Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A professional volleyball player, expecting a child, recently showcased her baby bump at a game after competing while in her fifth month of pregnancy. This display by the athlete has sparked conversations around pregnancy in professional sports.
Pregnant Volleyball Star Competes and Inspires
Priscila Oliveira Heldes, a key player for the Fluminense club based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participated in a match on April 10. Heldes stated that her decision to remain on the court was not “extraordinary,” highlighting that “many women work while pregnant.”
Baby Bump on Display
The 33-year-old athlete, anticipating the arrival of her first child, Emanuel, in August, shared a striking photograph on Instagram. The image captured her on the court, her prominent baby bump clearly visible.
Workout Videos Spark Debate
Online video footage also emerged, showing Heldes engaged in workout routines at a gym. These videos depict her lifting weights, raising them to her chest and overhead throughout her pregnancy.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Speculation arose amongst fans questioning the wisdom of her continued participation in volleyball during this stage of her pregnancy. Concerns were voiced regarding the potential risks of being struck by a ball or falling, which could endanger her unborn child.
Athlete Assures Fans of Medical Clearance
Responding to these concerns, Priscila, known as Pri, affirmed, “I am healthy and feeling great. My first step upon discovering my pregnancy was to seek medical advice.” She added, “I am under the supervision of a medical professional experienced in athlete health, who has cleared me to play with certain precautions.”
Club and Teammate Support
Heldes further noted the positive reception from her club and teammates. “Since informing the club and my teammates about my pregnancy, everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive,” she shared.
Priscila Oliveira Heldes showcased her five-month baby bump on Instagram after competing in a match on April 10.
As a key player for the Fluminense club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she asserted that continuing to play was not ‘extraordinary’ as ‘many women work while pregnant.’
Priscila stated her doctors permitted her to continue playing volleyball, advising her to avoid landing on her stomach.
Video footage online depicted the volleyball player engaging in weightlifting during her pregnancy.
Confidence Through Support
“This comprehensive support system – medical guidance, club encouragement, and teammate solidarity – instilled in me the confidence to continue playing,” Heldes explained.
Critics Voice Opposition
Despite the support, criticism has been directed at the volleyball player. Some social media users reacted negatively to footage of her playing, describing her actions as “crazy” and “irresponsible.”
Social Media Backlash
One user commented, “These individuals prioritize themselves over their child.” The user continued, “While playing and winning for the team is valuable, avoiding potential complications that could impact the baby’s health is more crucial. Hopefully, the baby will remain unaffected.”
Athlete Defends Her Choice
Heldes countered the criticism, reiterating, “Countless women maintain employment throughout their entire pregnancies; my actions are not exceptional.”
Breaking Taboos in Sports
She addressed the historical “taboo surrounding pregnancy in sports,” explaining, “Upon learning of my pregnancy, I felt immense fear. I questioned, ‘What will I do? Will I have to stop? How will people react to me?'”
Motherhood and Athletic Careers
Pri stated, “My decision to continue playing was driven by the desire to demonstrate that motherhood does not signify the conclusion of a woman’s sports career.”
Gratitude for Support System
She expressed gratitude to her club for their backing, noting it enabled her to “proceed calmly and confidently, savoring my pregnancy while maintaining my work performance and discipline.”
Pictured: Priscila with her husband. She is competing for her team in the Superliga while pregnant with her first child, Emanuel, expected in August.
Reportedly, she has received inquiries from fans questioning the safety of playing volleyball at this stage of her pregnancy.
Critics have publicly disapproved of the volleyball player’s decision, with some social media users labeling her as ‘crazy’ and ‘irresponsible’.
Family and Fan Support
She also acknowledged the support of her husband, Wesley Castro, a basketball player for Sesi Franca.
Positive Fan Reactions
Numerous fans have championed her decision. One Instagram user commented, “Pride and inspiration! Your strength is unmatched! I admire you greatly.”
Fellow Athletes Inspired
Fellow athlete Fernanda Fe Palermo added, “Priiii!! You are a remarkable example as a woman and an athlete! So inspiring! Faith and immense confidence in your beliefs!! Emanuel is already incredibly fortunate to have you!!!”