A MUM-to-be says she feels like the most "un-pregnant person ever," after sharing pics online of her toned tummy at six months pregnant.
Fitness and nutrition coach Sarah Harker, 32, is still working out with her personal trainer boyfriend at the gym and is keeping to her well balanced and nutritious diet.
But while Sarah is thrilled at being able to keep her toned figure, trolls have been quick to make rude remarks.
She says she has received comments online from followers who are "disappointed" that she hasn't lost her fit physique yet and given up the gym.
Self employed, Sarah, who lives in Newcastle with her partner Todd, said: "The volume of women messaging me to say that my bump is non-existent has been mad.
"You can still see the definition of my six pack. My abs are still there.
on Pregnancy
I’m five months pregnant and I am constantly bump shamed by strangers
I’m pregnant & I am constantly bump shamed by strangers – I’m sick of it
"But the comments leave me feeling like there is something wrong or like I’m the most un-pregnant person ever.
"The midwives say everything is perfect and I am just a very strong mama.
"Keeping fit and healthy and continuing to train has kept me mentally focused and happy. It is good for me and for my baby.
"If people are disappointed that I'm not sitting on the sofa resting for nine months and eating biscuits then it doesn't affect me personally, that's their opinion.
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"I'm not a different person just because I'm carrying a baby, I want to continue as I was with obvious adjustments to keep me and baby safe.
"I listen to my body so the days it’s tired and needs rest I do just that, but for now and whilst I’m able to, why wouldn’t I stay fit and active?
"The benefits far outweigh any worries that people may have and I know it’s helping me and baby and also my recovery after birth."
After Sarah announced her pregnancy to the 7,800 followers on her coaching Instagram page @sarahlouskitchen, she says the floodgates opened with messages from people offering unsolicited advice and opinions on her choices.
She said: "Some comments I've had have been so backhanded.
"For instance someone said: 'I'm so happy for you and thank goodness you will lose that body and finally look like the rest of us,'
"I was told: 'Say goodbye to your life it's all downhill from here,'
"Another person wrote: 'Guessing your bikini pics will stop now the six pack will be gone.'
"It's mind-blowing the negativity people will display.
"People have told me they don't like the colour I've painted the nursery and tell me I should stop training at the gym and just rest, which is nonsense."
Sarah says the negative comments have been outweighed by positive messages of congratulations and support for maintaining her healthy lifestyle.
It's mind-blowing the negativity people will display
She said: "Luckily I'm used to people commenting on my body, it really doesn't bother me anymore. Most people are happy for me, but there is a proportion of social media users who seem to enjoy bringing others down.
"It is well known that if you have exercised and maintained a good level of fitness before falling pregnant then it is perfectly safe to continue working out as normal but with modified routines if necessary. I know what I'm doing and I know what my body is capable of.
"One midwife said that I had nothing to worry about and I will be one of those 'annoying people' who bounce back to their fitness straight after birth – which is nice but also makes me feel under pressure to do so. Especially given anything can happen during birth."
Sarah credits maintaining her toned tum to her consistent and unrestrictive lifestyle.
She said: "I don't calorie count, I make sure I relax and take time out. I love fish and chips as much as the next person.
“I try to live by the 80/20 rule – 80% healthy and 20% of the time I'll have treats. I'm known to love a night out and that includes sinking a pint at the football and letting loose when I'm not pregnant but the gym is my passion so I always aim to keep it up."
If any expectant new mums want to follow in Sarah's footsteps and maintain an energetic lifestyle, and healthy balance whilst pregnant she recommends focusing on fuelling your body properly so you don't turn to sugar for a quick fix.
She said: "Snack wise I go for fruit or rice cakes with mashed avocado, fresh tomatoes/cucumber and some chilli flakes. I much prefer that over cakes and biscuits, which leave me feeling bloated and with low energy levels.
"All snacks and foods need to be nutrient dense. The baby is absorbing everything that you’re eating, so packing meals out properly ensures that you’re both benefiting and you can maintain your energy levels. Baby is incredibly important but so is mum."
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Sarah added: "I know I am extremely blessed to have so far had an enjoyable pregnancy with little to no symptoms, but I completely understand that every pregnancy is different and I know that mine could change at any point.
"Growing another human is a miracle and what women's bodies can do and create is just magical!"
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