Beauty and the Bump: How to look your best in a pregnancy photo shoot



Between the hormones, stretch marks and morning sickness a lot of women feel anything but beautiful during pregnancy. Add the anxiety over a new baby, especially if it's the first, and getting in front of the camera for a pre-natal photo shoot; it can be a daunting prospect. But the miracle of life is a beautiful thing, as is that growing belly. Here are a few ideas to look and feel your best when you and your bump take centre stage.

Timing is everything: Resist the temptation to jump in front of the camera as soon as you start to swell and don't wait until you are ready to burst. Book a portrait consultation with a professional photographer in the early stages of the second trimester to discuss what you want. The photographer should also be able to give you some wonderful ideas. Then book your actual photo shoot for the 7th or 8th month. By this time most women are over their initial bouts of morning (or noon, or night) sickness. Picking the right time and the right size to be photographed will ensure that you are able to maneuver into playful yet comfortable poses to show off your belly.

Take advantage of hormone help: You may not feel beautiful while pregnant, especially during hot summer months. But by the second trimester the release of hormones often makes hair, skin and nails luminous and strong. Highlight those assets during your photo shoot.

Around month four, nails get a boost and start to grow faster. Get a manicure to show off healthy hands for that picture-perfect pose where you rest them on your belly.

Prepare to be bare. Daily treatments with vitamin E, vitamin A, emu oil or cocoa butter can help keep stretch marks at bay and keep your belly looking its best for its on-camera debut.

Keep hair healthy. Most women know to stay away from permanent dyes and chemical hair treatments while pregnant. But you can maintain your mane with semi-permanent dyes, or go for a relaxing scalp massage followed by a blow out for a model-worthy do.

Stay Stylish: Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to resort to frumpy muumuus. New movements in maternity wear offer stylish, colourful and fitted clothing to bring you right through to delivery. Treat yourself to a mid-term shopping spree and pick out some colourful pieces to wear for your photo shoot.

If you live in a town with limited choices for maternity wear, try shopping online.

Properly fitted garments should highlight, not hide your growing belly. Don't try to replace maternity wear with plus-sized clothing. Instead, choose stretchy, natural fabrics that cling in all the right places.

You want to emphasize that round tummy, but that's not the only asset you have during pregnancy. Don't forget to look for outfits that flaunt your other areas: jaw-dropping cleavage or toned arms, legs or back.

Accessorize: Earrings, necklaces or bracelets can add pop to your outfit and bring out rich hair, skin and eye colour. And don't be afraid of getting the chop. Not every expectant mother has to have long, flowing hair. A great short cut is the ultimate accessory. It can also save you hours in the morning, sure to be a boost once baby arrives.

Don't go it alone: Perhaps the best accessory to bring out your beauty during a pregnancy photo shoot is your family. Partners, kids, even the family dog all play a role in preparing for the new arrival. Including them in the photo shoot will make a memorable product, but also help you feel supported and at ease in front of the camera.