Are these the least cringe-worthy pregnancy photos ever?

Yes, they’re on a beach, but the cliches end there.

When Melanie Roy shared pregnancy pictures of her and her wife on Instagram, she had no idea they would soon be seen by millions.

The North Carolina couple decided they both wanted to experience carrying a baby.

The two photos were taken one year apart. The first was in January 2014, when Vanessa Iris Roy was pregnant with the couple’s son, Jax. The second photo, of Melanie carrying their daughter, Ero, was taken in January this year.

The juxtaposed images have become an international sensation, with the modern family being hailed an inspiration to others.

Related: 10 stupid things we all need to stop saying to gay parents.

“It’s crazy to see that people were referring to my family as an inspiration. We are still in complete shock,” Melanie told The Huffington Post.

“Vanessa and I have always said we would both like to carry.”

“The woman’s body is incredible. The way it creates and grows another human being is amazing. We hope that our picture is that sign that some women may need to encourage them to carry a child.”

Melanie took to her Facebook page to express her gratitude for having healthy kids and a “kickass wife who is literally my best friend, my therapist, my lover, and my partner in life all wrapped in one.”

If they put as much effort into being mums as they do into planning these gorgeous photos, Jax and Ero are some very lucky kids.