There are maternity photos [1], and then there are maternity photos. This shot, taken by photographer Simone Paruta several years ago, has resurfaced online — and with good reason.

The image shows a naked pregnant woman lying in the sand on the beach, just steps from the ocean. What makes the photo so extraordinary, however, is that — thanks to some thoughtful digging and her fetal position — she appears as if she's a baby in the womb, with the umbilical cord [2] opening into the expanse of the water in front of her. It's truly awe-inspiring.