Controversial model mum shuts down critics, welcomes healthy baby boy

Model Sarah Stage shared this selfie the day before she gave birth to baby James. Photo / Instagram

A pregnant model whose sexy selfies featuring her tight abs turned her into an overnight internet sensation has given birth to a healthy baby boy.

Sarah Stage, a 30-year-old underwear model and animal rights activist from Los Angeles, welcomed James Hunter into the world on Tuesday afternoon. And despite her critics' claims that her unusually trim figure could be damage to to her unborn child, it seems their fears were unfounded.

Sarah confirmed to E! that baby James weighed in at a healthy eight pounds, seven ounces and was 22 inches long at the time of his birth.

"He's a big healthy boy and he got an APGAR score of eight to nine," she said.

An APGAR score, which stands for Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration, is a quick method for assessing the health of a newborn, with scores of seven or above being considered normal.

Sarah famously documented her changing figure via her Instagram page throughout her pregnancy, earning herself a huge number of fans - as well as a fair share of critics - in the process.

Although the mother-to-be came under fire last month as more and more critics spoke out against her unusually trim and toned figure, claiming it could be harmful to her unborn child, their comments never stopped the model from sharing numerous photos of her tight abs with her 1.6 million Instagram followers.

The lingerie-clad model snapped her last pregnancy selfie on Monday, which she captioned: "Still waiting #9months [sic]."

The snapshot of her in a black bra and thong underwear has been liked nearly 40,000 times since it was posted, and has earned nearly 4,000 comments.

And Sarah, who is of European and Costa Rican descent, took to Instagram last week to share a photo of growing belly during her ninth month of pregnancy, writing: "10 days until we meet #BabyJames."

Many women noted that they found Sarah's pregnancy body to be motivation to work out and live a healthy lifestyle.

"I'm completely inspired to go to the gym first thing in the morning. You look absolutely gorgeous @sarahstage #amazing [sic]," one fan wrote.

"You look absolutely lovely. Hats off to you for being fit and taking care of yourself!" another added.

"If I ever have children, I'm inspired by you to treat my pregnancy the very same way. I'm sure James will be amazing! Congratulations."

Others compared their figures to pregnant Sarah's pregnancy body, with one woman writing: "10 days before giving birth?! Lord Jesus help us all! I look like this after dinner [sic]."

"I look like that after a good meal or two," someone else commented.

Meanwhile, some people suggested that her son would be as tiny as she is - although now it seems that their fears about the young boy's size were unfounded.

"Baby James will come out the size of her phone case," one person commented, referencing the model's bear-shaped cell phone cover.

And when she's not sharing lingerie selfies, the new mother regularly shared pictures of her son's nursery and his future wardrobe.

Last week, Sarah shared an adorable photo of matching father and baby sized Timberland boots, writing: "Daddy & baby shoe game [sic]."

Despite her critics, Sarah refused to hide her then-eight-month pregnant body in maternity clothes.

She shunned baggy dresses and instead dressed her bump in fitted Lycra or nothing at all.

The fitness fanatic loves hitting the gym and captures herself working out, as well as following a healthy diet of quinoa,spinach and chicken.

Clearly not letting her growing baby bump get in the way of her career, Sarah continued to proudly model whilst carrying.

Two weeks ago, she shared a sexy snapshot of herself in black underwear and responded to her haters.

"BTW If you don't like my pics then unfollow me," she wrote. "I'm excited, happy and enjoying every second of my pregnancy. Can't wait to meet James! #NFG #37weeks [sic]."

- Daily Mail