Celebrities are under no obligation to talk about their pregnancies.

Meghan Markle was criticised left, right and centre throughout her pregnancy – simply for holding her bump and wearing heels. And the speculation around who is the father of Mindy Kaling’s baby is just tedious at this point. Oh, and let’s not forget Kylie Minogue who is often “pitied” for not being pregnant in the first place.

Women have the right to talk about their fertility as little or as much as they want. Either way, the sad truth is that criticism is ready to be thrown at them from all angles. 

But this week, two high profile women have taken control over the news of their pregnancies by making their own announcements in refreshingly relatable and empowering ways.

Yesterday (24 July), singer and actor Natalie Imbruglia confirmed she was pregnant in an Instagram post which she shared to celebrate a career milestone.

“I’m very happy to announce that I have just signed a record deal with BMG,” she said, alongside a photo of herself and her team. “I have been busy writing for the past year and a half and can’t wait to share these new songs with you all!”

Knowing that the press would be zooming in on her stomach within moments of the post going live, Imbruglia made sure to share a second image – this time of her growing bump.

She added: “I’m so excited about this next adventure… a new album and I’m going to be a mum!”

Now, actor Anne Hathaway has also shared her pregnancy announcement – with a powerful and relatable message for anyone who is going through “infertility and conception hell”.

“It’s not for a movie…#2,” Hathaway captioned the black-and-white selfie.

“All kidding aside, for everyone going through infertility and conception hell, please know it was not a straight line to either of my pregnancies. Sending you extra love.”

Women have since replied on the post, sharing their own IVF experiences and offering support. 

Last year, a study found that around a third of women had recently experienced severe reproductive health symptoms, but didn’t feel comfortable seeking medical help. There’s also been a rising trend in women freezing their eggs by the age of 37. And there’s an increase in same-sex couples using IVF to start a family. 

So, candid pregnancy posts like Hathaway’s are appreciated for empowering women to talk about traditionally taboo fertility issues - but only on their own terms.

Images: Getty