New York City Marathon winner is under scrutiny for training during pregnancy.

Kudos to Paula Radcliffe, the Mom who finished first in the women's category of the New York City Marathon, completing the 26.2 mile race in just two hours, 23 minutes and nine seconds. Radcliffe trained while she was pregnant, and she resumed her rigorous routine just 12 days after giving birth in January.

The effects of such intense training are not widely known because so few mothers-to-be prepare for and run marathons, but Radcliffe's achievement is creating controversy.

Radcliffe defended her decision to train during pregnancy, saying that safety was always her top priority. Her OB/GYN closely monitored her throughout each trimester, giving her monthly ultrasounds from the fifth month on. And, under doctor's orders, Radcliffe never allowed her heart rate to rise above 160 beats per minute while running, according to Saturday's New York Times.

The fact that Radcliffe trained during pregnancy and so soon after childbirth had everyone—from reporters and spectators to sports analysts and doctors—weighing in. But Paula justified her choice in the New York Times: "If I'm happy, I train better and I race better. And the fact that I've got a little angel in my life makes me run better."

This is certainly an impressive accomplishment, but was training during pregnancy worth the potential risk for both Mom and child? What do you think? Post your comments now!