Andhra Pradesh, Oct.31,2025:Pregnant weightlifting has entered the public consciousness in a dramatic way, as one woman’s extraordinary feat pushes the boundaries of strength, motherhood and societal expectation. The story of this lift—145 kg at seven months’ pregnancy—sparks both awe and debate- what happens when pregnancy meets serious athletic performance-
Who is the athlete behind the lift
The central figure is Sonika Yadav, a constable in the Delhi Police, who competed in the All India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025‑26 held in Andhra Pradesh.
Her back-story adds layers to this achievement-
- She joined the Delhi Police in 2014 and has been active in sports, including kabaddi and powerlifting.
- In 2022 she began a more rigorous fitness journey when she was considerably overweight and struggling with lifestyle diseases. She shifted into weightlifting training.
- In 2023 she won gold in a state deadlift competition and then, when she realised she was pregnant, instead of stepping back she chose to continue with medical supervision.
Her motivation: to break the narrative that pregnancy equals pause; she has said she wanted to show that motherhood and athletic ambition can go hand-in-hand.
145 kg and a bronze medal
During the competition, Sonika lifted a total of 145 kg in the deadlift portion, while being seven months pregnant.
Specifically-
- She first performed 125 kg in squats, 80 kg in bench-press, then moved on to a planned 135 kg deadlift but raised it to 145 kg.
- She secured a bronze medal in the 84 kg category at the All India Police Weightlifting Cluster.
- In her own words: she didn’t want pregnancy to be seen as a limitation, and she thought: “If they [other pregnant athletes] can do this, why can’t I?”
This event has been widely shared on social media and covered by major news outlets, capturing public attention for both its positive and contentious implications.
Public reaction
The achievement generated a two-fold reaction: celebration and concern.
The celebration
Many applauded the boldness and determination of Sonika — a woman in uniform, yet also a mother and soon-to-be mother, showing strength in every sense. Her message: pregnancy isn’t a weakness. Her story inspired many who feel sidelined by cultural expectations.
The alarm
On the flip side, commentators raised questions about safety. Some described the act as “risky” or “irresponsible”, warning that heavy lifting while pregnant could endanger the mother and unborn child. According to one report:
“…questions whether heavy occupational lifting during pregnancy is safe.”
This mix of praise and caution places pregnant weightlifting in a contested zone — between empowerment and risk.
Is pregnant weightlifting safe
What experts say
According to senior obstetrician Dr. Nikhil Datar, each pregnancy is unique-
“Some women with medical clearance and supervision can continue strength-training safely. But this case is special – an athlete with years of training.”
He cautions:
“Heavy occupational lifting or high-intensity sets are not generally recommended.”
Key considerations
When assessing pregnant weightlifting the following matter-
- The woman’s baseline fitness level and training history (in this case, years of powerlifting).
- Medical clearance and ongoing monitoring. Sonika reported she consulted her doctor and continued under supervision.
- The intensity and load: what constitutes “heavy” weight differs based on individual capacity.
- The stage of pregnancy: Seven months is advanced, and physiological changes (hormones, joint laxity, heart rate, oxygen demands) become significant.
- The difference between recreational strength training and competitive heavy lifts in a setting.
Thus: pregnant weightlifting can be done safely under certain conditions — but what Sonika did is exceptional, not standard.
Guidelines for strength training during pregnancy
Given the above, what can pregnant individuals consider if they want to stay active through strength training? Below are general guidelines (not personalised advice)-
Consult your healthcare provider
Always begin with a prenatal check-up and get a plan tailored to your health, fitness history, and pregnancy stage.
Choose appropriate load and intensity
- Focus on moderate resistance: safe strength work rather than maximal lifts.
- Avoid sudden heavy loads or maximal single-reps unless under expert supervision.
- For example: walking, body-weight strength, supervised machines may be preferable.
Monitor your body’s signals
Be attentive to-
- Pelvic, abdominal or back pain.
- Dizziness or breathlessness.
- Swelling or reduced foetal movements.
- Joint instability (due to pregnancy hormones).
Prioritise position, posture and stability
- Use machines or supported benches rather than unstable loads.
- Avoid lying flat on back after first trimester if instructed by physician.
- Maintain core engagement, minimise valsalva (holding breath during lift).
Avoid extremes
High-intensity or heavy occupational lifting (e.g., very heavy deadlifts) carry higher risk and require expert monitoring. As Dr. Datar notes, Sonika’s case is not the baseline.
Shift goals from “performance” to “health and wellness”
During pregnancy, the goal can shift: maintain strength, promote circulation, assist recovery and mood — rather than chasing personal records.
For further reading on exercise in pregnancy see the NHS guidance or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) resources.
The bigger narrative
Beyond the technicalities, Sonika’s story speaks to bigger themes surrounding pregnant weightlifting and women’s roles in society.
Challenging the “pause” narrative
In many societies, pregnancy is framed as a period of rest, withdrawal or at least drastically reduced activity. Sonika turned that on its head-
“I didn’t want pregnancy to be seen as a limitation.”
Role-modelling strength for women
Her lift sends a message: a woman can be a mother, a professional (police officer) and an athlete — roles often siloed by expectation. The wider public reaction (both cheers and criticisms) spotlights how unusual this is still considered.
A conversation starter on risk, agency and support
While not everyone should attempt what she did, her choice raises the question: how much agency do pregnant women have in shaping their bodies, ambitions and physical lives? And how many feel constrained by societal expectations of motherhood?
What her story signals for the future of sport
Sporting bodies have begun adapting for pregnant athletes (e.g., in track and field, team sports). The question of pregnant weightlifting invites reflection on how training protocols, coaching, athlete-care and cultural practices might evolve.
What this means for women in sport
Pregnant weightlifting may sound provocative, even controversial—but the story of Sonika Yadav shows that with preparation, guidance, and experience, boundaries can be pushed.
What we learn-
- Fitness and ambition need not stop during pregnancy — but must be recalibrated.
- Every pregnancy differs; what’s feasible for one woman isn’t for another.
- Societal narratives around pregnancy often restrict rather than empower; stories like this challenge them.
- Fitness professionals, doctors and athletes must collaborate more deeply to develop safe pathways for pregnant athletes.
Caution remains important. This is not a call for every pregnant woman to take up heavy deadlifts. Instead, it signals an evolving understanding of what pregnancy can look like in terms of physicality and agency.
