Fitness blogger shares honest photo to highlight pregnancy realities

'I don't believe anyone should live without a little bit of life's indulgences'

Ana Strode has been praised for sharing such an honest photo on her Instagram

A fitness blogger has been praised for sharing a photo that challenges the taboos of motherhood and body image.

Anna Strode, a mother-of-two from Melbourne, made headlines last year after she shared photos of her the lose skin she was left with after giving birth to twins, and has tens of thousands of followers on Instagram.

Now pregnant with her third child, the self-confessed ‘fit twin mama’ has shared an honest behind-the-scenes snap on Instagram to highlight the reality of motherhood.

Strode posted a split photo of herself; on the right she smiles as she poses in active-wear, while on the left she eats an ice cream on the sofa with her bump on show.

The blogger has been praised for highlighting how women have to deal with pressure to achieve unattainable beauty goals, even during pregnancy.

“Instagram Pregnant Life VS Real Pregnant Life. I'm all about BALANCE!” She wrote to her 74,800 followers on Instagram.

“Sure, you might look at my page and see images like the left and think this mama works out all the time and she must eat healthy all the time.

“Well I'm here to tell you NO that's not how things go and I don't believe anyone should live without a little bit of life's indulgences!

“I'm a REAL mama, with REAL pregnancy cravings and REAL battles of accepting how my body changes throughout life's journeys.

Since posting the image, floods of women have commented on Strode’s honest and inspiring portrayal of pregnancy.

“Really needed to see this today!!” one person said.

“I’m pregnant with number 2 and although I am working out and eating healthy, I’m really struggling to keep my nutrition on track with these pregnancy cravings. Instead of beating myself up over it I am now going to just enjoy it while I can.”

Another added: “So much courage to put this out! We all need to see that everyone is human and that it's not all instaperfect.”

Currently 24 weeks pregnant with baby number three, Strode continues to share her fitness regimes on social media, and includes her sons in her workouts.

“When I get Samuel and Lachie involved and lift them up while doing squats, they crack up laughing,” she previously told Daily Mail Australia.

“Fitness has made me such a happy, healthy and energised mum.”