LOOK: Check Out Gorgeous #FitMums That Are Taking Over Instagram

Keeping fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy is an absolute must. But these mums, who are taking over Instagram, are taking pregnancy fitness to a whole new level.

A typical #FitMum often posts bikini selfies, astounding followers with their lack of stretch marks. They also share videos of their exercise regimens which even include lifting weights.

Fit mums take over Instagram

 

Australian winters look a little like this and I love it 🌎💦✨ Seriously in love with the @teamiblends profit tea at the moment, all natural ingredients and yes its totally safe in pregnancy 👅🍋🍃 use code HANNAHP for a discount to try for yourself #thankyouteami #6.5months 🍼👶

A photo posted by hannahpolites (@hannahpolites) on May 31, 2016 at 2:04am PDT

A quick scan of the #fitmum hashtag will reveal about 8 million posts. Most of these images and videos feature often heavily pregnant women doing intense exercises or boasting taut tummies barely two weeks after giving birth.

 

Some days I miss being prego it was around this time last year when I was #36weekspregnant #9months with James

A photo posted by 🍔SARAH STAGE (@sarahstage) on Mar 8, 2016 at 11:45am PST

Sia Cooper, a 27-year-old personal trainer and mum-of-two told People: "The day I went into labour, I actually did incline training for an hour along with dumbbell curls and barbell squats...I got a great last workout in before my daughter decided to make her grand appearance!"

 

Postpartum photo update. 10 days PP, 4lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight. Feeling great and ready to start up my workouts again. For the last several days, clean eating has been my focus, but I did a light workout today to ease me back into my fitness regimen. I will be starting my Fit For Life workout program in a couple of weeks! Click the link inside my bio to view it.

A photo posted by Sia Cooper (@diaryofafitmommyofficial) on May 23, 2016 at 12:43pm PDT

Inspiration and criticism

Even though their goal may be to inspire other mums, these #FitMums have been criticised for sending the wrong message to their thousands of social media followers. 

For some pregnant women (whose pregnancies are sensitive) they may feel conflicted when they see these women who are in shape continuing strenuous exercise throughout their pregnancy. 

Emphasising that there is "no excuse" to let yourself go can also be confused with not prioritising caring for your baby above all. 

Excessive exercise during pregnancy poses health risks, too. They may reduce blood flow to the baby so it's best to consult with a physician before adopting a certain type of exercise during pregnancy.

 

Gosh this video brings back so many memories... So grateful I had @hiit_australia throughout my journey it definitely kept me feeling at my best mentally, physically & emotionally throughout my pregnancy.

A video posted by 👻 ChontelDuncan (@chontelduncan) on Jun 3, 2016 at 11:30am PDT

Having a small baby bump may be indicative of abnormal weight gain during pregnancy. This may cause stunted fetal growth and development.

Despite all this, the important thing is for pregnant women to celebrate and encourage other expectant mums.

Baby bumps, big or small, are all beautiful. The important thing is having a happy, healthy pregnancy.

 

Medicine Ball Workout! 1.5 weeks till due date! Sports bra: @cakematernity #fitness #bbg #fitnessaddict #instagramfitness #fitgirl #fit #fitfam #fitmom #gym #workout #workouts #booty #cardio #squat #squats #homeworkouts #cardio #hiit #fitpregnancy #fitgirls #tiuteam #fitspo #fitspiration #pregnant #tiu #weightloss #weightlossmotivation #bbggirls #fitpregnancy

A video posted by Sia Cooper (@diaryofafitmommyofficial) on May 11, 2016 at 3:52pm PDT

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