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Some people just love to hate on Meghan Markle. Her latest “crime”? Holding her baby bump “too much.” Not even kidding. It was a total WTF moment for me too when I first got wind of this news. Because seriously, how even?? But apparently, trolls are dead serious. They think her constant cradling of her bump is annoying and they’re taking it as Meghan “showing off” or “flaunting” her pregnancy. They’re especially picking on the photos of her surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards to honor Givenchy designer Clare Waight Keller. We thought she looked glowing and already a stunning image of motherhood, but not everyone shares our enthusiasm. It seems she brought out the green-eyed monsters in some people, as they’re shaming her for doing something any normal pregnant woman does.
?? seriously!! What is up with belly holding??? She did that when she had nothing to hold?? we get it ure pregnant!! Hit the jackpot
— its me 😉 (@Malibugirl01) December 11, 2018
If I see one more photo of Meghan Markle cradling that bump I am going to vomit. I swear she and Beyoncé think they are the only women in the world to get pregnant.????? You are pregnant……WE KNOW! pic.twitter.com/9PVF3QrcJJ
— hashhag (@vviivviieennnne) December 11, 2018
#meghan, we know you are pregnant. You can stop holding onto the bump with both hands now. It won’t fall off
— misty (@LYNNMILDNER) December 11, 2018
I’m very happy for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for there upcoming baby. But please Meghan stop holding your stomach everytime you go out in public. The whole world already knows that you are pregnant. Also, stop being so vain.
— Amanda Flores (@Amanda61152149) December 11, 2018
Some even went as far as to speculate that she’s faking her pregnancy. Um, sure.
Lol Meghan kept holding her fake bump! Sorry but no real pregnant women holds their stomach like that! And you Marklites no bullying! @jessicamulroney where is the surrogate you are hiding?
— Lilly Rose P. (@ro_texeira825) December 11, 2018
Was Meghan Markle worried that her baby bump was going to fall off at the British Fashion Awards? Clutching that thing like it's going to jump off her body and run away. Yikes lol
— Jessica Beaudoin (@JkomDabomb) December 11, 2018
Some found a way to use this to compare her to Kate Middleton. Again.
@KensingtonRoyal The Duchess of Sussex behaves very bizarrely. Will you please inform her that she's not the first woman to get pregnant. She needs to stop constantly holding her bump. Duchess Catherine never did!
— Elle Roudel (@ElleRoudel) December 10, 2018
Others, who are apparently experts on royal etiquette, said it was rude and not very royal-like.
@KensingtonRoyal Could someone tell Meghan Markle how to be pregnant please?While they're at it, maybe they could tell her how to be a Royal? Not just me. Look at the comments from other outlets. Its embarrassing. Classless to do that while designer accepting award. K. Thx. Bye. pic.twitter.com/m3k0dpZOca
— Kitty (@TactiKat) December 11, 2018
We know she's pregnant. I have never in my life seen any pregnant woman hold their stomach so often. Is she afraid the baby is going to fall out? It just looks awkward. We all know she's pregnant, she doesn't have to draw attention to it ALL of the time.
— ?Christie Chappell ? (@OhSweetCinna) December 11, 2018
Thankfully, some women defended her. One mom pointed out she did that too when she was pregnant, and didn’t realize it was such an “offense.”
With all the negative stuff aimed at her, it's a way of protecting her child, as any mother would. For heavens sake, these attacks are horrible.
— Roz Bound (@elderroz) December 11, 2018
Or she just likes holding her bump like that. Or she wants to happily show it off. At least she's not out there picking other women apart and questioning their every move, so keep on holding your bump.
— Air Freshener Sneeze (@SneezeCocoa) December 11, 2018
We shouldn’t even be bothered because this shouldn’t be an issue in the first place, but we’ll go ahead and point this out in case any troll decides to join the party: Romper notes that “numerous studies have shown that babies like it when their moms touch their bumps.” A 2015 study for instance, found that out of three activities women perform while pregnant—reading aloud, lying still, and stroking their bellies, babies prefer the latter. Founder of KG Hypnobirthing Katherine Graves additionally said that the unborn baby is most responsive to a pregnant woman putting her hand around her bump. It is also a recommended method of relaxation, and something doctors traditionally ask pregnant women to practice in hypnobirthing classes. Given that there are reports Meghan is looking at hypnobirthing as an option, that might be a reason behind why she’s always touching her bump. Or not. Fact is, whether it was advised or her own choice, one thing remains: What she does with her bump is none of anybody’s business.
Just goes to show that whatever you do, trolls will troll. Seeing this much bitterness from people is disappointing, especially this time of year. Still, I hope we can start 2019 with something more positive—or sensible, at least. None of these immature sh*t, please.
We hope the Duchess won’t pay attention to these trolls. Pregnancy is already tough as it is without all these haters in the picture. We’re sure Meghan will be a lovely mother and we can’t wait to meet her future child.
Photo courtesy of Kensington Palace’s Instagram account
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