It’s a celebrity trend that’s seen as empowering, leaving no room for doubt a baby is on the way.
Singers Rihanna and Beyonce and actresses Margot Robbie and Sienna Miller have all showcased their growing bumps in revealing dresses, cropped tops and low- slung skirts.
But a study suggests that when ordinary women dare to bare in a similar fashion, they are more likely to be dehumanised and objectified – even in healthcare settings.
The US scientists said flaunting a pregnant belly could have ‘unintended consequences’ for women who copy the trend.
They compared the experiences of Rihanna, as a famous black woman, to two unknown white women. The singer, who is expecting her third child, has glided through her pregnancies in a series of skimpy outfits.
She once declared: ‘I’m hoping that we were able to redefine what’s considered “decent” for pregnant women. My body is doing incredible things right now and I’m not going to be ashamed of that.’
But the scientists, writing in the journal Springer Nature, said: ‘In all three studies, the woman revealing her pregnant belly was lower in perceived humanness.
‘These perceptions contributed to the belief she would be an unfit mother and should be denied financial support.’
They added: ‘Women with power and financial means are typically the “influencers” advocating for all women to openly and autonomously display their creaturely or sexy bodies.
‘These women have far greater protections against the harms of objectification and dehumanisation than ordinary women following their lead likely have.’
Women who concealed their pregnant bodies were seen as more likely to be a better mother and more deserving of financial assistance.
The report also suggests that how a woman is dressed for her antenatal appointments could influence the care she receives.
It adds: ‘Women who wear fewer clothes during pregnancy-related doctors’ appointments may be perceived as less human.’
