From the baby shower to the maternity helpers
Words by Jadie Troy-Pryde
The world is more than a little excited about the royal baby, but did you know that there are some rather thorough Meghan Markle pregnancy rules that she'll have to abide by?
Following speculation that she is expecting after her appearance at Princess Eugenie's wedding, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that Megan Markle is pregnant via the Kensington Palace Twitter account.
They said: 'Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.’
And as more details emerge, the world has all eyes on the happy couple who are said to be 'very pleased'.
Meghan Markle pregnancy rules
But what is expected of Meghan during her pregnancy, now that she is due to give birth to the next royal baby? Let's take a look at some of the Meghan Markle pregnancy rules...
Meghan won't be allowed to travel overseas
Pregnant royals will usually work all the way up until they give birth, but are expected to keep travelling abroad to a minimum. Considering that Meghan's friends and family are in the US and Canada, it could make things a little tricky if the mum-to-be wants to spend time with her loved ones.
However, Kate broke this rule when she travelled to Norway whilst pregnant with Prince Louis, and it's also interesting to consider that Meghan's pregnancy announcement was made just as she touched down in Sydney, and Kensington Palace have revealed that there will be 'no changes' to her current Australian schedule.
The royal baby's gender will be kept top secret
We'll all be left guessing when it comes to the royal baby's gender, as the info will be kept top secret.
It is standard procedure for royal couples to keep quiet when it comes to their baby's sex. Throughout Prince William and Kate Middleton's three pregnancies, they declined to announce whether they were expecting princes or princesses, and it's expected that Meghan and Harry will follow this rule, too.
Meghan won't have a baby shower
Royal tradition dictates that soon-to-be mums don't throw baby showers, as explained by royal expert Victoria Arbiter.
She reveals that the royals opt out of such events because they are 'very wealthy… a lavish baby shower would be seen as highly inappropriate…There’s nothing they can’t go out and buy themselves.'
Meghan will have a huge team of helpers
As is expected with any pregnant royal, Meghan will have a large group of maternity helpers to advise and support her throughout her pregnancy.
Kate had a large maternity team - consisting of two obstetricians, three midwives, three anesthesiologists, four surgical staff members, two special care staffers, four pediatricians, one lab technician for blood tests, and three managers - and it is expected that Meghan will receive the same treatment.
This group reportedly met monthly to discuss the pregnancy, and were put on call for the last three months in case they were needed.
Traditionally, royal mums gave birth at home, but Princess Anne and Princess Diana both bucked the trend, as did William and Kate when they welcomed their three children at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London.
The Queen must be the first to find out about the birth
The Meghan Markle pregnancy rules include this one: before anybody else can find out that Meghan has given birth, the Queen must be told. It's royal protocol for the monarch to be the first to know, before grandparents or other loved ones.
It's expected that Harry will make a top secret phonecall to his granny to let her know that his son or daughter has arrived safely.
The royal baby will have up to four names
While the world spends the next six months wondering what the newest little royal will be called, the prince or princess will have up to four names.
Harry himself has four names - Henry Charles Albert David - while William and Kate's children each have three - Prince George Alexander Louis, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana and Prince Louis Arthur Charles.
So it's likely that Meghan and Harry will be choosing a fair few names for their little one.
We're so excited...