What do you guys think of the women out there who post pictures of themselves with their pregnant bellies everywhere...magazines, facebook, websites. I have a few people on my Facebook who seem to have a compulsion to show people how big they are getting every week. These are not teenagers either. They are grown women in their 30's. I think it's gross and shows a lack of decorum. Is this a trend here to stay?

I think they're beautiful and wouldn't be offended.

I've been a part of many Trying to conceive and pregnancy forums. It's just the thing you do. At least among the women I know. They do it because they are proud to be pregnant and be a mom. I don't personally think it's disgusting or gross. I mean carrying a baby for 9 months isn't easy.. and a lot of people went through hell to get that child. I guess my view is different as I can't have children, and had a lot of support from woman who post belly pictures all over the place. Not that I don't understand your feelings.. There's other things that get on my nerves so I can see how this is just something you don't care for lol But for me this "Trend" is a huge deal for a lot of woman because of infertility. And some people are just picture whores hahahaha So any reason to post a new picture...

by the way...I doubt there's an ending any time soon. Facebook, twitter, and myspace just fuel the picture whoring that goes on HAHA 

I can understand why they would post pics, but personally I think it is a private thing.  I have a 15 month old and I was told that I wouldn't have another child period. I did take a pic of my pregnant belly but there was no way in hell I was gonna post it where anyone would see it,lol, helllll no!!! I am way to modest and private about that.

You can all thank Demi Moore on Vanity Fair in 1991 for this trend!

Laughing my ass off. There's an ad for trying to conceive with a pregnant belly in the top right hand corner of the site now. Must have something to do with content on the site that drives the Google ads I think. They're following me! Ha Ha.

I think pregnant women are just about as femininely beautiful as it gets. Even when I was a kid I remember seeing pics of my mom with her big belly (with me in it), standing by my dad's "hot rod" car that he had (which was soon a thing of the past - too bad!). I thought she looked radiant and wonderful.

One thing that's weird though is the recent trend of NOT wearing maternity tops. If the top clings and I can see the bottom part of your belly, sorry, but you don't look cute anymore - you look obscene. I don't know why that makes a difference but to me it does.

Pregnant women in bikinis = weird.

Just my two cents.

I don't like showing my belly ever and I have a six pack. I'd be even less likely to show it when pregnant. Though maybe I should take pictures of my stomach now because god knows the gravy train can't last forever. ha ha ha

I think pregnant woman are beautiful and sexy (I have mars in cancer) and I don't mind celebrities showing off. I don't want to see my relatives/friends' bellies though, for some reason....and yeah when a relative of mine was preg recently every five seconds was a new picture, posed, with belly-- I do value privacy and modesty. I know this sounds contradictory. Can't blame it on my gemini midheaven ;)

I may never have kids-- but I know I'd love being pregnant...

((Lee)) and ((Miss))

What an issue- women, pregnancy, bodies, fertility. I hope all who want babies should have babies, healthy. That's my prayer for today

i wouldn't do it myself, but i don't care if others wanna.

I wouldn't do it either.. Who the hell wants to see my fat ass or big ol belly???? I don't mind seeing others though. I'm a cancer. I feel connected to that nurturing mommy thing through others LOL 

MoonPluto, Thank you.  I'm okay with it. Either I eventually adopt OR I just enjoy the fact I don't have to ever get up at 4am except because I want to LOL 

My belly LOOKS preggo but I swear I'm not!!!

I think it's sweet.

Is this a north american thing? Or do other cultures do this now also?

Togi, have you been pregnant before?

I think anyone comfortable enough to do it, good for them! 

I was the most self-conscious pregnant woman ever, I hated being photographed or even being seen out in public when I was pregnant.  It was probably all the gas, heartburn, swelling, etc...that left me feeling outwardly unattractive. 

So kudos for them!

I had no interest in showing off mine, but it doesn't bother me when other women do.  My youngest will be 15 in December.  I think this trend started after my pregnancies.  My sister's kids are 2 and 4 - her maternity shirts were all tightly fitted - my maternity clothes were the big tent things.  I think the tight fitting clothes are more flattering, and sexier.  

i wish more people had taken pictures of me when i was pregnant.

it was the most feminine i ever felt.  i mean, i actually had cleavage!  it's gone again, now.

i wish i had more pictures of the cleavage from that time, now that you mention it.

I actually shop in Motherhood sometimes for my sleeveless summer tops. I'm not pregnant, it's just a beer belly that will never go away... I really like the "tent" look! It's very babydoll-cute.

notatirem

No, not pregnant.

(Future Midwife here)

Pregnant bellies, bring it on! Especially with huge milky saggy breast. I love it. All that is femenine, strong, life giving womyn.(and life taking)

When I use to work at a health food store, there was this pregnant womyn with twins and she would always wear a bathing suite top with shorts. (southern california, not to far from beach) I would just stare at that big ol' "Venus of Willendorf" belly.

Pregnancy is a transformative time.  Not just physically, but you also get a new facet to your identity. For a lot of people the internet is a place to workshop identity. These sites are not just for others, they are places for us to see ourselves. Some women like to showcase thier physical changes on thier website or facebook, etc. not just because they are proud but they are signalling a change in status and trying to come to terms with thier new rapidly evolving self. 

p.s.

Bretagne, that's a beautiful picture. 

Notatirem, excellent point and I was hoping you would post a picture. 

 Here's my favorite picture from my last pregnancy.

That was my roommate's snake Cleo.  She and I were buddies when Aubrey was on the way.  Somehow that posted before I was finished with it. 

Aw, you guys are cute! (BTW I don't have a problem with it, but like Goddess it isn't for me. I can't show anything, I'm shy that way:) )

Great pictures!

Love the sculpture and seeing Notaterim and Lupa. Makes me wanna get preggers asap.

Oh as for the thread.. I don't have a problem with it. Think it's grand. I try to look in the mom's eyes as much as her belly lol. I feel for a woman not being acknowledged for the life in her belly. Saturn in cancer in the 9th and leo ruling the 10th.

Great pic, Notatirem!  You look very much at peace........

Beautiful belly pics!

I'd wager it's a girl. You look great, notatirem, and your belly is lovely.

you forgot your shirt!

Classy!  I don't want to know what her facebook friends get to see. 

Okay, I don't mind women showing their bellies, but, hello......I may just be old, but I don't get this one, God help me, lol.

oh, gosh, there's proud of being a mother, and then there's just tasteless!

If I was pregnant I would take a picture of my belly every month... but I wouldnt post every single one on myspace and facebook but I would def. post at least one showing my belly off :] I think pregnancy is the most amazing and beautiful thing ever.  Gosh... if I were preggo I would be THE most proud, happy, and willing to show off my belly person in the world!!!!!!!!!! :)) It makes me happy just THINKING bout it!!!

It must be because I am a cancer lol I just LOVE the idea of having a famiy and babies and pregnancy.. it would be my ultimate happiness. 

I wouldnt show it to just anybody though
 like that Wal-Mart photo women.... jeez, cover up! 

ll