The 33-year-old shared that she has always loved the sea, so when the time came for her to do her maternity shoot, she decided to share her love of the sea with her unborn baby. But Bernice, who's seven months pregnant, did not settle for a normal seaside shoot. Instead, she chose to go diving.

According to Bernice, the shoot took two days, and required loads of preparation beforehand. She first consulted her doctor, who laid out a number of guidelines for her, ensuring that she did not dive deeper than three metres, so that she would not hold her breath for too long and tire herself out.

Before taking the plunge, Bernice also monitored her baby's heartbeat and ensured that the baby was resting in a safe position. She also measured her own cervix to check for signs of premature birth. 

During the dive, Bernice was also accompanied by a maternity nurse, and an experienced dive instructor. However, she was hit by a bout of seasickness  before she started the photoshoot.  In order to protect her baby, Bernice decided not to take anti-nausea medicine, choosing to power through her seasickness.

“I’ve never experienced nausea during the course of my pregnancy, the photoshoot was the first time I vomited so far,” she laughed. Bernice also added that she’s had a relatively uneventful pregnancy, and that she did not suffer much discomfort. 

Finally, she said that she wants to offer up some encouragement to all women through this shoot.

“Regardless of whether you’re already a mother, or about to become one, make sure that you don't forget your own hobbies and joys. While taking on your new role, make sure that you don't forget about yourself. You have to love yourself,” she said.

Photos: PBE Media, Bernice Chao/Instagram