A fitness and nutrition coach who is six months pregnant has shared pictures of her toned tummy online, prompting commenters to say that her bump is ‘non-existent.’
Sarah Harker, 32, from Newcastle, trains with her personal trainer boyfriend, Todd, at the gym and eats a well balanced and nutritious diet.
She says she has had comments from followers who are ‘disappointed’ that she has not lost her fit physique and given up the gym in her pregnancy.
Sarah Harker, 32, trains with her personal trainer boyfriend at the gym and eats a well balanced and nutritious diet. Pictured: Sarah on holiday at five months pregnant
She says she has had comments from followers who are ‘disappointed’ that she has not lost her fit physique and given up the gym in her pregnancy. Pictured: Sarah at home at five months pregnant
She 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.
‘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.
The 32-year-old, who is self-employed, lives in Newcastle with her partner Todd. She said: ‘The volume of women messaging me to say that my bump is non-existent has been mad. Pictured: Sarah at home at six months pregnant
‘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.
‘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.’
The 32-year-old announced her pregnancy to her 7,800 followers on her coaching Instagram page @sarahlouskitchen, prompting messages from people offering unsolicited advice and opinions on her choices.
The 32-year-old announced her pregnancy to her 7,800 followers on her coaching Instagram page @sarahlouskitchen, prompting messages from people offering unsolicited advice and opinions on her choices. Pictured: Sarah at a wedding with her partner Todd
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.’
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. Pictured: Sarah at home at six months pregnant
But Sarah added that the negative comments have largely been outweighed by positive messages of congratulations and support for maintaining her healthy lifestyle.
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.
The 32-year-old credits maintaining her toned stomach to a consistent and unrestrictive lifestyle
‘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.’
The personal trainer says maintaining her toned stomach is thanks to a 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.’
Her advice to pregnant women who also want to get active is to focus on fuelling their bodies correctly, so they do not 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.
Her advice to pregnant women who also want to get active is to focus on fuelling their bodies correctly, so they do not turn to sugar for a quick fix. Pictured: Sarah with Todd
‘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.’
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!’
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. Pictured: Sarah at home
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