Being Sexy While Pregnant: Are There Limits?
Turn down the sexy for what?
A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy, but does that mean she should cover up more, and reserve her sexy until after she's given birth?
Although Beyoncé remained covered and most about showing her bump throughout her first pregnancy with Blue Ivy, the expecting mom has been showing us more of her sexier side while carrying twins. And of course the Internet trolls and critics have been questioning whether or not it's too much.
Back in her 2014 documentary, Beyoncé opened up about how motherhood and the power behind it has added more to her fierce confidence:
"Just because you become a mother, doesn't mean you lose who you are... I know that finding my sensuality getting back into my body, being proud of growing up -- it was important to me that I expressed that in this music because I know that there are so many women that feel the same thing after they give birth. You can have your child, and you can still have fun, and still be sexy and still have dreams for yourself!"
[Tweet "Just because you become a mother, doesn't mean you lose who you are - Beyonce"]
Even singer Ciara recorded the whole track B.M.F (Bad Mother-F**Ker) boasting about being the baddest after "pushing out a 9 lb, 10 oz. baby!". She too started a huge internet debate with her most recent maternity shoot that involved baby Future and her husband Russell Wilson.
This is all nothing new though, celebrities have been showing off their sexy pregnant side for years! Now that social media is involved, shoots and photos have opened up the debate on what actions are deemed inappropriate for a pregnant woman-- pending the question should women push "pause" on their sexiness while being pregnant? Or is there no such thing and all women are created equal in their sexual being?
Last year, Blac Chyna had not one but TWO nude pregnancy shoots hit the internet which were the cause of a lot of chatter. She wasn't the only one, reality tv star and fashion designer Angela Simmons, who had a little boy, also posed in a sexy pregnancy shoot.
When Coco Austin, wife of rapper and actor Ice-T was pregnant, she flicked it up and showed off her tiny baby bump... and her lady lumps while six-and-a-half months pregnant with their first child. Never one to cower from a thong bikini or full-blown nudity, she showed off her toned belly, while also making sure to get a few flicks of the money shot -- her backside in a g-string.
As far as the skin meter goes, certain celebrities give more than expected. But as stated, many of them aren't too far off from the implied nudity shots that expectant mothers have taken in the past. Chyna's soon to be sisters-in-law Kim and Kourtney Kardashian have bared their bods and bumps for everything from magazine covers to social media.
Actresses Nia Long and Tia Mowry-Hardrict have graced the covers and pages of Ebony and People magazine, while nude with wombs, and there was no denying the beauty and glow that came from these gorgeous mothers to be. Not to mention, all of the aforementioned were with child in their later 30's (and even 40s with Nia) which, based on the stigmas and statistics against older women's abilities to conceive, is quite commendable and a feat all its own. So kudos to all the mothers out there, especially those defeating the odds!
In a nutshell, feeling sexy, confident and beautiful should not cease due to pregnancy, and some expecting moms feel their sexiest during this time. Tamera Mowry-Housely once told people magazine:
"I always feel sexier when I'm pregnant, maybe it's a mixture of hormones, but I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to give birth."
Phenomenal women we are.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage