You probably saw it. That grainy, handheld footage of the Duchess of Sussex, very pregnant, basically "dropping it low" in a hospital room while Prince Harry tries to keep up. It’s the Meghan Markle pregnant dance—a clip that felt like it broke the internet back in June 2025.
Meghan dropped the video on Instagram to celebrate Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday. It wasn't some polished Archewell production. It was raw. She was wearing a simple black dress, cradling a massive baby bump, and dancing to Starrkeisha’s "The Baby Momma Dance."
People lost their minds. Some called it "cringey" (looking at you, Megyn Kelly), while others saw it as the most human the couple has ever looked. But beyond the tabloid noise, there’s actually a lot more going on here than just a royal couple being "silly" for the camera.
What Really Happened in That Delivery Room?
The backstory is actually pretty relatable for anyone who’s ever been overdue. According to Meghan’s own caption, she was a week past her due date with Lili. She’d tried the spicy food. She’d tried the long walks. She’d even tried acupuncture.
Nothing worked.
So, she and Harry did what a lot of modern parents do: they tried to dance the baby out.
The Science of "Dancing the Baby Out"
Honestly, it sounds like an old wives' tale, right? But it’s not just for TikTok clout.
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Physical therapists and midwives actually recommend upright movement to help the baby descend into the birth canal. It’s called "optimal fetal positioning." When you do a Meghan Markle pregnant dance style move—shaking the hips, swaying, or even a modified squat—you’re using gravity to your advantage.
- Gravity: Standing and moving helps the baby’s head press against the cervix.
- Pelvic Opening: Rhythmic swaying can open the pelvic outlet by up to 30%.
- Stress Reduction: Dancing releases endorphins, which can help manage the early stages of labor pain.
Medical experts at the National Institutes of Health have even noted that dancing is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Meghan wasn't just being "extra"; she was trying to get the job done.
The Viral Backlash: Why People Were So Annoyed
If you’ve spent any time on royal Twitter, you know the Sussexes can’t even breathe without someone getting upset. The reaction to the dancing video was predictable.
Kinsey Schofield, a frequent royal commentator, went on Sky News and basically said the video lacked "dignity." Piers Morgan had a field day, too. The main argument from the critics was that the "sanctity" of the birth room should be private.
But here’s the thing: they didn't post it during the labor. They waited four years.
Reclaiming the Narrative
In a June 2025 interview on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, Meghan finally addressed why she shared it. She told Grede that it was a "reminder that with all the noise... there's still a whole life, a real, authentic, fun life, happening behind the scenes."
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It’s about control. For years, the royal family has controlled every photo and every "spontaneous" moment. By posting a video of herself twerking in a hospital ward, Meghan effectively killed the mystery. You can't be a "stuffy royal" if the world has seen you doing the Baby Momma Dance.
Common Misconceptions About the Video
Let’s clear some stuff up because the internet is a weird place.
1. Was she actually twerking?
Sorta. She was shaking her hips and dropping into low squats. If you want to call that twerking, sure. But in the context of labor prep, it’s just active birthing.
2. Is this video from Prince Archie’s birth?
Nope. This was recorded in 2021 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, just before Lilibet was born. Archie’s birth in 2019 was a much more secretive affair at Portland Hospital in London.
3. Did Harry really join in?
Yes. He’s in a green hoodie and jeans, looking like every other nervous-but-supportive dad in a delivery suite. He actually "drops it low" with her, which, frankly, is a visual none of us expected to see from the fifth in line to the throne.
The Cultural Impact: "BirthTok" and Beyond
Whether you love her or hate her, Meghan tapped into a massive cultural trend. "BirthTok" is huge. Millions of women share their raw, unedited labor stories to demystify the process.
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For a long time, royal births were represented by a woman in full glam standing on the steps of the Lindo Wing three hours after giving birth. That’s not reality. Seeing a Duchess looking sweaty and tired, trying to dance her way through contractions, is actually a lot more helpful for the average person than a curated photo op.
Actionable Takeaways for Expecting Parents
If you’re reading this because you’re 40 weeks pregnant and desperate to meet your baby, don't just mimic the Meghan Markle pregnant dance without a plan.
- Check with your doctor first: Every pregnancy is different. If you have a high-risk condition, jumping around might not be the best move.
- Focus on the hips: The goal isn't "good" dancing; it's pelvic movement. Think figure-eights or hula-hoop motions.
- Use a birthing ball: If your legs are tired, you can get the same hip-opening benefits by bouncing or swaying on a yoga ball.
- Stay hydrated: Labor is a marathon. If you’re dancing to induce it, you’re burning energy you’ll need for the actual birth.
- Make it fun: The stress of being overdue actually slows down labor by producing adrenaline, which inhibits oxytocin. If dancing with your partner makes you laugh, that’s actually medically helpful.
The reality of the Sussexes in 2026 is that they are leaning into this "lifestyle" and "authentic" vibe more than ever. The hospital dance wasn't just a birthday post—it was a strategic move to show they're just like us, even if they're doing it from a mansion in Montecito.
Next time you’re feeling the pressure of a deadline or a major life event, maybe take a page out of the Meghan and Harry playbook. Turn on some music, shake it off, and don't worry about who thinks it's "cringey."
To stay updated on birth health or the latest royal news, you should check out the official ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) guidelines on exercise during pregnancy or follow the Archewell Foundation's latest updates on maternal health initiatives.