Despite seeming less-than-thrilled, these expecting animals radiate an adorable maternal beauty. As they nurture new lives within, each maternal marvel reminds us that all babies are blessings, whether pup, cub or calf. These photos are odes to the trials and triumphs of motherhood.

1. Eating for 2 – that’s rule #1.

2. Everything becomes mission impossible.

3. Believe it or not, snakes can be pregnant too.

4. No, I am not obese.

5. The baby is definitely very warm under this coat.

6. An elephant’s pregnancy lasts 95 weeks. You’ve got to be kidding me.

7. No, you absolutely cannot poke it.

8. What are you looking at?