DUBAI: Nicki Minaj is going to be a mom. The Trinidad-born rapper dropped a bombshell on the Internet on Monday, with the announcement of her pregnancy. The star took to Instagram to share four separate and glamorous maternity portraits of her baby bump and the news that she and her husband, Kenneth Petty, were expecting their first child together. In the first image, simply captioned “#preggers,” Minaj can be seen cradling her baby bump while wearing a patchwork Swarovski crystal embellished ensemble by Lacey Dalimonte, platform heels, and a neon wig. Another photo was captioned “Love. Marriage. Baby carriage. Overflowing with excitement & gratitude. Thank you all for the well wishes.” The rapper, 37, also enlisted famed American photographer David LaChapelle to photograph her wearing a white, gauzy dress by Greek designer Dipesta. The gown, which boasted a cut-out in the centre to display Minaj’s pregnant figure, was paired with a crystal beaded, floor-length veil that was custom-made by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. In May, the singer sparked pregnancy rumors when she revealed that she had been experiencing common pregnancy symptoms. When fans asked if she would share photos of her baby bump, she replied, “Yea in a couple of months. The world ain’t ready yet.” The pregnancy news comes nine months after the “Super Bass” hitmaker confirmed her marriage to Petty. Minaj took to social media on Oct 21 to share the relationship update, writing, “Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty 10•21•19,” along with an emoji of a bride, a groom, a tearful smiley face, hands clasped in prayer and a pink bow. The couple made their romance official in December 2018. Their romance proved controversial among fans when news emerged that Petty, 42, had been convicted of attempted rape in 1995 and later spent seven years in prison for manslaughter. While still a minor teen, Petty was convicted of the attempted rape of a 16-year-old girl. After serving time, he remains a Level 2 registered sex offender in New York State. Additionally, court documents obtained by The Blast show that he pleaded guilty in Queens in 2006 to a manslaughter charge for fatally shooting a man named Lamont Robinson in 2002. He served seven years in prison and was released in May 2013. Minaj has previously been linked to rappers Meek Mill and Safaree.