Mom With 'Optical Illusion' Baby Bump Gets Trolled For Working Out Pregnant

A video of a pregnant woman's baby bump that creates a surprising optical illusion has gone viral on Instagram.

In the footage, Jordan Arcila, 31, stands face-on to a mirror in activewear but shows no visible signs of pregnancy until she turns to the side and her baby bump becomes apparent.

Arcila, from Orlando, Florida, told Newsweek: "I have worked out my entire life and it didn't stop through my pregnancy, and I also have extremely small hips."

The mom of two also told Newsweek that she stayed as active as possible during pregnancy—and this commitment to fitness could be the reason her baby bump was not immediately noticeable from the front.

Mom shares optical illusion baby bump
Jordan Arcila is pictured in stills from her viral Instagram video. She told Newsweek that working out while pregnant is important. @jordanke

Her dramatic reveal left viewers amazed and intrigued, with one Instagram user sharing that the optical illusion of Arcila's baby bump tricks her "every time."

Another user commented: "I love how this woman is getting soooo much hate for showing her super fit pregnancy body, but every other woman who posts their not-so-fit pregnancy body gets showered with compliments and told they're 'brave' for posting it. Why can't women just support women?"

Another wrote: "At first I'm like what in the heck is she talking about her stomach is flat as hell, then you turned to side I was like wow."

With the video having racked up over half a million likes, Arcila told Newsweek that the reaction on social media has been "insane."

As the founder of Jordanke Training Club, Arcila's fitness journey has been more than just a way to stay in shape, but also a means to support her after giving birth.

"I have had a lot of great comments, but I also get a ton of hate as well," she said. "It's a lot of people thinking that being in shape during pregnancy is wrong but you wouldn't believe the benefits of exercising through pregnancy for yourself and your baby. [It makes for] a very quick postpartum recovery as well."

By sharing her experience, she hopes to inspire other pregnant women to stay active in ways that feel right for their bodies.

Arcila told Newsweek that another reason why she works out is because she has "a toddler at home to keep up with."

Another Instagram user shared a similar experience to that of Arcila in the comments: "My sister was like this, although my nephew was nearly 10lbs and it looked like he was just standing on her spine with his head in her belly button, so when she turned sideways the reveal was drastic."

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About the writer


Daniella Gray is a Newsweek Family & Parenting Reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on family dynamics, childhood ... Read more

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