Why I stopped judging pregnant runners (as a pelvic PT)
0She ran a 19:36 5K at 35 weeks pregnant.
Reilly Kiernan — Olympic Trials qualifier, second-time mom, and experienced athlete — showed up at the Boston 5K with a bump and a big smile… and people still felt the need to judge. 😤
"You're jostling the fetus."
"Should she even be running?"
"That's not safe."
Let’s be clear:
📚 The research supports staying active in pregnancy.
🏃♀️ Reilly knows her body.
🧠 She used support. Deferred her marathon. Stayed within her limits.
She did exactly what we tell moms to do — listen to your body, stay active, and do what’s right for you.
So why the judgment?
We celebrate male athletes for pushing limits — but when a pregnant woman runs, even with caution and joy, suddenly it’s a problem?
This isn’t about comparison. Most of us couldn’t touch what she does on our best day — and that’s fine.
This is about respect. Trust. And letting women own their strength, their bodies, and their choices.
Would you have the confidence to move joyfully even when people are side-eyeing you? Because Reilly did. 👏👇
#StopTheJudgment #PregnantRunnersBelong #EliteMomsRunToo #PregnancyIsNotFragile #ActivePregnancy #PregnancyAndPerformance #ReillyKiernan #RunLikeAMother #PregnancyFitness #Boston5K #PregnantAndPowerful #MaternityRunning #LetMomsMove #paglianorunning
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About Me: Dr. Carrie Pagliano
Hi, I’m Dr. Carrie Pagliano, a pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapist with over 25 years of experience. I’m double board-certified in Orthopedics and Women’s Health and hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine.
I specialize in helping women navigate challenges like pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause through personalized care. As the founder of Carrie Pagliano PT, LLC, my mission is to empower women to feel strong and confident at every stage of life.
I'm also the host of the ACTIVE MOM PODCAST found on all major podcast platforms. 🎙️ The Active Mom Podcast is your GO-TO guide for pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, & beyond—created for active moms & the professionals who support them! Whether you’re navigating motherhood or working with moms, get expert advice, real-life stories, & actionable tips to thrive at every stage.
Let’s Connect!
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#PelvicHealth #WomensHealth #PostpartumRecovery #PhysicalTherapy