The Latest WTF Pregnancy Trend: Belly Casts

You may have thought you were impressed with Mariah Carey’s painted belly — but why waste your time with a photo when you can have a three-dimensional work of art? Introducing the Belly Cast.

Kelly Ripa, Brooke Shields, and Kendra Wilkinson have apparently particpated in “belly casting,” so you know it’s a really-real, actual trend. And there’s ProudBody.com, a website fully dedicated to the decoration of pregnant bellies and “belly casting.”.

How does “bellycasting” work? Well, if you ever made a plaster of Paris art project when you were a kid, you already know the routine: It’s as simple as slathering up your belly with vaseline, dipping the plaster into water, wiping off the excess liquid, and slapping it on your tummy. Voilà! A creepy masterpiece that your future child will groan at the sight of for the rest of their lives.

We picked a few of our favorite “bellycasts” from Proud Body.com for inspiration. Click to enlarge and be forever moved.