By Babatunde Ayedoju

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It is a common practice for people to seek ways of preserving memories and one of the ways people preserve memories is by taking photographs. The advent of social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and many others has even made it easier.

People post the food they eat, monies they cash out, matriculation into higher institutions, convocation, weddings and birthdays. Recently, naked photos and nude pregnancy pictures were added to the list.

It is now becoming a growing trend for some women to take nude pictures while they are pregnant and post same on social media.

Recently, men too are joining the train as some men were seen posing nude alongside their pregnant wives despite the fact that such bold display did not enjoy a warm reception from the members of the public.

It is ironic that this habit continue to trend even as feminists continue to advocate against pictures demeaning womanhood. Yet, some women engage in acts that demean their gender.

Unfortunately, the practice has been going on for long. Research shows that Nigerian ladies, especially the celebrities, have been engaging in such practices for almost a decade.

In 2015, a heavily pregnant Nollywood actress, Dior Chidera Adiele, posed completely nude in her photos. The photos, which she claimed came about as a means of celebrating her pregnancy and body, caused a stir since they appeared on the internet. While some gave her kudos, most people gave her knocks. The contentious pictures were said to have been taken on June 24, 2015.

The actress, Dior, shot into limelight through her role in ‘The Blur. She was also a video vixen, since she featured in one of Reekado Banks’s music videos.

Since that time, several women have followed suit. 

According to reports, celebrities like Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson and Mariah Carey who were all inspired by Demi Moore took nude pregnancy pictures. They claim that they took the naked pictures to preserve how beautiful pregnancy is.

One of them had posted: “You have that natural pregnancy glow, making your skin look fabulous, and oxytocin, the natural feel-good drug, is pumping through you, making you happy all day, even when your body is aching, heaving. Your body, and life, are both going through one of the largest transformations you will ever undertake. Why not capture the moment, and celebrate it?”

These ladies claim that they do these risqué shoots to feel sexy at a time when their self-esteems could use a much-needed boost.

This post is self explanatory: “Yes, even your fattest of jeans are too small right now. Yes, you can’t even reach your shoe strings let alone stand the thought of wearing a G-string (granny panties, anyone?). But, no, that doesn’t mean you aren’t attractive! The proof is in the photographer’s proofs. Embrace your newfound curves, and capture a priceless keepsake for you and your honey.”

While many women are lining up to get their nude pregnancy pictures taken, there are still a lot of ladies who think the whole idea is just plain obscene, or downright embarrassing for their future children.

However, some Nigerian ladies have adopted the contentious trend, although it is overwhelmingly unpopular. The public opinion against it is almost virulent as some visitors on the social media that are confronted by the pictures of their bulging tummies sometimes curse and abuse such women. However, despite the fact that the trend is enveloped with more criticisms than accolades, others still do same.

Meanwhile, it was a known practice for a woman with an advanced pregnancy to avoid going out more than it was necessary in the past. In fact, to our mothers then, the fewer people who knew about their pregnancy, the better.

Dr Mrs. Kemi Adebola, sociologist from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), attributed it to trend, saying that many people simply follow what is in vogue without considering the implication. She equally pointed out that it is alien to the culture of most African societies.

Speaking further, she said that such an action could affect the marriage if the husband is not in support of it. However, she added that some husbands seem to be in support of it, as they pose together with their wives in such pictures.

Talking about a way out, Mrs. Adegbola said if it is a trend, it would surely fizzle out with time.

Meanwhile, it is a dangerous trend, one of the practices, alien to our culture, which we acquired from the whites. In the past, celebrities in other countries were the ones in the habit of sharing their bulging tummies on social media. Some would even post the videos of their baby’s delivery for all to see.

To the whites who are less inhibited, nude photo shoots are not just for magazines such as Playboy Bunnies. More women are baring all while pregnant in boudoir-style photo shoots

Odunayo Ofere, a teacher, is of the opinion that some see it as means to tell their friends and relatives that they were pregnant but have now put to bed safely, “but this can be done without having to post nude pictures.”

He explained it in another way by saying that others do it to show how beautiful they looked like in pregnancy which, in his words, is also unethical. He said, “Your beauty isn’t in your nakedness; as a matter of reality, beauty is better seen in morally good clothing than in nudity.”

To curtail this menace, Ofere said that those involved in it should understand that this unnecessary exposure is not only to their so-called friends and family but also to the whole world.

He added that enlightenment about the dangers, especially by religious leaders, would help in no small measure to put this act under control.

Similarly, Eunice Adepoju, a business developer, attributed it to ignorance and social media obsession. She also recommended enlightenment about the