Why Megan Markle's baby bump REALLY looks bizarre in twerking video after conspiracy theories

The Sun

13 hours ago

MEGHAN Markle's baby bump has been one of the most talked about topics this week.
While wild conspiracy theorists have branded it fake, experts reveal how every pregnancy bump is different - whether it's large or small, high or low, wide or pointy, it's all completely normal.
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Meghan, 43, marked the fourth birthday of daughter, Princess Lilibet by posting a video on Instagram of her and Prince Harry back in 2021 twerking in a hospital room in an effort to induce labour.
It's been suggested Meghan posted the video to quell rumours that her pregnancy was faked, and that she wore a prosthetic fake pregnant belly known as a 'moonbump'.
But the clip has only further fuelled claims from conspiracy theorists, who have questioned whether the baby bump is real.
Some have claimed her bump was too high or the wrong shape, and that her ability to dance in that way at nine months meant she was either "superhuman" or not pregnant at all.
Other online trolls wrote that the bump moves strangely as she dances, and that dancing wouldn't be possible at all at full-term.
However, what do experts make of it?
Pip Davies, an NHS midwife and co-founder of Midwife Pip Podcast (@midwife_pip) told Sun Health it's completely normal for baby bumps to come in all shapes and sizes, especially as you near the end of pregnancy.
She explained: "Everybody carries differently, and factors like muscle tone, baby's position, and even your height can affect how your bump looks and this can change regularly with time of day, day on day or week on week.
"Some bumps are high and round, others are low and wide but all perfectly healthy and unique.
"What matters most is that you and your baby are doing well, not how your bump compares to anyone else's."
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In the late stages of pregnancy, just before birth or if you're overdue, the baby bump often changes in appearance and position.
Meghan cradles her huge bump as she dances.
Pip adds: "Commonly in the final weeks of pregnancy, baby descends to engage into the pelvis ahead of labour and this is often when a 'drop' in the bump is seen and baby appears lower."
According to specialists at The Bump, which also says every woman's bump is unique, it may sit lower in the last few weeks or days of pregnancy.
During the third trimester (between 28 and 40 weeks), you're experiencing maximal distension of the uterus, skin, and abdominal muscles because the baby is taking up so much space, says
Marquita Anderson, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Mansfield, Texas, explains a suddenly low pregnant belly may mean the baby is "dropping", or descending more deeply into the pelvis as the body prepares for labour and delivery.
Dropping is also known as 'lightning' and can cause a feeling or pressure in the pelvic region.
But it is also considered completely normal for the bump to look smaller or shift forward as the baby gets into the birthing position, typically head-down.
According to a guide from PBKM a baby bump can also look pointy, or at least more pointed, in later stages of pregnancy.
Several factors contribute to this, including the strength of the abdominal muscles and the position of the baby.
And Braxton Hicks contractions can also shift the appearance of a bump.
These are irregular, often painless uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy, preparing the body for labour but not necessarily indicating labour has begun.
Experts at Tommy's say during Braxton Hicks contractions, the bump, or abdomen, may feel hard and tight, and it might even look lopsided or strangely contorted.
This happens because the uterus is contracting and tightening, sometimes making the bump appear more rounded and firm.
As for whether Meghan's technique of dancing to induce labour works, there's no definitive scientific evidence proving that it does.
But some experts believe dancing during labour can promote the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers, potentially reducing labour pain and improving the overall experience.
What you can do to help bring on labour
WHILE there's no guaranteed way to induce labour naturally, some women find that certain activities or remedies may increase their chances.
Walking more
There is a small amount of evidence that walking for 30 minutes, three times a week, may increase your chance of going into labour.
Eating dates
There is a theory that eating dates for a few weeks before your due date may help your cervix to open (dilate).
Dates are rich in fibre and nutrients including prostaglandins, which may play a part in getting labour started.
Drinking raspberry leaf tea
Raspberry leaf tea is a type of herbal tea that's high in vitamins, minerals and tannins. It is thought to help tone the muscles of your womb so they work better when you are in labour.
Some people start drinking raspberry leaf tea in late pregnancy, but health professionals do not suggest it for getting labour going. If you're going to try it, you should take it in the weeks leading up to your due date and slowly increase the amount.
Eating spicy curries
The theory is that a spicy curry can stimulate your gut and get your contractions going, but there is no proof that this works.
It may not be a great one to try if you've had lots of heartburn or indigestion during pregnancy, which is common.
Having sex
Having sex when you are heavily pregnant may be difficult, and there is no evidence that it will help to start labour.
Semen contains hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are used in medicines that help induce labour, but only a midwife or doctor can offer them.
But there have been conflicting studies on whether the prostaglandins from semen actually bring on labour.
Nipple stimulation
There are a handful of small studies that suggest nipple stimulation may help to get labour going.