Are pregnant women harming their babies by trying to stay so thin? We ask a doctor.

by Mamamia Team March 7, 2015

American model Sarah Stage, has been posting pictures of her baby bump – but those same photos have people very concerned about her health and the health of her child.

For many pregnant women, their body changes and the development of their child is something very private. For others, it is something to be shared. Model Sarah Stage, 31, falls into the latter category, documenting her pregnancy regularly via Instagram.

But her most recent photos have raised some eyebrows. According to Sarah, she is eight and a half months pregnant, but the photos reveal that her bump is barely showing.

Image via Instagram (@sarahstage)

Of course, all women are different, and no pregnancy is the same. But many of Sarah’s Instagram followers have expressed complete disbelief that she could possibly be so thin at this stage of her pregnancy (one asking “Where can a baby even fit in there?”).

For more: Men experience what pregnancy is really like. Spoiler alert: They cannot deal.

Other are a worried about the health of Sarah’s baby one stating “I really pray her baby is healthy. If she’s 8 months that baby is very much looking undersized.”

Image via Instagram (@sarahstage)

Mamamia asked Brisbane Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Brad Robinson for his view on the issue.

Dr Robinson says that a mother’s weight isn’t always an indicator of the size of her baby:

Sarah has talked about maintaining her fitness with “light prenatal training” and has joked that she “can’t really do abs these days”.

Dr Robinson says that you can exercise safely while pregnant – but he has an important proviso:

And that’s Dr Robinson’s main concern – women feeling pressured to maintain a particular body shape while they are pregnant:

Image via Instagram (@sarahstage)

As for Sarah Stage, she’s prepared to shake off the criticism, saying, “these days it’s seems like everyone has something to say, especially on social media. Most are very positive and I try to ignore any negative comments.

“My doctor says the baby is healthy and that’s all that matters to us.”

It appears that pregnant bodies are as diverse as the women who own them.

Click through this gallery of women celebrating their baby bumps – in their various forms.

Bumps, Babes and Beyond by Sandi Ford

Ford's pregnancy photos

Bumps, Babes and Beyond Photography by Sandi Ford

Ford's pregnancy photos

What do you think about Sarah Stage’s photos?

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