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The growing popularity of this phenomenon is largely driven by women’s desire to have beautiful maternity pictures, even if their future pregnancies may bring about physical changes
China’s population has been declining for two consecutive years. (Representative/Shutterstock)
In China, a new trend has emerged among women: maternity photoshoots with fake baby bumps. This trend allows women to capture the “pregnant” image while still in their prime. It comes at a time when the country is grappling with low marriage rates and a declining birth rate.
The growing popularity of this phenomenon is largely driven by women’s desire to have beautiful maternity pictures, even if their future pregnancies may bring about physical changes, the South China Morning Post reported. Many see these photos as a way to preserve youthful beauty, while making sure they have aesthetic memories of pregnancy before their bodies change.
Traditionally, the idea of being “single but pregnant” was considered taboo in China. This perception is changing, particularly among Gen Z. The trend gained significant attention when popular influencer Meizi Gege, based in Hunan, posted a video on October 13, showcasing her maternity photoshoot with a fake pregnancy belly, showing off her slim figure.
The phenomenon has captured the attention of women across various age groups, including those in their 20s. For instance, a 26-year-old graduate shared that she took maternity photos at 23, even though she was single. Another woman, who had her wedding photos taken at 22, explained, “Just in case I get wrinkles by 30.”
The trend has become widely accessible, with online stores offering a range of fake pregnancy bellies that mimic different stages of pregnancy. Women are using these products to create maternity photos that align with their aesthetic desires without waiting for the physical changes that come with actual pregnancy.
China’s population has been declining for two consecutive years. In 2023, the country saw a drop of 0.15%, or 2.08 million people, to a total of 1.409 billion, as per Reuters. This decline is driven by a record-low birth rate and an increase in deaths, partly due to COVID-19-related fatalities following the lifting of lockdowns. The decline was worsened by economic factors like high living costs and job market uncertainty, along with aging demographics, raises concerns about China’s long-term economic growth potential. Despite government measures to encourage childbirth, such as tax deductions and maternity leave, many young people remain reluctant to start families due to economic pressures.
