Fake pregnant belly becomes hot seller on the Internet

Artificial replicas of pregnant women's abdomens, made of silica gel, have become hot sellers on the online shopping market, the China News.com reported on Monday.

Looking like the belly of a genuine pregnant woman, the imitations have variously been described as having "flesh color" and "human skin texture," and as "highly comfortable," by online shop owners.

There are currently three types of fake bellies being sold, each of which approximates a different period of pregnancy, corresponding to the second and latter trimesters and the final month.

The replicas are priced from 500 to 1600 yuan ($79-$252), though the slightly more expensive models, priced at around 700 to 800 yuan ($109-$125), have thus far been the best sellers, according to an online shop owner.

"Most of the costumers have bought the bellies for acting performances or as a joke, though others wanted to experience the life of a pregnant woman," said the owner.

"It looks strange to me. What is the use of it?" said one Internet user.