding, miscarriage, or injury.

While pregnant athletes in the US and Europe often continue training and even competing under expert guidance, such cases remain uncommon in India.

Doctors emphasize that Sonika’s case is exceptional, made possible by her prior experience, discipline, and medical support — but for most expectant mothers, lifting very heavy weights poses significant health risks and should be approached with extreme caution.