Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A video of a Bengaluru-based woman performing advanced yoga poses while 39 weeks pregnant has triggered a heated debate on social media, with users divided over whether the practice demonstrated strength and discipline or posed unnecessary risks.
Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, who is a yoga teacher by profession, shared a video of herself practising yoga in a saree during the final stages of her pregnancy. The clip showed her performing several yoga poses, including Chakrasana (Wheel Pose), as it went viral with over 21 million views on social media.
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In the caption accompanying the video, Dwivedi emphasised that her practice was the result of years of training and was not intended as advice for others.
“39 weeks. 9 months. And this is my reality. Some people see the poses. What they don’t see are the years spent building strength, awareness, patience, and trust in my body,” she said.
“Pregnancy hasn’t been about proving anything. It’s been about staying connected to movement in a way that feels good for me. One day. One breath and one beautiful chapter at a time,” she added, while also cautioning viewers that “every pregnancy is different” and advised them to consult healthcare providers before attempting any exercise routine.
Despite the disclaimer, the video triggered widespread discussion about fitness during pregnancy, with many users questioning whether some of the poses were safe so close to delivery.
“Is this safe for the baby? Don’t do this for views; just think about your baby,” one Instagram user commented.
One of the comments also read, “I respect your talent, but I don’t like exposing a beautiful pregnancy to the world. As a pregnant woman, I find this highly disrespectful.”
Others expressed concern that advanced yoga poses at such a late stage of pregnancy could be risky.
“Most of these people end up having complicated deliveries. Physical health is important, but not more important than the baby,” a user said.
The debate soon spread to X, where critics accused the yoga teacher of prioritising content creation over caution.
“Maybe others see strength and flexibility. I see a woman at 39 weeks choosing content over caution,” one user wrote.
“This is ridiculous,” someone commented, adding: “Safety is being taken for granted for a few views. What she has done at this stage of pregnancy is not safe.”
Some comments were even harsher, with one user writing that “no mother would put her baby in such danger.”
However, several social media users came to Dwivedi’s defence, arguing that experienced athletes and fitness professionals often continue exercising throughout pregnancy under appropriate guidance.
“She must be a professional. It’s perfectly normal to work out and even lift weights at 39 weeks. The content aspect is debatable, but there may be people who get inspired by this,” a comment read.
Another user said, “I see many pregnant women lifting weights and doing stretching exercises. Some of the poses here look really difficult, but they may not be difficult for her at all.”
“Yoga is fine for pregnant women as long as they are comfortable with the asanas,” read another comment on Twitter.
Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, who has over 1,81,000 followers on Instagram, regularly shares videos of her yoga practice and fitness journey. She also runs a yoga studio on Varthur Road in Bengaluru, where she teaches and promotes yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
