Pregnancy belly gains popularity among online shoppers
Popularity of gel belly rising among internet shoppers seeking faux motherhood
There are myriad reasons to fake a pregnancy and an unusual product that helps people do just that is rising in popularity on shopping websites - a silica-gel "belly".
In one case, a seemingly pregnant woman in Beijing reportedly tried to get a seat on a crowded metro, but her attempt ended in failure and embarrassment when her fake belly was dislodged and exposed.
She then filed a complaint of dissatisfactory merchandise quality, but found no sympathy with the authorities, who said she had not used the product for legitimate means.
Mainland media reports of the debacle earlier this month put the sale of the bellies in the spotlight.
The shop says it has sold 145 such bellies in the past month. Costing 386 yuan to 429 yuan (HK$478 to HK$530), they come in different sizes to match various stages of pregnancy.
A silica belly meant to fake a pregnancy of two to four months weighs 1.5kg, while one of eight to 10 months tips the scales at 2.9kg. For customers looking to pass off as carrying twins or more, much heavier versions are available.