I wish that was something I'd thought to do when I was pregnant. I think it's cute and the pictures would be fun to look back on years down the line. Pregnancy is full of great stuff, not so great stuff and just silliness. Whether its done to get cute artsy pregnant photos or as a way to poke fun at yourself, I think its fine.

I always wanted to get a plaster cast of my belly, but it wasn't to be. The henna belly is GORGEOUS, but there's no way I'd pay $250 for pumpkin. Call me a tight arse, but I'd feel really ripped off.

I'm LOVING it!! Next time I get preggers I'm going to spend as much of the time "decorating" my belly as I can. Why not? It's sticking out there and you feel like a clumsy fool anyways. What else are you supposed to do with the extra girth but have a little fun with it? I don't think I'll be paying anyone to do it but I've got some pretty artistic friends who are perfectly capable. I might even have my husband take a go at it. Worse case I wear a shirt and cover it up if it's too awful. Also, what about using stick on jewels and such to "glitter" things up? I could see painting a cute little baby face wearing bling earrings. My last thought is that I'm going to take lots and lots of pictures to torture the alien who is residing in there later on when they are teenagers and easily embarrassed.

I reckon Mrs Armstrong should go for a portrait of Chuck ;) I dont think the painted bellies look so good. Not unless youre talking PRO painter w/ some serious skillz. These are cute: Painted Obama belly - http://flickr.com/photos/opheliates/2916915357/ Painted Tattoo belly - http://flickr.com/photos/9199473@N06/2711907953/ I MUCH prefer the Henna Bellies - SO PRETTY - and will TOTALLY do this if I'm lucky someday... Henna Bellies http://flickr.com/search/?q=henna%20belly&w=all&s=int

I came across this while searching painted bellies on facebook. To my surprise maybebaby you posted one of my photos as a cute example ...thank you! I hope it stays because this is my favorite kind of bodypainting. I try to make it a personal experience and when done well, and photos are preserved by a pro photographer, it can be a great keepsake and memory. The moms that I have painted (about 10 so far) have put the photo in their nursery. One used it for her thank you cards from her baby shower. They also usually go out in public after the painting and display the art. You can find some of my belly painting on this link http://www.facebook.com/friends/?id=1300674266&view=everyone#!/pages/About-Face-Face-Painting-of-NJ-Cheryl-Painter/295365375351 It isn't for everyone but it is fun and if you consider it don't get anyone who is going to take more than 2 hours to paint because that could get uncomfortable for you. I always make sure my pregnant models are comfortable and take breaks from sitting if needed. Always check out their work first to see if you like their painting style.