A professional volleyball player and expecting mother showed off her baby bump at a recent game after competing while five months pregnant.
Priscila Oliveira Heldes held her position as one of the main players for the Fluminense club, based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a match on April 10, saying that it was not ‘extraordinary’ she wanted to stay on the court since ‘many women work while pregnant’.
The 33-year-old, who is expecting her first child, Emanuel, in August, shared a striking photograph with her Instagram followers of herself on the court with her huge baby bump on show.
Video footage posted online also shows her working out in a gym and lifting weights up to her chest and over her head while pregnant.
She has reportedly been receiving questions from fans asking her if it is wise for her to play the sport at this stage of her pregnancy, with the potential risk of being hit by a ball or falling and hitting her belly.
But Priscila, better known as Pri, has responded: ‘I am healthy and feeling great. The first thing I did when I found out I was pregnant was to seek medical help.
‘I am being monitored by a professional who has experience in the health of athletes and has cleared me to play, taking some precautions, of course.’
She added: ‘Also, since I told the club and my teammates about the pregnancy, everyone has welcomed the news and been very supportive.
Priscila Oliveira Heldes showed off her five-month baby bump on Instagram after playing a match on April 10
She held her position as one of the main players for the Fluminense club, based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, saying that it was not ‘extraordinary’ she wanted to stay on the court since ‘many women work while pregnant’
Priscila said her doctors gave her the green light to continue playing volleyball but warned her not to land on her stomach
Footage online shows the volleyball player lifting weights while pregnant
‘All of this – medical care, support from the club and the other athletes – gave me confidence that I could continue playing.’
Yet, critics have blasted the volleyball player for her actions with, several X users responding to footage of her on the court labelling her as ‘crazy’ and ‘irresponsible’.
One user wrote: ‘They are people who think only of themselves and not of their child.
‘While it is true that it is an opportunity to play and win for their team, it is better to avoid inconveniences that could affect the baby’s life.
‘God willing, the baby will not be affected by the pregnancy’.
The player hit back, however, saying: ‘There are countless women who work throughout their entire pregnancy, I’m not doing anything extraordinary.’
She said that ‘pregnancy has always been a huge taboo in sports’, explaining: ‘When I found out I was pregnant, I was terrified. I thought, ‘What am I going to do? Will I have to stop? How will people receive me?”
Pri said: ‘When I decided to continue playing, my goal was to show that motherhood is not the end of our career in sport.’
She thanked the club for its support, saying that it helped her to ‘move forward calmly and confidently, not only enjoying my pregnancy, but also being able to carry out my work with the same performance and discipline.’
Pictured: Priscila with her husband. She is playing for the team in the Superliga while pregnant with her first child, Emanuel, who is due in August
She has reportedly been receiving questions from fans asking her if it is wise for her to play the sport at this stage of her pregnancy
Critics have blasted the volleyball player for her actions with, several X users responding to footage of her on the court labelling her as ‘crazy’ and ‘irresponsible’
She said that she was also grateful for the support of her husband, basketball player Wesley Castro, who plays for Sesi Franca.
Many fans have also supported her decision, with one Instagram user saying: ‘Pride and inspiration! Your strength is unmatched! I love you so much.’
And fellow athlete Fernanda Fe Palermo commented: ‘You are a great example of a woman and an athlete, Priiii!!
‘So inspiring! Faith and a lot of confidence in what you believe in!! Emanuel is already very blessed to have you!!!’
