Meghan Markle Cradles Her Bump as She Visits Nursing Home: 'I'm Feeling Very Pregnant Today!'

Meghan Markle visits Twickenham
The Duchess of Sussex went to Brinsworth House on Tuesday, where she chatted with residents and unveiled a plaque in honor of her visit.Geoff Pugh- WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Duchess of Sussex was all smiles as she chatted with residents at the center on Tuesday.

Meghan Markle joked that she's feeling "very pregnant" as she visited a residential nursing and care home Tuesday.

The Duchess of Sussex cradled her bump as she arrived at Brinsworth House, a care home for British entertainers run by the Royal Variety Charity in Twickenham, England. 

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Inside, she greeted residents, listened to performance by singer Cassidy Janson, and sat down to chat with retired West End theater actress Josephine Gordon, 87.

When the former stage star asked the duchess how she was feeling, she said she was "very good," according to a video by royal correspondent Rebecca English. She quickly touched her bump and, laughing, added that she felt "very pregnant today."

Geoff Pugh- WPA Pool/Getty Images
Geoff Pugh- WPA Pool/Getty Images

Meghan's penchant for cradling her bump has not gone unnoticed. After her surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards last week — where she wore a one-shoulder, floor-length Givenchy gown — internet users made snide remarks about her apparent need to hold on to her bump on stage. "It's not as if everyone doesn't already know," one wrote.

But there is a legitimate medical reason why she's holding her tummy — it's called cradling. Medical experts say that cradling the stomach actually can soothe the baby during hectic situations.

Her first child with Prince Harry is due in the spring.

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