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For pregnant women, eating and maintaining a healthy weight are very important. Since women are eating for two during this time, it could be hard to prevent excessive weight gain. Several studies have examined the relationship between exercise and weight for pregnant women. Many of these studies have found that a lot of pregnant women do not get enough exercise. However, for one California pregnant woman, too much exercise might be her issue.

Lea-Anne Ellison, 35-years-old, recently sparked an online outcry after she posted herself weightlifting on Facebook. Along with the photo, the caption read, according to the New York Daily News, "8 months pregnant with baby number 3 and CrossFit has been my sanity. I have been CrossFitting for 2 1/2 years and...strongly believe that pregnancy is not an illness, but a time to relish in your body's capabilities to kick ass." Despite being physically fit and healthy, Ellison is around two weeks near her due date, causing some of the audience to react quite negatively to her decision to weight lift.  

That photograph that was posted showed Ellison holding a very heavy barbell over her head. Since the photograph was posted, Ellison has received a slew of angry critics. Some of the comments read:

"This is actually sickening, I hope pregnancy around the world do not do this kind of crap. I am a crossfit enthusiast but I DO NOT recommend this at all. [The picture gives] people the wrong message that this is OKAY when it's not."

"If anything happens to your baby due to your stupidity, I hope you'll be about to handle your guilt. Pregnancy is NOT the time to be taking stupid risks."

"Why would you risk hurting your baby just to stay in shape? This is the stupidest thing I've ever head"

Even though there have been a lot of criticism for this woman who states that she aims to become a "hot" mom, other health fitness experts are impressed by the Ellison's ability to listen to her body and do what she feels is okay.

"The key is listening to your body! As a medical professional, I find it appalling the number of people who treat pregnancy as an illness. Multiple studies have shown that you can continue to safely workout, including lifting weights as long as you did it prepregnancy."

"Doctors say it is perfectly fine to stick to your exercise route while pregnant, in fact it is encouraged."

She has received 16,000 "likes" and nearing 3,000 shares and never expected to create such a controversy. According to many doctors and health experts, exercising is highly beneficial for the mother and the baby given that it is done moderately. For women who are used to heavy lifting and exercise before they were pregnant, doing weights will not harm their baby. Of course people who have never weight lifted should avoid the intensity of Ellison's routines.

"A women's overall health, including obstetric and medical risks should be evaluated before prescribing an exercise program," the guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated. "Generally, participation in a wide range of recreational activities appears to be safe during pregnancy; however, each sport should be reviewed individually for its potential risk."