Meghan Markle and doting husband Prince Harry have been out in public a lot lately, as Meghan announced four new patronages on her agenda. Meghan has proudly displayed her bump ion every outing, charming everyone she met with her sense of humour – particularly when one elderly woman called her a “fat lady.” And, excitingly, Meghan finally revealed the baby is due in late April/early May.
So why does she do it?
According to whattoexpect.com, there is a number of reasons why a mum-to-be might cradle her bump.
Some expectant mothers find it soothing, and it makes them feel close to the baby.
But, according to the pregnancy advice site, there is research showing the foetus may respond to the mother’s belly stroke.
The study, conducted in 2015 by researchers at Dundee University in Scotland, examined 23 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters as they were performing three activities: talking, stroking their bellies and lying still with their hands at their sides.
Using sonograms and tracking the movements of the babies in the womb, the researchers found not only that the babies moved around most during the touching activity, but also that they responded to touch at a much earlier state of gestation than had previously been documented.
However, not everyone is sold on this theory.
Mary Jane Minkin, an obstetrician gynaecologist who teaches at Yale University, told PEOPLE: “I think it shows that she really cares for her baby, and that’s terrific.”
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Meghan baby bump: Meghan at the Mayhew animal shelter this week (Image: Getty)
However, she added: “There really isn’t a lot of data showing that touching the belly really calms the baby.”
And another source, Georgia Rose of Village Maternity in New York City, told the magazine that moms-to-be touching their bellies is a “beautiful thing.”
Ms Rose also said Meghan might cradle her stomach without even realising.
She said: “This is a totally normal thing that mothers do, and they do it instinctively and naturally.”
And this instinctive nature is likely to kick in even more when she’s in public, as she’ll feel more protective of the baby.
