Nada Hafez, an Egyptian fencer, made headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics by competing while seven months pregnant. Hafez shared her journey on Instagram, highlighting the unique experience of having both herself and her unborn child on the podium. Despite facing significant physical and emotional challenges, she expressed pride in reaching the round of 16 before being defeated by South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung, 15-7.
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Hafez’s decision to compete during pregnancy has sparked interest and concern regarding the safety of such endeavors. Dr. Suhag, an expert in combat sports and pregnancy, noted that participating in contact sports like fencing can be risky due to the potential for abdominal trauma, which may lead to complications such as placental abruption or fetal injury.
Dr. Suhag emphasized the importance of safety measures, including routine consultations with an obstetrician, adjusting the intensity of the sport, and using enhanced protective clothing. Monitoring for signs of pain or discomfort is crucial to ensure both maternal and fetal health.
