Australian actress Madeleine West has swiped back at critics who said she shouldn't be exercising while pregnant. Photo / Getty Images / @msmadswest
Australian actress Madeleine West has swiped back at critics who said she shouldn't be exercising while pregnant. Photo / Getty Images / @msmadswest
Madeleine West took to social media to respond to “loud and aggressive” critics following her pregnancy announcement.
Australian actor Madeleine West, who is expecting her seventh child, has slammed critics who have criticised her lifestyle choices amid her pregnancy.
The former Neighbours star, 45, announced the exciting news she was having another baby earlier this month, as she shared a photo of her growing bump on Instagram telling followers she “couldn’t be happier”.
Weeks later, West’s pregnancy journey took a nasty hit, with the star issuing a lengthy statement revealing she was trolled in her direct messages after uploading a photo of herself working out at the gym.
“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 whilst pregnant and was only doing it out of vanity,” she wrote.
West, who played the beloved character Dee Bliss on the iconic soap, continued, “I continue to exercise to ensure the best possible start 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 and onwards.
Madeleine West, who is pregnant with her seventh child, said she was trolled over this gym photo. Photo / @msmadswest
“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 faster than you could say ‘yoga-lates’.
“If you wish to express concern, I appreciate it. But please do so with a little less rage and vitriol. How we communicate online has already taught the #AI #algorithms controlling social media output that humans respond best to anger and controversy.
In her pregnancy announcement on social media earlier this month, West didn’t disclose who the father was.
Madeleine West announced her pregnancy earlier this month. Photo / @msmadswest
“WHOOPS!,” she began her Instagram post at the time.
“Thought it was perimenopause, I thought WRONG!
“It’s not too much Christmas pudding either. And 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 007 (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. I know you must be out there. Just seems we are invisible. So if you’re expecting later than expected, and tackling early parenthood in your 40s or 50s, I’d LOVE [to] hear your stories.”
West, who is based in Byron Bay, finished her post by asking followers to send all their tips and advice regarding necessary newborn items.
Shannon Bennett and Madeleine West split in 2018. Photo / Getty Images
“There’s a terrifying new world of contraptions out there and I don’t know where to start!!! HELP!!!!”, she added.
The star has been deeply candid in recent years regarding her 2018 separation from Bennett after 13 years together, as well as her battle with anorexia and mental health issues.
More recently, West was thought to be dating Byron Bay environmentalist Maximo Bottaro.
However, the pair haven’t been pictured together since at least December 2023.
West shares Phoenix, Hendrix, Xascha, Xanthe, and twins Xalia and Margaux with Bennett, who is also based in the Byron region.
