When Demi Moore first appeared nude on the front cover of Vanity Fair while seven months pregnant, the photograph sparked a mixture of controversy and celebration.
It was 1991 and with nothing else like it already in the public domain, the image was meant to portray a symbol of empowerment but, by some, was seen as sexual objectification.
Since then, countless celebs have exposed their naked bumps, but the iconic Demi Moore image gave women permission to feel sexy and attractive while pregnant, and now, some 21 years later, it seems like it is the norm for pregnant women to have their own photoshoot.
During my first pregnancy in 2010, I thought about having a bump shoot, but didn't have the confidence to go for it.
It was only after my son was born that I regretted the fact I had hardly any images from my pregnancy – I realised I'd missed an opportunity to create once-in-a- lifetime memories I could never get back.
So during my second pregnancy, I decided to take the plunge.
I did plenty of research first – looking for the types of pregnancy photos I liked and I also spent a lot of time searching for the right photographer.
There are plenty of companies in the Hull and East Riding area that offer the maternity shoot, but it's important to choose one that has real experience of working with pregnant women.
For me, I decided Go! Photo was the best option and their local photographer Vicky Benge.
The obvious draw was the female photographer – I'd only have felt comfortable with a woman taking this type of important and personal picture.
I'd also seen lots of her creative work on her website and on Facebook and glowing reports from others.
I also knew that if I didn't like the images, there would be no pressure to buy any.
As well as a portable photographic studio that they bring to your home, complete with lighting, flooring and different backdrops, the set-up provides studio-quality photos from the comfort of your own home.
Our lounge isn't huge, but the studio fit perfectly and Vicky reassured me it wouldn't have mattered how big or small the room was, she would have made it work even in a tiny space.
The shoot was a lot of fun and I had a great time because I felt comfortable. Vicky is experienced in maternity photos with creative ideas and poses suitable for pregnant women.
She was good at directing me and coming up with suggestions. There was no rush either, Vicky spent almost three hours with me and encouraged me to take my time.
The shoot can also include your partner and your children if you are already a mum.
It's an amazing way to connect as a couple, which can be really intimate and special, and can also help any children you have feel involved and get excited about the new baby.
It is difficult to know at exactly what stage of pregnancy to book the shoot for. If it's your second baby, you might have a better idea of when you looked your best during pregnancy.
For me, up to about 33 weeks I felt I still looked like me and was all baby bump, but after this my face seemed to get bigger and my legs got more swollen.
The photographer recommends the images are taken between about 27 and 34 weeks – I had mine at 29 weeks.
The photos really did exceed my expectations. It was amazing how a skilled photographer could easily draw out the beauty, love and femininity of pregnancy.
I could have simply taken some pictures myself, but Vicky created a work of art, taking into consideration the best angles, lighting, effects and focus.
The shoot also includes a newborn photo shoot in the price – Vicky recommends having the second shoot before the baby is four weeks old. I thought it would be quite stressful trying to choose a time both my children would be at their best when newborn Jasmine wouldn't want feeding and my two-year-old son, Oliver, wouldn't be ready for a nap or hungry.
But I needn't have worried, Vicky was once again very relaxed with them both, spent hours at our house and, because I was at home, I was able to feed and change Jasmine throughout the shoot.
Now the bump has gone and the baby has arrived, I'm so pleased I took the plunge and recorded the magic of pregnancy to display alongside beautiful pictures of my precious baby girl.
