Cardi B's Most Stunning Pregnancy Style Moments (So Far)

Cardi B is never one to do things by halves. On the contrary, the performer is known for her unapologetically bold approach to life, from her music and attitude to her dramatic style. Even her pregnancy announcements are designed to turn heads, such as the recent Instagram revelation that Cardi B is expecting her third child.

"With every ending comes a new beginning!" the "I Like It" singer wrote in the caption. "You've reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion! I love you so much and cannot wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It's so much easier taking life's twists, turns, and tests lying down, but you, your brother, and your sister have shown me why it's worth it to push through!"

The message is moving, but more than that, Cardi B's announcement ensemble is one for the books — joining other memorable looks like the lace gown from Hailey Bieber's ethereal pregnancy announcement. In her announcement photos, the rapper poses pensively in front of a city skyline wearing a belly-baring red gown and luxurious, furry red coat. It's at once intensely intimate and extremely opulent. And this isn't the first time Cardi B has celebrated her pregnant body with editorial-worthy 'fits — her previous two pregnancies were equally marked by playful, sexy, and fashion-forward ensembles.

Cardi B welcomed her first baby, Kulture, in July 2018 — which put her at roughly seven months pregnant when she walked the red carpet at the Met Gala that year. Following the event theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," Cardi B was resplendent in a custom Moschino gown dripping with beaded embellishments. The gown's fitted bodice and voluminous skirt beautifully accented the rapper's curvy pregnancy shape, and the matching headpiece was like something from a Renaissance painting, giving the whole look an elegant, maternal vibe.

In June 2018, Cardi B embraced her first pregnancy with a bump-friendly bodycon number in pure white. The dress offered a simple silhouette with its deep V-neck and sensible length, but Cardi B quickly injected the look with her usual quirkiness by adding generous silver accessories, rainbow pumps, and a matching rainbow-hued hairdo. The resulting aesthetic was vaguely unicorn-esque, and we couldn't be more here for it.

Cardi B's second pregnancy announcement was another outfit for the ages. The "WAP" singer stunned audiences at the 2021 BET Awards by marching onstage in a Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit encrusted with gems and featuring an unmissable sheer cutout that showed off the singer's burgeoning belly. In typical Cardi B style, the surprise and the look were figurative mic-drops — a reminder that not only will she keep delivering over-the-top statements, but that even pregnancy can't slow her down.

Cardi B came hot into the motherhood game, and if anything, her second pregnancy was even more stylish than her first. A few months before welcoming her son, Wave, the performer showed off her expectant body in a sexy sheathe dress from Mugler. The form-fitting garment was a statement in shiny burgundy, accented with textural embossing. Cardi B finished the look with chunky gold accessories, full-glam makeup, and an Hermès Birkin handbag, proving that pregnant ladies can still serve couture.

Sometimes, a simple LBD is all you need to get through the third trimester — a fashion strategy echoed by some of Brittany Mahomes' most stunning pregnancy style moments. But as usual, Cardi B puts her own edgy spin on the look, ensuring that it's anything but boring. In an August 2021 Instagram post, the "Please Me" singer's black bodycon minidress was given new life with the contrast of her buttery, yellow-green hair and chunky boots with matching yellow-green lug soles. As one commenter observed, "Cardi takes the cutest pregnancy pictures." 

From on-stage costumes to couture street looks, Cardi B's second pregnancy just served and served and served. Case in point, take her memorable black-and-red ensemble from August 2021. Cardi B styled a sheer black mock-neck with icy, Playboy-branded chains, a cropped red jacket, patent black-and-red boots, and the most perfect Chanel tote. "That jacket and that bag," one commenter enthused — adding a few drooling emojis for good measure — while others begged for the name of her shoes.

Even when pregnant, Cardi B gravitates toward sexy and revealing ensembles, but sometimes a girl needs her loungewear. Happily, it's easy to style matching athleisure sets for a look that's comfy yet fashionable. Toward the end of her second pregnancy (and looking ready to welcome Wave at any minute), Cardi B mixed up her wardrobe with a powder-pink tracksuit that was as glamorous as ever. Of course, it helped that the rapper finished her 'fit with stacked jewelry, rhinestone-studded glasses, and a quilted Coach bag — not to mention her usual mile-long nails. 

When Lizzo and Cardi B dropped the video for "Rumors" in 2021, the Internet went wild. "This video is serving all the visuals I need. Cardi has been killing all her features lately," one fan wrote on Reddit — and we have to agree. Cardi B rocked two fierce Greek-inspired looks, both highlighting her baby bump and baring plenty of skin. What we love most, though, is how these ensembles presented an unabashed juxtaposition of strength and motherhood. From the armor-evoking gold bikinis to the diaphanous white draperies, it was giving goddess vibes.