Mother-to-be sparks FURIOUS debate after filming herself doing intense WEIGHT LIFTING routines while 37-weeks pregnant – as critics accuse her of causing ‘harm’ to her baby

A pregnant mum has wowed the internet by showing off her grueling gym routine just weeks before she was due to give birth.

Lily Stevenson, from South Jordan, Utah, has shared clips of her intense workout regime, proudly showing off her huge baby bump.

The 23-year-old, who is 37 weeks pregnant with her second child, said: 'The biggest misconception about weight lifting during pregnancy is that you can't do it.'

The muscular mom's personal bests in the gym since her pregnancy include squatting 125kg and deadlifting 155kg.

When Lily had her first child, she started to focus on her fitness, with the gym being a big part of her life, and said that after going out with a friend once, she was addicted to exercise.

During her second pregnancy, Lily decided to see her doctor to discuss the possible consequences of exercising during pregnancy.

She explained, “I talked to my doctor at the time and I kept talking to her about it and seeing what she was comfortable with.

'I get quite anemic when I'm pregnant – she was just a little concerned about my energy levels and said I needed to make sure I saved my energy for growing a baby.

“As I entered the third trimester of this pregnancy, my doctor told me to really take it easy.”

For much of the pregnancy, Lily went to the gym five days a week, doing a variety of workouts such as squats, bench presses and deadlifts.

As she approaches the final stages of the journey, she has reduced her routine to just four sessions a week.

Lily explained: 'It's very empowering to carry a baby and lift weights at the same time.

'I hear a lot of people at the gym saying, “Oh my God, I can't believe you're here working out while you're pregnant.” It's something I enjoy and love.”

Despite sharing her videos online to inspire other mums to hit the gym, Lily has received her fair share of hate, leaving her in tears.

While showcasing her journey, viewers have continually questioned her baby's safety, making comments such as: 'I don't want to sound rude, but is this even allowed when you're pregnant?

Another wrote: 'It doesn't seem worth the risk at all.

And someone else asked, “Is this safe?”

Lily explained: 'I get a lot of haters in my comments saying I shouldn't exercise while pregnant and I shouldn't do this and I shouldn't do that and it would harm the baby.

'I've heard all kinds of crazy things. I got a few comments that I was doing the shoulder press with some waves and they said that I could possibly tear the umbilical cord.

“Personally, I've never really had anyone say anything, but I've definitely gotten some crazy looks at the gym.

'You can definitely tell what people are thinking when they see a huge pregnant lady working out and give them a dirty look.

“My final words to the haters: stay on your own path.

'If you have any questions, talk to your own doctor. I feel super powerful.

“Carrying a baby and lifting weights at the same time is very empowering.”

Doctor Lawrence Cunningham, from the UK Care Guide, said: 'In my experience, some women can safely undertake more vigorous activity during pregnancy than others.

'Depending on their condition before pregnancy, their current health and the specifics of their pregnancy.

'When I encounter this scenario in practice, I always emphasize the importance of individual assessment.

'If a doctor has cleared a woman for heavy lifting at 37 weeks of pregnancy, this indicates that her pregnancy is proceeding without complications and that she is in good physical condition.

'However, I would advise that even with medical clearance, the woman should listen to her body and be vigilant for signs of tension or discomfort.

'It is very important to avoid risks that could lead to harm to both the mother and the baby.

'Lifting heavy at this late stage is not normally something I would recommend unless the woman is an experienced lifter.'