‘Pregnant not powerless.’
Aoibhín Garrihy has responded after being criticised for climbing a mountain at seven months pregnant.
The first time mum-to-be took on Carrauntoohil with her husband John Burke yesterday, not letting the fact that she’s in her third trimester get in her way.
“When you’ve a great guide with you the sky’s the limit (or the top of Carrauntoohil)! #ProbablyOurLastOneAsADuo,” she captioned a photo of herself and John standing at the summit.
The actress drew praise from many of her fans for staying so active while expecting, though some followers warned that it was an ‘irresponsible’ thing to do.
Aoibhín responded by saying that she took her time and was in good hands with mountaineer John by her side.
“As my husband is an experienced climber, safety has always been paramount for us,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Everyone’s body and capabilities are different during pregnancy but on a fine day with no wind and great support I took my time and to be honest I can’t think of a nicer way to spend the day seven months pregnant! #pregnantnotpowerless”
The Garrihy family also weighed in, with sister Doireann and mum Clare defending Aoibhín.
“Before posting the photo, Aoibhin had already told me all about the climb and that it took her three times longer than usual, she took it nice and slow and ‘couldn’t have felt more comfortable,'” wrote Doireann.
“Aoibhín’s Dad Eugene (my husband) was born in Ennis hospital July 1959,” added Clare.
“His godmother Mary Dunleavey, pregnant with twins cycled from Doolin to Ennis (26 miles each way) to see him and her dear friend Biddy Garrihy. Not a bother on her or her twins Mary and PJ.”
Fair play to Aoibhín – while everyone experiences it differently, she’s proof that if you’re up to it there’s nothing wrong with keeping active during your pregnancy.
