Emily Atack has responded to online criticism following "mum shaming" comments made by some of her social media followers after they spotted an innocent pregnancy habit.
The actress, who frequently hits back against social media trolls, shared the news she was expecting a baby at the end of last year and on Tuesday, the 34-year-old displayed some of the complaints she received for clutching her baby bump.
Taking to her Instagram story, the former The Inbetweeners star shared a screenshot of a comment she received which read: “How heavy is the bump? Not seen a picture with your hand off it.”
Replying to the question, Atack wrote: “I find this so interesting. I, like so many women, get so many comments and questions like this (mainly from men) asking why do I feel the need to always be cradling my baby bump, or touching it in some way.
“It seems to really irritate some people. My only answer is that it’s my baby I’m physically and literally carrying. It’s one of the most natural instincts in the world. It’s a sign of affection and protection.”
The comedian jokingly added: “And I’m probably hungry too. Hope this answers your pestiferous questions.”
Emily Atack hit back at mum shamers on Instagram
INSTAGRAM/EMILY ATACK
She went on to post a similar telling-off she'd received from a follower after someone penned: “Looks terrible!
“And I really hate that ‘cradling of the baby bump’. So affected; it screams ‘look at me, I’m pregnant, aren’t I superior to you’. Ugh!”
“I’m carrying a human love not a Prada sodding handbag,” Atack responded, humorously sticking up for herself on the social media platform.
Atack isn't the first famous face to hit back at judgment given by online followers criticising their pregnancy habits or parenting.
Atack has been vocal about the online comments she frequently receives, and last year made a documentary detailing the struggles she faces, particularly on Instagram.
Emily Atack baby bump: The actress has come under fire for holding her bump
GETTY
Emily Atack: Asking For It? Aired on the BBC early last year as she explored social media culture and sexism, with Atack confronting some of the comments gets daily.
Atack announced in December she was pregnant with her first child, returning to Instagram after a social media break to share the sweet post.
Posting a black and white snap of her smiling with her baby bump visible, she wrote: “Hello Everyone, it’s been a little while but I’m back with some news.
“I’m delighted to share with you all that we’re having a baby!! I’ve never been so happy and utterly terrified at the same time.
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The comedian frequently hits back at social media trolls
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“Please go easy on me. Every day is mixed with thrill, fear, joy, hysteria, topped off with a lot of vomiting - a bit like when you’ve just stepped off of the Oblivion at Alton Towers on a hangover.
“I’ve got to know my body on such an insane level. It’s made me appreciate the one I’ve been given SO much, I’m doing my absolute best to make it a home for the little squid I’m growing.
“We can already sense the baby is reclined on a mattress of peanut butter and jam sandwiches in there, demanding more chocolate buttons.
“I’m so happy to be writing all of this to you all. You’ve always stuck by me through the years, do stick around to watch me enter my mum era. Christ. Let’s go.” (sic)
