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Kim Kardashian announces SKIMS maternity line, Internet asks 'Why would anyone want shapewear for pregnancy?'

Many users slammed Kardashian for forcing the narrative that even pregnant women would now need to worry about their figures and how well it fits into the social construct of physical beauty

'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star Kim Kardashian took to her social media to make an exciting announcement about an upcoming new SKIMS shapewear line. She wrote on Twitter, "What you’ve been waiting for: @SKIMS Maternity is coming soon! Introducing Maternity Solutionwear that offers the best in comfort & support for your changing body during & after pregnancy. Launching on Wednesday, September 16 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET in 9 colors & in sizes XXS - 5X." 

This announcement came along with a quick preview for the star's 188 million-strong Instagram as she shared a few looks from the upcoming line. As the star showed off her new line, she said on one of her Instagram stories, "If only there were cute bras that were holding you up and snatching you and making you feel better about yourself while you can breastfeed, that would have been everything to me."

SKIMS maternity wear promises a maternity "sculpting" bra which has a clasp that can be undone to breastfeed. It also has a mid-thigh bodysuit which is described by the brand as having a “non-compressive core that allows for a growing baby bump” and “lifts bust, smooths and shapes thighs and butt.” Kardashian also shared that she had never worn a maternity bra as one was never available.

She said, "I never wore a maternity bra because there was nothing out there so this was really important to me to be able to make one that was so comfortable but also made you feel really good about yourself and made you look good." 

Is this a product to be excited about though? The Internet seems divided over the launch. While many are super excited to have a product that would make their pregnancy a memorable time, others wondered why a pregnant woman even needs shapewear.

Many users also slammed Kardashian for forcing the narrative that even pregnant women would now need to and even want to worry about their figures and how well it fits into the social construct of physical beauty. One fan wrote, "Maybe I'm missing something. Why in the hell would one want shapewear for pregnancy? Like isn’t the whole point of your stomach expanding to you know... make room for the baby? Shapewear seems counterproductive but what do I know..."

Another user tweeted, "This is the last thing you would ever see me try to squeeze a pregnant body in. You can bank on that. Seems so unnatural." One fan, however, was quite understanding of Kardashian's line of shapewear. Among the many voices that wanted to register their disagreement regarding the idea that Kardashian based her product on, were also voices of support from fellow pregnant women who wanted to use Kardashian's product to make themselves feel good.

One such fan shared, "Okay a lot of people are giving her shit for this. But most maternity pants have extra fabric that go over your bump. It does not hurt the baby whatsoever and coming from someone that has been pregnant, you can get really insecure about your stomach. It’s not offensive at all."

There were also many women who want to get pregnant just so that they could try Kardashian's new line of shapewear, despite how expensive the line may turn out to be.