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PREGNANT Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards, showing off her expanding baby bump as she appeared on stage.

All eyes were on the 37-year-old as she proudly cradled her bump as she waited to present British Designer of the Year to Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy – who designed her wedding dress.

 Meghan has come under fire for holding her bump at the British Fashion Awards - but many have strongly defended her
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Meghan has come under fire for holding her bump at the British Fashion Awards - but many have strongly defended herCredit: Getty - Contributor

But some trolls took to Twitter to attack her for holding her bump for the amount of time she did.

One person wrote: "Meghan, we know you are pregnant. You can stop holding onto the bump with both hands now. It won’t fall off.”

Another added: "If I see one more photo of Meghan Markle cradling that bump I am going to vomit."

But Katherine Graves, founder of KG Hypnobirthing, which helps train midwives at the Lindo Wing in St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, where Kate Middleton gave birth, told the holding onto your bump was a positive thing.

 Meghan has been spotted cradling her bump a number of times - and experts say it is healthy for her and baby
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Meghan has been spotted cradling her bump a number of times - and experts say it is healthy for her and baby
 Katherine Graves said it created a positive feeling for mum and baby
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Katherine Graves said it created a positive feeling for mum and babyCredit: PA:Press Association

She said: "It’s a positive thing for both mum and baby to touch and reassure baby, which is vital for baby's bonding and well being, staving off postnatal depression and facilitating healthy connection for all.

"It has been shown time and time again that babies recognise what they have experienced in the womb after they are born.

"If touching her bump does nothing more than help Meghan feel calm, even that will have a profound effect on her baby."

 People have reacted positively to Meghan holding onto her bump
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People have reacted positively to Meghan holding onto her bumpCredit: Twitter

Her words were echoed by Liz Halliday, Deputy Head of Midwifery at Private Midwives, who told the Daily Mail, that mothers subconsciously stroked their bumps in order to protect their baby.

And some fans jumped to her defence.

‏ said: "People are so bothered by Meghan holding her bump. I did this all the time. Some actually seem p***** off about it in the same way they object to Meghan touching Harry.

"Someone actually said she's treating her baby like a trophy! Like wtf?"

 added: "Simple touching, hugging & communicating with baby, helps them to grow."

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