Grimes models baby bump for Italian Vogue prior to giving birth

They've just announced the birth of their son. (Getty Images)
They've just announced the birth of their son. (Getty Images)

Grimes and Elon Musk announced the arrival of their baby boy, X Æ A-12, earlier this week, the same week that photos of her modelling her baby bump were released in Italian Vogue.

The singer, 32, was photographed in her ninth month of pregnancy by photographer, Ryan McGinley.

Alongside the photos, the 32-year-old, whose real name is Claire Boucher, explains how demanding pregnancy during the coronavirus outbreak has been.

“It is certainly very demanding to be pregnant in the middle of a pandemic. It's hard not to be able to see friends and family.” She admitted.

“A friend of mine recently died and it was a nightmare not being able to be close to her loved ones. It won't be easy in the hospital, I don't go into details but I feel very empathetic with those who are going through this phase.

“And I trust what the maternity wards are doing to manage the situation, I have great respect for the work of the doctors.” She added.

Read more: Hero, Hope and Bravery popular names of children born during lockdown

The name of their new arrival caused some confusion among fans, who wondered what it meant.

By way of clarification, Grimes tweeted: “X, the unknown variable. Æ, my elven spelling of Ai (love &/or Artificial intelligence), A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent.”

Despite having to give birth during uncertain times, the singer said she is trying to have a positive attitude about life post-Coronavirus.

“'This is an opportunity to start thinking about how we live, even if it is painful. We are already observing an interesting change in consumption habits and I see more and more people walking in my neighborhood. It seems to be like the 90s.” She joked.

Read more: Boris Johnson feared he’d never meet his son

“I was having a baby this week so I literally didn’t realize [sic] my Italian Vogue cover came out!!” Grimes announced on her Instagram page alongside more photos from the shoot.

“Simulation feels like its at level 10 atm. Might be offline for a bit as of today, but this is an honor of the highest order! Thanks so much I want to write more but my brain is mega fried right now. Love G.” She continued.

This is Grimes’ first child, and Musk’s sixth.

The CEO of SpaceX described the new arrival as “cute as a button” to his followers on Twitter.

It’s still not clear how the baby’s name will be pronounced. That hasn’t stopped people from guessing on social media, with “Ash Lockheed Musk” being one of the favourites.