Ever since the camera was invented, women have taken photos of their bumps as a means to celebrate their pregnancies.
But it wasn't until 1991, when 7-month-pregnant Demi Moore posed strategically for photographer Annie Leibovitz on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine, that the bump craze began in earnest. Since then, we've had bump casts.
Now the latest trend -- bump painting -- is catching on in other parts of the world. By no means a new phenomenon, henna has traditionally been used to adorn women's bodies in countries such as India and Morocco for special occasions.
“Some women told me they want to have photographs of their bumps taken, but feel a bit odd about the bareness of it, so the paint gives them the confidence to have it done," said make-up artist Stacey Kilpatrick from Northern Ireland.
“It's a lovely experience and great for me too. When people look their best, they feel good and I believe make-up gives people confidence,” Stacey said. Many moms-to-be who are self-conscious of scars and stretch marks would rather have their bumps painted before they are photographed.
For 30-year-old Claire Martin, the bump portrait made a great keepsake. “I thought it was a really nice idea,” she said. “All my girlfriends came over and we had tea and cakes and made a baby shower out of it."
Artists only use water-based paint which has safety regulations, and Stacey recommends moms get it done toward the end of their pregnancies.
“It means their bump will be a really good size and they will be over the most critical stages of pregnancy.”
A bump painting is every bit as personal as a tattoo but fortunately not permanent.
Stacey, who painted a horse on her own bump, claims that while she's painted mainly family names and due dates, she could paint anything from "Disney characters to jigsaw puzzles and treasure maps." As long as it's meaningful to the couple.
If you've had yours done, what did you have painted on your bump?
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