Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell was on the receiving end of some cruel criticism when she and Stefan Dennis were forced to pull out of the BBC dance competition
Strictly Come Dancing fans have had much to talk about this series, but one thing that seems to have received unnecessary noise is Dianne Buswell’s pregnancy.
The 36 year old professional dancer announced shortly before this year’s series began that she and her boyfriend Joe Sugg are expecting their first child together. The couple shared the exciting news on Instagram with a sweet video of them creating a painting together as YouTuber Joe, 34, gushed in the caption: “Our little baby boy we cannot wait to meet you”.
And while Dianne and Joe were initially met with excited messages of congratulations, some cruel Strictly fans couldn’t help but speculate over Dianne’s ability to compete in this year’s series. Dianne was then paired with Neighbours star Stefan Dennis and the pair got off to a storming start.
But, sadly, the actor falling ill meant the duo had to skip a live show one weekend – and what ensued was ignorant questions surrounding Dianne and her pregnancy, claiming there was a ‘cover-up’ going on, as some incorrectly concluded that Dianne’s pregnancy was the real reason the pair had to take a break.
This cruel speculation wasn’t helped when Dianne and Stefan had to pull out of the competition completely after Stefan suffered a painful injury. Dianne was forced to issue a statement to deny speculation that her pregnancy played a part in the pair’s departure from the competition.
One fan wrote in response to Dianne and Stefan’s exit news: “To be honest I saw this coming, Diane couldn’t really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her. She’s a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourites sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thought.”
Dianne took to her Instagram Stories and said, in response: “I sound like a broken record but I’m seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually why should I.
“I will speak up… I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week next week the week after that so so on and so forth. In fact I have more energy this year than I did this time last year.”
Now, the Mirror has spoken a pre and post natal fitness expert and a midwife to clear up any speculation around pregnancy and exericse.
Grace Strang, Pre and Post Natal specialist PT & Fat Loss coach. and Founder of Mooch Maternity Fitness Classes, told us: “Exercising during pregnancy has been proven time and again to only be beneficial to the mother and child, and as such is recommended to stay active during pregnancy by NHS England. As women now participate in more sports at a higher level (women’s football for example) it is safe and healthy for these individuals to continue to train at this level. The advice is to not undertake strenuous or high levels of physical activity when pregnant if you are not already doing so (but that’s not to say you can’t start at all! I’ve coached pregnant women who never exercises before, we just start at a lower intensity level).”
Mooch Maternity Fitness Classes Founder Grace added that exercise is “safe [throughout] the entirety of pregnancy” but “this depends entirely on the individual”. She explained: “There are certain conditions that if developed during pregnancy (like placenta previa) where exercise is dangerous and NOT advised at all. But these are rare.
“The biggest risk factors, especially in the third trimester are things like overheating, dehydration, over-exhaustion as your body is working much harder with increased blood volume. In Dianne’s case, as her body shape changes and her centre of gravity shifts she may be more likely to falls, also given her sport and the speed its performed (plus dancing with a novice who might trip her up vs a pro!) but this could all be risk assessed before hand.”
Meanwhile, Grace stressed: “Just to add, certain sports or activities are not advised (its just common sense) like boxing, horse riding, or anything where the risk of injury or getting hit is particularly high!”
While Grace said exercise in pregnancy is safe, it can also be beneficial for both mum and baby. She explained: “Improved labour outcomes, it makes your baby fitter (mums who exercised babies are born with more muscle) less chance of developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, less chance of being overweight, improved cardiovascular fitness, less pelvic floor issues, quicker recovery from both types of birth, less muscle atrophy and therefore improved metabolism.”
And while it does have its benefits, it is also completely OK to slow down if that is what mum decides to do. Midwife Pip – who is an experienced practicing NHS Midwifery Sister, MSc, author of Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth, KGH hypnobirthing diploma, founder of the Midwife Pip Podcast, pelvic health specialist, pre and postnatal trainer and, importantly, a mum – explained: “Every pregnancy is different, and energy levels can fluctuate. Slowing down or modifying activity is perfectly normal and often necessary. The goal is to stay active in a way that feels safe and sustainable rather than pushing to pre-pregnancy intensity at all times.”
So, what are the tips? Midwife Pip said: “It’s important to start any exercise with a proper warm-up and finish with a cool-down to reduce the risk of injury. Try to focus on exercises that strengthen your core, support your pelvic floor, and help maintain good posture. Wearing supportive footwear and comfortable clothing makes a big difference, and don’t forget to stay hydrated and avoid overheating while you move.”
While Grace added: “My tips would be to not be scared to continue to exercise! As more pregnant exercising women take part in studies, time and time again exercise is proven to be beneficial to health and not harmful to yourself or baby.
“Like I said earlier, my best advice is to remember its not about getting ‘fitter’ as such in this period, but maintaining the fitness you already have. And having a coach or advice on hand to show you how to adapt your exercise or dance routines etc so you can continue to do the exact sports you love in the way you want to.”
