Heavily pregnant model says lifting weights helps combat morning sickness

A former top bodybuilder and bikini model is still lifting weights despite being heavily pregnant with her first child - and urges other women to do the same.

Brazilian Nathalia Melo, 30, who is due in August, has been sharing daily videos and photographs of her seven-day workout routine on social media with her round but toned bump on display.

One video, uploaded over the weekend, shows her doing a round of deadlifts - however she insisted that the design of the metal bar made it 'a lot easier with the bump'.

Another clip posted on Instagram and Facebook shows her doing donkey kicks with a resistance band in a crop top and leggings.

The uploads have generated mostly positive responses, with commenters applauding her athleticism.

Indeed, one viewer of her donkey kick workout wrote: 'Never thought I'd live to see a shredded baby belly. I respect you. When it gets tough, just remember you're tougher than tough.'

And another fan added: 'Amazing, I can still see your abs!!!! You go girl! You never fail to inspire me.'

The brunette, who is currently based in Belfast, first hit the gym when she was only 14 and living in Brazil. 

Recalling the chain of events, she said: 'I started training when I was a teenager. I always liked going to the gym and I would save my allowance for a month and a half to pay for one month’s gym membership.'

Nathalia started competing in bikini bodybuilding contests seven years ago.

She went on to win several international titles across the globe, including the Bikini Olympia in 2012.

After moving to Belfast to live with husband Roger Wilson, a rugby player, she decided to leave the world of body building behind and focus on a career as a personal trainer. 

Last October, the bodybuilder also launched her own bikini bodybuilding competition called the Nathalia Melo Classic, which saw contestants from over 15 international countries take to the stage.

Since falling pregnant with her first child, Nathalia has continued to hit the gym in a bid to keep on top of her changing physique.

She says her workouts help her feel in control and take her mind off any queasiness.

'As my body started to change I found that the gym helped me feel like I still had some control over my body,' she revealed.

'This is especially important coming from a competitive background, when you always feel in tune with your body and how it functions. From going from a ripped physique to a round belly, it has given me a sense of control.' 

As well as regularly exercising, Nathalia keeps an eye on what she eats.

In a recent post she is seen making a protein powder shake for breakfast and she says she has also developed cravings for pizza since becoming pregnant.

Touching on her changing eating habits she said: 'People talk about cravings but before I fell pregnant I didn’t believe it. It then happened to me and sometimes I just have to have a pizza. 

'I’ve always tried to keep an eye on what I’m eating but I’ve always allowed myself to have a treat, like a glass of wine before I was pregnant or a meal out with my husband. It’s important to still have fun and award yourself.' 

The former bikini model would average her weight at around 125 to 130lbs before becoming pregnant, but roughly gained 20lbs over 29 weeks.

She is now sharing her tips and knowledge to expectant mothers looking for guidance on safely exercising while pregnant.

Her recommended workouts include squats, lunges, rowing and lifting dumbbells. 

She highlights the importance of getting the go-ahead from a doctor first, adapting routines to a slower pace and 'always listening to your body'.

Nathalia concluded: 'When I found out I was pregnant I went and completed a course in pre-natal training. I’m still exercising but not at the same intensity.

'It’s all about adapting and listening to your body, especially in the beginning.  

'There’s this feeling that pregnant women are like little China dolls but working out has helped me a lot, especially with sickness. 

'I had very bad morning sickness at the start but I found that if I went to the gym and started exercising, it took my mind off it and stopped me from thinking about feeling nauseous.' 

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