The Pregnant Belly Cast

We used Imperial BodyGel (IBG) for this particular procedure. LS-680 or 880 could have been used instead with an identical procedure.

Here's a list of the materials we used:

Two pounds IBG
Ten rolls quick setting plaster bandages (cut into 6" and 12" strips)
At least 20 pounds of gypsum cement (Hydrocast, et al)
You will also need:
Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate)
Thermometer
A large plastic bag or other protective sheet for subject
Arm Rests
A mixing bucket for the Accu-Cast™
A water pan or bucket for wetting the plaster strips
A mixing bucket for the gypsum cement
An Electric Drill w/Jiffy Mixer (optional, Accu-Cast™ can be mixed by hand)
A smock (optional, to protect your clothes)
A camera (you're gonna want to take pictures)

SUBJECT PREPARATION: Make sure your model understands the procedure. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes, and it can be difficult for some pregnant women to stand in one place for that long. We have built a set of height-adjustable arm rests that take a lot of the weight off the subject's feet. A thick rubber mat underfoot and comfortable shoes are a must. The model must also keep shifting their weight from foot to foot throughout to keep from locking their knees which can make some people faint. Let them know that if they start feeling faint, they should immediately let you know and you will help support them or help them to the ground. Its not really common, but it does happen, and these subjects are particularly vulnerable right now.

The model's clothing should be adequately protected from the alginate, as neither it nor the plaster will launder out later. Do not put petroleum jelly or any lubricant on the skin, as this will make the alginate slide off too easily.

Different models have different opinions about how much breast to include in the casting. Its a matter of artistic and personal preferences. It is even possible to take an impression of the breasts with a brassiere, but the cloth must be completely sealed or the Accu-Cast™ will stick to it. In any case, make sure that the Accu-Cast™ material gets up into the area beneath the breasts to minimize air bubbles and voids. A small rubber spatula or a catheter-tip syringe (available at Vet supply stores) can help.

MATERIALS PREPARATION: Note: This is a fairly messy procedure. Take adequate precautions to avoid ruining carpeting, etc.

Unroll the plaster bandages and cut them into strips. There should be about 25% 6-inch strips and 75% 12-inch strips. Keep the scissors handy throughout the procedure. Fill a container (plastic, flat-bottomed, rectangular 12-inch by 18-inch with 6-inch walls is ideal) with about 3 inches of water.

Its best to have one person preparing the plaster bandages and one person applying them. This second person can also mix the alginate and assist in its application.

We mixed the Imperial BodyGel at a "3.5 to 1" ratio. That means 7 pounds (a little less than a gallon) of water to 2 pounds of IBG. Mixing alginate by weight is always preferable to measuring by volume, because alginate is highly compressable and its can density vary significantly. We put our 7 pounds of 85°F water in a medium sized bucket, poured in the IBG and power mixed it for about 1 minute, until smooth.

I know this sounds like its really hard, but its not. You'll probably make a few mistakes the first time. Learn from them.

The Procedure (click images to enlarge)

Here's our model. She was asked to wear some old, loose fitting clothes. Note the arm rests.	For some reason we can't find the picture, but we applied a plaster strip framework around the outside of our target area just like we did for the head cast. You can see the framework in the mold pictures below, or you can look at the head cast pictures by clicking here	The alginate is applied. It should be about 3/4 inch thick (21mm) on average.

The plaster strips are applied making sure to overlap the outside framework..	The goal is to adequately support the structure of the mold without deforming it.	The plaster bandages should be 5 or 6 layers thick, and a little thicker toward the edges.

When set, have the model lean forward. You should have two people available to catch the mold when it comes off.	Here you can see the approximate extent of the mold.	Here is a shot of the finished mold showing the peripheral framework.

	The finished cast. Its a little rough around the edges...	...but it finished out great. Finished Cast
VERY IMPORTANT !!! Be sure to coat all plaster surfaces of the mold with petroleum jelly to prevent the Cast sticking to the Mold. Do not coat the alginate surfaces. If there are small tears in the Accu-Cast™, they can be quickly repaired using Super Glue. Mix a slightly thinner-than-usual gypsum cement mixture and carefully coat the inside of the mold with a thin slip coat. This will minimize the surface bubbles. Mix a thicker gypsum cement mixture and coat the inside surface with about 1/2 of cement. On the next layer, combine hemp fibers with the cement. This will lend strength and lessen the overall weight of the piece. Take the casting out of the mold when the hemp layer is set. Carefully begin to trim the outside edge with a hand grinder, file, or whatever tool you are used to using. Finish the edges with the gypsum cement. A hanger made of wire can be embedded in the back surface. A piece of insulated, multistranded electrical wire works well. Use a piece about 12 inches long, strip off about 4 inches of insulation on both ends, fray out the wire and use gypsum cement to stick the ends onto the back.