An Australian fitness-obsessed Instagram star garnered criticism for her approach to pregnancy.
Hannah Polites, 24, was shocked by the comments she received on her page about her fit figure as she entered the final trimester of her pregnancy, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
The Instagram celebrity, who has over 1 million followers, has been posting bikini pictures of her body transformation, which show her slender and toned figure boasting a small baby bump.
Hundreds of users soon began accusing Polites of starving her fetus and promoting a harmful approach to pregnancy.
Polites also received a lot of positive feedback, though.
“You look amazing and healthy, so what if you have a small bump,” another commenter wrote. “When I was pregnant with my first child, I didn’t show until I was two weeks off my due date and my baby was over 7lb and healthy. Just ignore the bad comments and enjoy your pregnancy.”
Polites said her fetus is 20 percent larger than average at six months and that staying fit helps her feel good.
“It’s truly shocking to read some of the comments regarding my health and that of my unborn baby, especially at a time where women are particularly vulnerable and can be more sensitive to bullying,” she told the Gold Coast Bulletin. “I do not take the negative comments to heart, especially when I know I am making informed decisions when it comes to nutrition and exercise in pregnancy and motherhood.
“For the record, doctors have told me [my baby] is healthy. All women’s bodies should be celebrated, especially at a time of pregnancy. I will continue to post photos of my body as I feel that it’s important to be a positive role model in the community. My life can be confronting for women because it differs to their own choices, but this is who I am and everyone is welcome to share their own journeys.”
Polites isn’t the only fitness star to face backlash for her figure during pregnancy. Australian fitness star Ashy Bines reportedly experienced the same scrutiny when she was pregnant, with the attacks getting worse after she gave birth and recovered her slim figure.
Sophie Guidolin, a mother of four, faced criticism for lifting weights while pregnant. The Instagram star documented her controversial “fit pregnancy” of twins Evie and Aria in 2015.
Sources: Gold Coast Bulletin, Hannah Polites/Instagram / Photo credit: Hannah Polites/Instagram