Is the Pregnant Body Sexy? (Nia Long Goes Nude, Too)

In case you missed it Ebony recently released their November cover with a pregnant and naked (with socks on?) Nia Long. I’ve been a fan of the lovely actress since Love Jones and was excited when I got the chance to interview her last year for her role as a Muslim mother in the indie film, MOOZ-Lum. #GreatFlick When I saw the cover on my screen, though, the first thought I had was: beautiful.

There’s nothing on this planet like the female form and a pregnant woman is no different. While most people automatically associate nudity with sex, I see Nia’s cover as art. The photo isn’t gratuitous or raunchy, and celebrates the femininity and sensuality—which is different from sexuality—of a mother-to-be. Oh, and did I mention that Nia is just three weeks shy of her 41st birthday? #Winning

As I saved the image to my desktop and got ready to post it on my FaceBook Fan Page (do you “like” me?) a thought crossed my mind: Is this a beautiful woman taking a beautiful portrait of her pregnancy or just another celebrity baring all to sell magazine covers?

I’ve worked in publishing long enough to know that sex sells—even when it’s just the allusion of sex. While this is far from being a cover of King proportions (read: sexualized visuals) it’s still another naked (Black) woman on the newsstands. I wish I could say I was shocked by the image but the fact of the matter is I’ve seen it before.

To the best of my knowledge Demi Moore set it off way back in 1991 with her Vanity Fair spread, and several other pregnant celebrities have followed in her swollen footsteps over the years. Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Mariah Carrey, Paula Patton, et. al. Even non-pregnant celebs like Ciara, Janet Jackson, Keyshia Cole and even former “good girl” Kelly Rowland have bared some skin for a spot on that front page. Speaking of which, I wonder how long before Beyoncé throws her baby bump into the naked arena.

While I can’t speak for the artists that take their clothes off to sell sex appeal, for the most part I’d say the pregnant nudist come off more “artistic.” Maybe it’s because they’re cradling their unborn children in a such a natural and nurturing way that sex is the furthest thing from my mind, but I go back to the same word that came to mind when I saw the Nia cover: beautiful.

The question, though, is what do you see?

What was your first thought when you saw Nia’s cover? Is it classy or crass for a mother-to-be to bear all on a cover? Would you approve of your own mother taking a nude photo while pregnant? Do you think that pregnant woman can be just as sexy as a non-pregnant woman? Would you ever consider posing for a nude photo? Do you view the female body as a work of art? Is 41 too old to be showing off your body or do you believe if you got it why not flaunt it? Is the naked celebrity cover played out?

Speak your piece…

Bonus: The woman in the second photo is French model Tara Lynn. This photo has been floating around on FaceBook this week to show the beauty of a real woman. What are your thoughts on her confidence and beauty untouched and NOT PhotoShopped?