Sarah Stage isn't compromising her fitness regimen, even at 8-months-pregnant.
The Los Angeles-based model, known on social media as the "Six-Pack Mom," is closer than ever to welcoming her second child. Sarah's shared much of pregnancy journey with her more than 2 million Instagram followers, and much like her first pregnancy, has defended her lifestyle time and time again from body shamers and trolls.
In her latest Instagram post, Stage shares why she's continued exercising so close to her due date despite an influx of comments urging her to stop. "As I'm nearing #8months I've wanted to share what's been on my mind," the mom-to-be captioned a video sequence of herself completing a series of weight exercises like planks, lunges and squats.
"Since I've announced my second pregnancy," Stage continued, "I've had certain ‘Instagram medical experts' tell me what I should and shouldn't do. And while I find some of the comments hilarious, I choose to only listen to my OBGYN and of course I also listen to MY body."
Stage added, "If something feels off, I don't do it! I always do what's best for my growing baby and put him first! It's a proven medical fact that continuing exercising while pregnant has many health benefits for you and baby. Clearly, I have greatly reduced the intensity of my workouts and stick to at home exercises from my Fitness Ebook 2-3x a week."
The six-pack mom then addressed haters accusing Stage of prioritizing her looks over her unborn child: "There are also some people who assume that since I am exercising while pregnant, that I'm obsessed with how I ‘look' but in fact I'm obsessed with maintaining a healthy lifestyle that will give my baby and myself the best possible quality of life."
She concluded, "Alternatively, I don't judge anyone who chooses to not be active while pregnant etc. as it's their own life... I'm just sharing my pregnancy journey and appreciate the positive support from most of you."
By the time Stage had reached her third trimester in early August, her abs were still completely visible and her midsection appeared toned to perfection. She's yet to reveal how much weight she's gained this time around, but before giving birth to her first son James Hunter in 2015, Stage had put on 20-lbs. at the 8-month mark.
She ultimately welcomed a healthy baby boy who weighed in at 8-lbs. 7-oz. and 22 inches long.