Madeleine West has issued a scathing response to critics who questioned her decision to continue exercising at the gym while pregnant with her seventh child.
The Neighbours star, 45, shared a picture to Instagram on Saturday in which she showcased her growing baby bump during a gym workout and captioned it with some pointed words.
‘I just want to allay the quite loud and aggressive concerns of those faceless folk who slid into my DMs after spotting this pic in my stories, asserting I shouldn’t be in the gym while pregnant and was only doing it out of vanity,’ she began.
West then emphasised her fitness routine was focused on ensuring the best start for her unborn child.
‘I continue to exercise to ensure the best for my baby. Regular GENTLE exercise keeps blood pressure in check and lowers the risk of gestational diabetes.
‘It’s great for mental health and I know only too well how strong my body will need to be in the coming months.’
Madeleine West (pictured) has issued a scathing response to critics who questioned her decision to continue exercising at the gym while pregnant with her seventh child
She added she was attending a gym staffed by trainers skilled at helping pregnant women achieve their fitness goals.
‘I attend a gym staffed by PTs well-versed in caring for pregnant women. They keep a vigilant eye on me, so even if I wanted to heft barbells across the room or twist myself into a pretzel, I’d be stopped.’
The Melbourne-born actress finished her post by saying it was okay for people to express their concerns to her, but she asked them to do so in a polite manner.
‘There’s a pretty simple way to reverse that and take control back: START BEING KIND TO EACH OTHER.
‘The single greatest signifier of mankind’s humanity is when MAN is KIND.’
Many of West’s followers quickly took to the comment section to commend her bravery in speaking out on this issue.
‘You are an amazing human. Nobody should be telling you what you can and can’t do,’ one person wrote.
‘Keeping fit is vital – do so as long as you are able too,’ a second user added.
The Neighbours star, 45, shared a picture to Instagram on Saturday in which she showcased her growing baby bump during a gym workout and captioned it with some pointed words
West emphasised her fitness routine was focused on ensuring the best start for her unborn child
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Madeleine West reveals her bizarre pregnancy cravings
Last week, Madeleine announced she was pregnant with her seventh child – a decade on from her most recent birth.
The star revealed the surprising news in an Instagram post.
In the photo, the brunette displayed her growing baby bump in a tight-fitting tank top that was lifted to reveal her bare tummy.
‘WHOOPS!’ she captioned her post. ‘Thought it was #perimenopause. I thought WRONG!’
‘It’s not too much Christmas pudding either. I couldn’t be happier.
‘Not too sure about the title ‘Geriatric mum’ but here we are, and I’m winding back a little to grow this little surprise package I’ve dubbed. (Baby number 7, couldn’t help myself).
‘I don’t have much more to say right now, but I’ve noticed I don’t hear much about older parents. l know you must be out there. Seems we are invisible.’
The actress sought advice for a mother in her 40s from her followers as she prepares for her seventh birth.
‘So if you’re expecting later than expected, and tackling early in your 40s or 50s, I’d LOVE hear your stories,’ she added.
Madeleine already shares six children – Phoenix, 19, Hendrix, 16, Xascha, 14, Xanthe, 12, and twins Xalia and Margaux, 10 – with her ex-partner, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett, 49.
The n star was most recently linked to Maximo Bottaro, who she dated for more than three years.