Rihanna Shares Stunning Throwback Maternity Photos From Her Pregnancy With RZA

Rihanna channelled a golden tropical goddess against an oceanfront backdrop.

Rihanna is giving fans another glimpse into her first pregnancy, sharing a stunning set of previously unseen maternity photos from the period when she was expecting her first son, RZA.

The photos, taken during her 2022 pregnancy, captured Rihanna embracing her changing body with the confidence and fashion-forward attitude that has become part of her signature. In the striking images, she posed against a tropical backdrop wearing delicate body jewellery and minimal clothing while proudly showing off her growing bump.

Styling

Rihanna went for a sensual, tropical-goddess aesthetic. She posed topless with her growing bump on full display, wearing a gold embellished body chain, black thong/bikini bottoms and black-and-white snakeskin-print stilettos. She accessorised with layered gold and diamond jewellery, including chunky rings, bracelets and anklets. Her beauty look featured long, wet-look beach waves, glowing skin, colourful nails and glossy lips.

Location

The photographs were taken in a tropical beachfront setting, with Rihanna posing on a sun-drenched balcony overlooking the ocean, surrounded by palm foliage.

Rihanna shared the images in May 2023 while she was pregnant with her second child.

She gave the photo series the cheeky title “Rub on ya titties,” explaining that the shoot was created in honour of her first pregnancy and the experience of carrying RZA.

Beyond the glamour, the images reflected Rihanna's approach to pregnancy: rather than hiding her changing body, she celebrated it. Her maternity style during that period became a major part of the fashion conversation, helping challenge the traditional idea that pregnant women should dress conservatively or disappear behind conventional maternity clothing.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed RZA in May 2022. The couple have since welcomed two more children, son Riot Rose and daughter Rocki Irish Mayers.

The throwback photos therefore capture more than a glamorous maternity shoot. They preserve a moment from the beginning of Rihanna's journey from global superstar to mother of three.

Rihanna really knows how to make a maternity shoot unforgettable. ✨