Sarah Stage, a 30-year-old lingerie model located in Los Angeles, is eight months pregnant. Judging by her photos, it's nearly impossible to tell.
Despite a professed love for In-N-Out Burger and mint chocolate chip ice cream, Sarah says she has only gained 18 pounds over the course of her pregnancy, and she should be gaining a few more in the final month. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women should gain anywhere from 20–40 pounds during pregnancy — putting Sarah in the healthy range. Doctors aren't disturbed by her pronounced abs and toned muscles; in fact, modified exercise routines and strong muscles are often encouraged to ensure a healthy delivery.
So if Sarah and her baby are completely healthy, and doctors give her physique the A-OK, why is her skinny stomach so shocking?
Of her 1.3 million Instagram followers, tons have come forth with very strong opinions on Sarah's barely-there baby belly. One follower wrote, "This is horrible, she's more preoccupied with looking good than having a healthy baby!"
But when a woman becomes a mom, should she stop valuing her appearance? Could Sarah's slender form inspire women to pursue less healthy means for prenatal skinniness? Is this just a campaign for fame and attention?
It's a very tricky subject with no definitive answer. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts! How do you feel about Sarah's tight tummy?
Let us know, and please SHARE so your friends can weigh in, too!
Sarah, a successful Californian model, has always had a slender, muscular frame.
But after 34 weeks of pregnancy, Sarah's body seems almost entirely unchanged.
In this photo, taken last month, Sarah's friend was 33 weeks pregnant; she was 29 weeks.
Sarah says she maintains a healthy figure by doing light prenatal exercises and eating lean, healthy meals.
But genetics also play a large role in a woman's pregnancy. Sarah, being naturally tall and slim, might experience a different pregnancy than other women.
Of the criticism she's receiving, Sarah says, "I'm just trying to stay positive. It's hard enough to be pregnant."
But with her private life in the public eye, one has to expect an assortment of strong reactions.
Sarah's baby — a boy — now weighs five pounds, and doctors say he's perfectly healthy.
Despite her athletic physique, Sarah insists she loves treating herself to cheeseburgers, pizza, and ice cream.
“My doctor says the baby is healthy and that’s all that matters to us," says Sarah.
Please SHARE if you were surprised by Sarah's skinny baby belly!
