Nicola Roberts Undergoes Surgery to Protect Pregnancy

has revealed she has undergone surgery at 22 weeks pregnant to 'help keep baby in' in a new post to fans.

The expectant mother, 40, took to social media on Tuesday to share an update with her followers while showing off her blooming baby bump.

Girls Aloud singer Nicola said she has been ordered by doctors to rest for the final trimester as she revealed her surgery news.

She penned: 'Some pics I took this week.. Hasn’t it been so nice to really feel spring.. 

'I’ve been under instruction not to do much since I had the surgery at 22 weeks to help keep baby in. Hitting that 34 week mark was a big relief.

'I now only have a few weeks left. Safe to say, this last bit is not the easiest is it?! In one breath, it will be nice to feel more comfortable again but I will also really miss my bump and having this tiny little thing in there.'

Among the new pics Nicola posted, she could seen showing off her bare bump while having a cuppa in bed.

In another, she was sat in her car during the recent warm weather with her shades on enjoying an icelolly.

As part of her bed rest, Nicola shared how she has been enjoying The Real Housewives.

Nicola  with her fiancé Mitch Hahn on Christmas Day on Instagram.  

She penned: 'Mitch and I have had the most magical Christmas Day sharing the most precious news with our families. 

'We’ve been keeping a secret. We are five months pregnant! We can’t wait to meet our little one in the spring x'

Nicola and the former footballer, 37, became engaged one year ago during a romantic trip to the south of . 

Earlier this month she enjoyed a reunion with her bandmate as the pair celebrated the impending arrival of her first child with a Bridgerton-themed baby shower.

The pair headed to The Lanesborough for a swanky afternoon tea as Nicola showed off her growing bump in a chic navy blue dress as Kimberley shared snaps of them together on her Instagram.

The mother-to-be was also gifted with a sweet babygrow featuring an elegant floral print during the outing, with all of her guests taking turns decorating their own during the celebration.

Meanwhile Kimberley showed off her chic look and the lavish spread during the outing over the  Weekend.

 was also among the stars in attendance, with the presenter showing off her own bump in a playful snap as she prepares to welcome her second child.  

Last month, Nicola shared an update with fans on her pregnancy as she . 

Nicola posted mirror selfies where she displayed her growing baby bump as she . 

She captioned the snaps: 'Bump-date ✨ it's been a little while.. We're doing super well and safely in our third trimester now. 

'Feeling more and more excited by the day. Sending love to all the mumma's to be. Especially the first time ones xxx.'

Back in January Nicola revealed she has been forced to pull out of her West End show ahead of a surgical operation. 

She starred as the goddess Persephone in the hit West End musical Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre.