Pregnant Women Take on Extreme Sports

More women are taking on high-intensity workouts while carrying a child.

ByABC News
January 31, 2014, 4:15 PM

Feb.4, 2014— -- An Australian woman recently gained online attention after blogging about continuing to surf four days a week into her ninth month of pregnancy.

On Shesurfs.com, Kristi Olivares wrote that she had "been surfing for around four years and while I am definitely no expert, I have the confidence and ability to surf safely and competently in many types of conditions."

She adjusted her technique to accommodate a changing center of gravity and would often have friends carry her board for her, the new mom shared in the post. On the occasions that Olivares was thrown from her board, she said that she always made sure to tuck into a fetal position to protect her belly.

The report is the latest account of women taking on high-impact workouts and extreme sports while pregnant. Here are seven more.

1 - An entire industry is catering to moms who want to "look hot" while pregnant, encouraging maternity athletic gear and pregnancy workout DVDs. READ: New Moms Rushing to Shed Post-Baby Weight: Is It Healthy?

PHOTO: Maternity workout gear is now a fashion category.
Maternity workout gear is now a fashion category.

2 - Controversy erupted last fall when a California woman admitted to regularly weightlifting 75 pounds throughout her pregnancy. READ: Calif. Woman Pumps Iron while Pregnant

PHOTO: Would you lift weights while pregnant?
Would you lift weights while pregnant?

3 - Women should check with their doctors before approaching any form of physical activity while pregnant. But some studies assert that moderate exercise can have a positive impact on the child's health. READ: Exercise During Pregnancy Can Boost Your Baby's Brain

PHOTO: What type of physical activity is appropriate while pregnant depends on the individual.
What type of physical activity is appropriate while pregnant depends on the individual.

4 - In the past, some women who have trained as athletes have had difficulty conceiving, due to the intense stress put on their bodies. READ: Female Athletes Are Too Fit to Get Pregnant

PHOTO: A New York City ballerina has continued dancing into the latest stages of her pregnancy, Dec. 22, 2013.
A New York City ballerina has continued dancing into the latest stages of her pregnancy, Dec. 22, 2013.

5 - For Trish Staine, the problem wasn't getting pregnant while training for a marathon. In fact, she simply didn't realize that she was. READ: Woman Training for Marathon Has Surprise Baby

PHOTO: Is running while pregnant safe? Some say yes.
Is running while pregnant safe? Some say yes.

6 - While inversions are discouraged, many pregnant women are proponents of maintaining a yoga practice. WATCH: Ease Growing Pains With Prenatal Yoga

PHOTO: According to the Mayo Clinic, prenatal yoga can improve sleep and reduce stress.
According to the Mayo Clinic, prenatal yoga can improve sleep and reduce stress.

7 - If you are interested in pursuing a regular workout or sports activity while pregnant, consult with your physician before hopping on a pair of cross-country skis or signing up for a class at the gym. WATCH: Is CrossFit Safe for Pregnant Women?

PHOTO: High altitude and risk of falling are two reasons doctors sometimes discourage downhill skiing while pregnant.
High altitude and risk of falling are two reasons doctors sometimes discourage downhill skiing while pregnant.

ABC News Live

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events