Motherhood is life-changing, but it doesn’t mean you have to put all your dreams on hold. This is the first of a monthly series where we will spotlight moms who are doing the hard work of both pursuing their dreams and rocking motherhood.
This month we’re highlighting three athletes who are proving you don’t have to choose between motherhood and using your gifts. Not only did they continue to compete during their pregnancies, but today they are making an impact in their sport while growing their bond with their daughters.
Allyson Felix, Olympic Sprinter
9x Olympic medalist Allyson Felix continued to compete early in her pregnancy. Later she would share her pregnancy journey and birth story with ESPN following her daughter’s arrival. Unsure of how childbirth might affect her track career, Allyson told ESPN,
“I know what I’m living for and what matters to me. I’m not just running to win the most medals anymore….I feel nervous and vulnerable. But I also feel brave and excited…If I come back and I’m just not the same, if I can’t make a fifth Olympic team, I’m gonna know that I fought, that I was determined, and that I gave it my absolute all.”
Only ten months later, Allyson would come back to her sport with huge success. She broke a world record formerly held by gold medalist Usain Bolt, heralded as the “fastest man in the world.” Allyson recently celebrated the launch of the AF x Athleta collection and shared that her daughter Camryn, “helped her find the courage to use her voice.”
Alex Morgan, National Women’s Soccer League
Alex continued practice 7 months into her pregnancy. Julie Foudy, USWNT legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist, commented on the impressive practice videos Alex shared. “It’s a great message for women out there who are pregnant. You can do both, you can play, you can be active, you can be healthy. She’s living her best life…I like that she’s showing what’s possible.”
Today Alex Morgan is back in the game and training with the Orlando Pride. She shared this adorable photo as she departed for Orlando with her daughter Charlie.
Serena Williams, Tennis Star
Serena Williams famously won the Australian Open 8 weeks into her pregnancy in 2017. On Wednesday, Serena won the US Open quarterfinal and will advance to her 14th US Open semifinal. She shared this sweet photo of her daughter Olympia watching her mom in action.
These women are showing there are no limits to what you can achieve – even while pregnant or parenting. You may not be reaching for a gold medal, but if you’ve got your sights set on earning your degree, or making the next step in your career, we’re here to help you reach your goals.
At your appointment for our free medical services, we’ll talk with you about your options and help you create a game plan for success. Our Connect Mentorship program, educational classes, and free resources are tools that will help you thrive as you navigate the next steps in your pregnancy or as a parent.
Make an appointment today or find out more about our free services. We’d love to partner with you to offer you support in your journey.
*It is generally considered safe to exercise during pregnancy, but every woman is different. If you think you might be pregnant, we advise that you consult with a medical provider before starting an exercise program.
Kacey Minor
Kacey is the Communications Assistant at The Pregnancy Network.