If there's one thing that society can be counted on for, it's judgement. No matter what's going on in the world, there will always be judgmental people out there, putting their nose in other people's lives, where they don't belong. And for women, the amount of criticism is seemingly never-ending. Especially for mothers, and mothers-to-be, online trolls and commenters are relentless. A recent example of this? One "fit mom" is being shamed for what she's doing during her pregnancy, even though it's nobody's business.
Sarah Stage, 33-year-old model and mother to 2-year-old son James, recently took to Instagram to show herself doing crunches while six months pregnant. And while many of her followers were supportive, encouraging, and amazed at the model's dedication to maintaining her regular workout routine, there were (of course) some haters. Users wrote comments like "She must be pregnant in the ass because where the hell is the baby?" and "This routine scared the hell out of me even watching." Because women's bodies are solely there for others to comment on, right?
Eye roll.
Seriously, y'all. Stage's pregnancy, and her exercise routine, is no one else's business but her, and maybe her doctor's (as pregnant women should consult their physicians about their physical activity). And, as she explained in her caption, "My doctor has given me the OK to continue exercising while pregnant." So back off, haters. She knows what she's doing.
Unfortunately, Stage is no stranger to online harassment. Back in 2015, Stage proved to be too much for some trolls, because they went so far as to doubt her pregnancy was real or healthy.
But then, she gave birth to her sweet little James, and the haters backed off, for a little while, at least. Now, the trolls are back in full force judging Stage for exercising while pregnant, even though her caption literally included a disclaimer for other pregnant women. "If you're expecting please check with your dr. first since everyone is different," she told her followers.
For the record, pregnant women are advised to "exercise for at least 20–30 minutes per day on most or all days of the week," according to the American Congress of Gynecologists and Obstetricians. However, many women are also told not to do too many exercises where they lay flat on their backs after the first trimester, which Stage is doing in her Instagram.
But, like she said, Stage and her doctor have discussed her fitness routines, and determined that everything she's doing is totally safe and healthy. And again, it's nobody's business.
