I’m Not 'Disgusting' for Running While Pregnant | NYT Opinion

​​When you’re pregnant, there’s plenty to worry about. Your baby, for example. Your own health. And then there’s everyone else - the cadre of ordinary strangers who transform themselves into an ambient squad of the pregnancy police whenever they spot a woman who looks as if she’s about to have a baby. Are you sure you can eat that cheese? Is what you’re drinking safe? And when it comes to exercise, watch out. The world is going to have some thoughts.
This is exactly what the elite distance runner Stephanie Bruce discovered recently while pregnant with her third child. Ms. Bruce, 39, knew what she needed to have a healthy pregnancy, so she kept active, with the support of her doctor. But the pressure to bow to regressive standards of female fragility while pregnant is real. It was unsettling - if a professional athlete can’t comfortably decide what’s best for her body, who can? Instead, as she shares in the Opinion video above, Ms. Bruce is clear: How she treats her pregnant body is her choice alone.
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[@stephanierothstein2420]

Hi, I'm Stephanie Bruce, the subject of this Opinion Video. Running is my job and my passion, but as you see in the video above, I've received a lot of criticism for continuing to train while pregnant. My doctor and I know what's best for my body, so it's frustrating to have strangers chiming in with unsolicited advice at best, and rude and hurtful comments at worst. Have you ever experienced strangers weighing in on your choices? How did you handle it? Please share your experiences in the comments below! P. S. I gave birth to my beautiful and healthy baby girl on September 17th, weighing in at 8 lbs, 5 oz. Thanks for watching everyone.

[@genghis_connie]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your story. Impressive!

[@LDPink60]

Congratulations 🎈 Hopefully your message will help the stigma. Maybe one day you can share if it made labor easier, although bodies are different but it seems it would help. I was 3 weeks late and exercise and walking stairs or hills helped my labor come on and then it was a very short labor, about 8 hours. Good go you you listened to your body and your doctor’s wisdom that you will know!

[@itscarolinequeen]

I'm 22 and not expecting a baby anytime soon, but thank you and NYT for making this video, Stephanie. You are strong and an inspiration to continue focusing on your wellness so you can be the best mother you can be for your daughter! Congratulations, btw!!

[@mithulahiri4105]

You go Stephanie!! You are an athlete, a fighter and a great mum. No one knows your body better than you do. Eff the effing crazy naysayers!

[@earthn1447]

For years I’ve thought I caused my miscarriage, not by running but by using a floor sander at 3 months. For the first time I’m thinking maybe it was just to be - maybe it wasn’t my fault.

[@Charlotte66666]

I'm sure if this lady had been stuffing her face and packed on the pounds she would've been judged as well. Sometimes, we just can't win 🤷‍♀️

[@Saitaina]

Yup. Pregnant women are held to an impossible standard thatno one even knows the rules of.

[@amartyaroy3754]

Since when does healthy living become problematic?

[@4G12]

The human species would have been extinct if our pregnant women couldn't run away from real danger.

[@snowboardingchic]

Mercy. Women who were exercising before becoming pregnant are more than capable of exercising after.

[@susanholl5994]

Omg I had my first child 30 years ago and got the same BS about running while pregnant. I ran through all 3 of my low risk pregnancies. Sad to hear moms are still getting crap about this.

[@supernpstr]

Women from the old ages have been doing heavy work till their water breaks. How come humanity survived after all that still?

[@Saitaina]

There's an old story of an actress only pulling out of a Broadway musical because her stomach made cartwheels difficult, trust me, woman have this far more than people think. ❤

[@smokyquartz5817]

They didn't. They died. Like alot.

[@XavierGuillaume]

I love this video. It points out a major flaw in our society. For a land built on freedom, it sure has a lot of people going around telling people what to do! XD

[@Sanyu-Tumusiime]

freedom of speech. i'm allowed to judge. we should be like saudi arabia? WHy are women running while pregnant? they should be in a HIJAB at home.

[@standup2982]

​@@Sanyu-Tumusiimeget a vasectomy.

[@Sanyu-Tumusiime]

Never. I must reproduce to spread Islamic religion. @@standup2982

[@Sanyu-Tumusiime]

WE WILL TAKE OVER YOUR STUPID LIBERAL COUNTRY. We already got 2 of them in congress Rashida Tlaib and Ilham Omar. @@standup2982

[@AccidentallyOnPurpose]

If you are a major athlete it is perfectly fine to continue most activities you were doing before you were pregnant. Obviously she should, and is being followed by a doctor about it. But if she was a runner before pregnancy she's fine to continue running.

[@cinthiar5718]

Yippee, Stephanie, you totally rocked your pregnancy. People can be awful; so glad you had the confidence and smarts to live your life the way you, and your doctor, chose. Big congrats on your daughter!!

[@anitafrail8435]

You're not wrong...listening to your body is paramount. Glad u have a Dr who is aware and helps you to decide the right choice and supports you.

[@George-ky4wf]

Amazing. I did this 20yrs ago when pregnant.

[@SuperAverye]

Watched with my daughter! You are awesome for sharing this important message! Congratulations on your baby!

[@darlenegoodwin]

Better than smoking and taking drugs while pregnant. Congratulations on your girl!!!

[@Phoenix-369]

Ain't it interesting how people become experts with other people? How are they assessing their own personal health and wellness concerns? They have zero insight to this woman's level of fitness and athleticism. She got clearance from her doctor. Cheers to a healthy baby and a new chapter in your life as a mother!!! 💫💫💫🔥🔥🔥

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

i mean, we know the general public in the comments section are not the voices anyone should listen to. I thought it was general knowledge that exercise during pregnancy is a good thing. my guess is the comments came from ppl educated in the school system AFTER public health classes were removed

[@vitalucas9452]

Her lungs and stamina will be perfect for labour.

[@jlwing8360]

Thanks for doing this video. Not easy I’m sure when you’re already getting harsh judgements. I wish you all the very best! 😊

[@peachnecctar1658]

congratulations on your healthy baby♥ its wild how many people think that they can just tell you what to do with your body when you have a doctor on board with everything

[@bugsygoo]

I've always wanted to travel back in time, so I'm planning a trip to the USA at the moment. Apparently the 1850s were a simpler time.

[@mamikacare]

I love this! Thanks for the video! We need to talk about this more!!! You rock

[@AlizaJayne]

It’s up to her! Whatever happens to the baby or her body because of this choice is all up to her.

[@bhasselgren]

Thanks for sharing! And congrats!🎉

[@katethegreat33]

Thank you so much for this! I sprinted on the treadmill in the gym until 39 weeks and benched and squatted the night before I gave birth. My body felt strong and amazing. I had a fantastic pregnancy and an easy recovery. People thought I was nuts, but my husband and my doctor were all for it. My son is the fattest, happiest little infant (also 8 lbs, 4 ounces at birth) and I'm so happy that I can model my passions and interests for my children right from the get go. What we do with our bodies is no one else's business!

[@suzanneroche1243]

Glad you made it work out! Just curious but by being in shape did the delivery go easier? I hope you had a shorter labor and delivery! He sounds like a real cutie! It must be fun now! (And a lot of work but anything worth having doesn’t come easy!) Best going forward to you and the family! ☺️

[@katethegreat33]

@@suzanneroche1243 the delivery could not have been easier. He was born less than 2 hours after we arrived at the hospital. Three pushes -- barely time for the epidural to work. I hopped off the bed after. Second baby, but I still felt really great after.

[@suzanneroche1243]

@@katethegreat33 Thanks for answering Kate! Now all the people that put in their negative two cents can keep their traps shut since it brings such positive results! When I had my son (1982) there wasn’t as much to prenatal care. They suggested walking, gaining no more than 35 pounds and come in every month. It ended up a terrible birth - labor 20 hours then emergency C-section. He was in fetal distress, born blue and had to be resuscitated which I didn’t see since I was given general anesthesia. Long story short, my son is above average in the looks department but below average when it comes to figuring things out since he was tested positive for Autism, ADHD, social phobia, etc. I think if I knew then what I know now I would’ve picked up the pace and sprinted on my daily walks just in hopes of having a normal delivery! But he was in the wrong position and he couldn’t make it out that way. Sorry for my son’s life story (he still lives with me) but his delivery changed my son’s life and mine negatively! People really should keep their mouths shut about other people’s decisions about their health choices! They would like to think they know it all but unless they’ve sprinted at full-term, what they have to say is useless! I’ve gotten loads of those “helpful” comments! Bless you and your family for a happy life together. That’s what really matters! 🥰

[@sairenu71]

Es maravilloso que la mujer corra y haga ejercicios para que su cuerpo y su bebé sean fuertes. Esta mujer atleta la admiró y por ser una hermosa madre. Amén

[@yourvideos9153]

This is really cool to see and learn!

[@KeliK1]

I support and I encourage you. I am proud of you!

[@suzanneroche1243]

Exercise is the best thing you can do for you and your baby! Don’t let those fools into your headspace! 🤞🏽☘️

[@lindamarchionyfrancis4437]

WOW, not anyones business, her doctor is onboard. The baby is perfectly safe, surrounded by amniotic fluid

[@sophialee9218]

Thank you!

[@Benirs]

She is awesome! The baby is very safe in the womb.

[@skiaddict767]

What a great video. Thank you for sharing. It is athletes like you that inspired me, I was able to keep running until 40+ weeks and felt amazing. Baby is now a toddler and doing great.

[@r4pids]

like any mammal on this planet can afford rest while pregnant

[@michelbuniak6276]

Keep on running. You are great. Love 😊❤

[@maire-annemccormack2883]

Stephanie you are an inspiration! Thank you so much for this brave video.

[@KrustyKlown]

Being physically fit during pregnancy is healthy for both mom and baby.

[@grbadalamenti]

Kid will touch ground already running😂😂😂

[@yomamathon]

Steph, Lindsay, & everyone who contributed at NYT, thank you for this.

[@RikodiusRex]

Go. Keep going. I believe in you. This is not okay. ❤ I am so sorry. If we were in the wild and you were trying to escape a tiger or something you better hope you can run while pregnant. You are not a bad mom. And i learned you can even have a little caffeine while pregnant which is a relief just incase I get knocked up. Before i get fixed. I want to get fixed and adopt.

[@christinediaz9486]

Congratulations, Stephanie! I’m so happy for you and your family with the birth of your daughter. I’m so glad you didn’t listen to the critics and you listened to your body. ❤ I ran all throughout my pregnancy and the training helped me through labor. Keep running and following your passion. You are awesome! 💕

[@Catman3131]

She is giving her baby...that baby is gonna be heroic!!!!

[@cocopen3415]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!! You and your child will be fine.

[@janedoolittle9]

Powerful story!!

[@trynnae]

All my respect! You are awesome.

[@smokyquartz5817]

She could have waited a few months. The guilt would be unendurable.

[@RunningRlust96]

if your doctor is good with it.......go for it

[@audreywimberly4808]

beautiful! 🦋

[@Woohchaiell]

The only disturbing thing was that she didn’t seem to care about supporting her stomach which was clearly jolting up and down. Her baby was born “healthy” but one really doesn’t know the long term effects until the baby reaches milestones.

[@Ravenelvenlady]

Congratulations on a healthy baby girl, 8 pounds 4 ounces, September 23, 2023! ❤👍

[@PlantNative]

How could exercise be considered an unhealthy decision?! Congratulations!

[@vertigoz]

Let live and let live... let her do what's best for her baby, let people be hassoles because it relieves them and their opinion is their own, not law

[@simontemplar404]

It is her baby not yours.

[@peter_lustig_der_echte]

A baby is not the property of its parents. Parents must always put the baby's well-being above their own well-being because the baby cannot yet speak for itself.

[@jacktorrance2633]

By that rationale a child can be beaten as long as it's someone else's?

[@standup2982]

Her body, her choice and it was perfectly safe for her and her baby to run during pregnancy.

[@BusyBusyPanda]

You feel that way about Ruby Frankie too?

[@standup2982]

@@BusyBusyPanda you're comparing child abuse to a woman running who's had the go ahead by her doctor. FS.

[@Casey-ip7ug]

This seems all rooted in sexism. Exercise is actually great for a pregnancy. Mind you I didn't get the NFL thing. The baby won't get a concussion because of running, but one should be worry of anybody getting a head injuries, including adults and babies. Hasn't there been improved safety regulations in the NFL to prevent concussion, or am I misinformed?

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

no, I think the league unveiled a "safer" helmet but that is just to appease fans bc it's not like it can prevent concussions

[@Megan-nt7dm]

She was basically saying that nobody is screaming about the NFL athlete concussion risks (which are miles more severe than the risks of exercising while pregnant) so why are they mad that she's doing her sport. I can see the backlash being semi justified if she was a couch potato that decided to train for a marathon after getting pregnant, but she's already an elite runner, this is just what she does, her body is more than used to it Edit* and the new NFL concussion regs are laughable

[@anna-mariemerchant9077]

Disagree. It’s about the baby Ma’am, which has an equal chance of being created female.

[@anna-mariemerchant9077]

No, thats correct. The NFL are addressing CTE but the nature of the sport is very physical, like Rugby. Although no one seems concerned about that fact. Rugby players don’t wear head protection. But they do wear a mouth guard and jock with “cup” inserted.

[@g.rivera1648]

You go girl!❤

[@Woohchaiell]

1:30 was this supposed to be a good analogy? Because it wasn’t.

[@LV-qr8fr]

Power to this woman ♀️ how could this be wrong??? This is the most natural thing ever. Stop hating women for listening to their bodies. Keep running mama ❤️

[@teddychannel4701]

Run you are amazing and your running is great, I am sure baby will be fine.

[@vrunner6793]

Yeah had I known I would have run too. People have misconceptions

[@hsmd4533]

Yeah, that’s disgusting.

[@jackgray3190]

lol her kid is gonna be so strong

[@mja91352]

O, but you are!

[@plaguinot2076]

To be fair she seems more aerodynamic

[@anonimushbosh]

'Are you effin serious?' is just as likely to be a compliment, no? As in, procrastination stopped her running and (feeling guilty for the nth time) sees you fkn killing it even when you're about to give birth! Hopefully you don't actually focus that much on whatever other people may be thinking.

[@Saitaina]

I would probably have that accidentally bypass my brain filter out of awe. That kind of determination is awesome.

[@debbiemarquis3231]

That baby will be strong AF...❤

[@nath-wp7xp]

Is it safe for the baby? What if you trip and fall or bump into someone?

[@stephaniebaker4024]

Well that can happen anyhow same as a car accident.

[@Allthingsasian]

A pregnant women can get into a car accident ergo even driving is arguably is not safe for the baby. Do we condemn women from doing it? No we don't. Grow up and realise that no one knows a women’s body better than herself. Pregnancy isn't a state of helplessness, it's natural and normal and women shouldn't be objectified and perceived as dumb because they are doing everyday things that ignorant people like you criticise them for and call them ‘unsafe’ when they probably have more knowledge of the situation than you.

[@nath-wp7xp]

@@stephaniebaker4024 poor comparison. Those activities have two completely different risk levels.

[@Fragflare73]

@@nath-wp7xpyeah you’re right.. because it’s riskier to get in a car than it is to run lmao

[@wwbit]

Ugh. She'll react to catch herself and protect the baby same as anyone else who trips, falls, etc. Her fitness would make her safer, more able to protect herself. Your comment is judgemental and shaming.

[@michaelkindt3288]

@1:26-.-NFL players _choose_ to give _themselves_ concussions, the claim is that you're giving your _baby who cannot consent too concussions_ A concussion. I'm not saying or necessarily giving your baby a concussion (I don't have the expertise to conclude one way or the other), but these two examples are obviously not comparable. The first is an actor bringing harm on themselves, the second is an actor bringing harm upon someone else.

[@___3988]

Except she's not giving her baby a concussion so this is irrelevant. Going for a run is not going to give a fetus a concussion.

[@michaelkindt3288]

@@___3988-.-Yeah but the way she worded her argument implying that her critics were hypocritical. My point was that there's no contradiction inherent in supporting the NFL and being against her at the same time, Not that she's a "bad baby hurter" or whatever. I just thought it was a clumsy argument, and I feel like that's worth pointing out.

[@meliarohrbacher8665]

THANK YOU!!! Apples and oranges

[@MB-mw2eb]

I ran while pregnant 40 years ago. I loved it.

[@lucaslouzada44]

This video is a big fyou to those who said fyou for running pregnant. Good to see the freedom of so many others who are saying fyou to your fyou message - afterall the only thing interesting about it is the fact that there are circumstances in which it is ok to do it, the rest being very cheap social media drama material…

[@daleanolan1464]

It just looks gross.

[@daleanolan1464]

But pregnancy in general grosses me out and I was pregnant twice.

[@diegopereira7281]

🥰🤩😍🇧🇷❤️❤️❤️

[@teddychannel4701]

I drunk wine coffee and run for the first 4 months babies are just fine ! 9 years on no problems

[@zulhariszulkarnain1540]

.

[@yvonne7715]

💎🫶👏👏👏👏👏✨

[@stanleyconnor6898]

I guess she's so confident in herself and her choice that she made this explanation of how she doesn't care about it. It's like - "I've been chasing you for 3 days just to tell you - how I don't care about your opinion!" 😂

[@BusyBusyPanda]

1:25 I was on her side until she assumed i don't care about CTE. I stopped watching NFL because of concussions. So I guess she is a terrible mom & her baby should be taken away when it's born pre-abused. That's the point she wanted me to take away from this, right?

[@AirQuotes]

Leave woman alone

[@user-de2zo1bw4d]

What if you trip and fall forward? Isn’t that a reasonable possibility for a marathon runner?

[@michalwlosik3544]

Poor women. There's literally a problem or discrimination in every aspect of their lives. 😂

[@l0wrid3r88]

What do you know about it? Absolutely nothing.

[@ropro9817]

Yeah, but the difference with NFL players is that they are fully grown adults making the choice to risk concussions by themselves. 🤔 That was a really weak argument.

[@Saitaina]

No, it was a stupid idea. The baby can't get a concussion, WTF are they bouncing off of, they live in a water balloon. The idea is to point out the stupidity.

[@sevothtartesama18]

What fully grown adults? The young teenagers that start in the sport in highschool? Young men don’t even have a fully developed brain till about 25 years of age. But keep lying to yourself that children, yes children, are making informed choices when engaging in American football competitively. I recommend going through a scientific database and looking up “TBI and Football”, see for yourself. It’s not an issue of a single concussion. It is a much more dangerous problem.

[@vivekraghuwanshi5702]

Crazy woman

[@Jen39x]

Yes and when she falls…

[@umutcoskun4247]

I mean, more power to you, but why risk it xD just chill for the last few month xD Well... I guess it helps making YT videos xD

[@whilebeingjezebel]

Sweetie, the idea that a pregnant woman should remain inactive is bourgeois, not "from the past". Working-class women with little choice due to financial, social, cultural and/or political challenges continue to labour in fields, homes, and streets, right up until birth and often very, very soon after it, too. Please don't ask me to pity your privilege. You aren't as special as you seem to think, and neither are your traumas. Just keep running.

[@sperrfeuer4158]

A person laughing it off when being called a narcissist doesn’t mean they’re not a narcissist. In fact, laughing it off and then making a video with the NYT sounds quite a bit like what a narcissist would do.

[@WhatsNextIWonder]

Let's stop telling women what they CAN'T do with their bodies. WE KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR US.

[@jzakary1]

With all the world tragedies unfolding right now, why is a reputable news agency wasting their time on this nonsense??

[@BusyBusyPanda]

The point of puff pieces is to distract the public from more upsetting news that causes them to stop consuming news so together. It's why during WW2 Newspapers expanded the funny pages from 1 to sometimes as many as 8.

[@Saitaina]

Because it's not nonsense.

[@turkrane12]

I agree she's nuts

[@CelesteWriter]

Well, do people want her to have stress related issues, or work out when she's criticized in order to de-stress?

[@KhalifaKhush]

That’s why her belly sagging, and now she has a hunched back like that, did not use any support.

[@Michaelebills]

You are perfectly fine running while pregnant... But watching your video and your behavior is a little narcissistic and was hard to watch! Normal people wouldn't act the way you did during the video!

[@anna-mariemerchant9077]

I hope your child is born healthy and well. I suspect the doctors advice is correct, her career is on the line God forbid anything bad happens. Can’t help but feel, your attitude is part of the “ME” generation. I honestly hope that attitude doesn’t comeback to haunt you. Your NFL argument is illogical, it therefore weakens your position. Find a better example. I’m sure there’s enough other things in the lives of men you can attack to support your narcissistic personality. After all your unborn child can have no vote as it’s only about you. A Big problem in society today. However, I hope all works out for your child.

[@tjrage6168]

Selfish

[@standup2982]

Yes you are.

[@RhondaSoonias]

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[@RhondaSoonias]

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[@RhondaSoonias]

It was a very awesome transformation , No greater joy than seeing my progress in an initial decision ..

[@RhondaSoonias]

Make a note to Mrs Janis regarding your interest in investing

[@RhondaSoonias]

Oh yes, she's always on Whats app

[@RhondaSoonias]

+151

[@ahassanization]

How old is She???

[@standup2982]

Why are you judging her looks?

[@BusyBusyPanda]

@standup2982 because geriatric pregnancies are already high risk. So adding more risk to an already risky pregnancy is irresponsible.

[@standup2982]

@@BusyBusyPanda I think her doctor knows better than you. Butt out.

[@orionnebula1136]

​@@BusyBusyPanda would you rather she get an abortion?

[@user-ms5uu7ig3l]

That is disgusting and disrespectful