Shakira Baby Bump, Poses for Intimate Pic with Gerard Pique: Invites Fans to Online World Baby Shower in Support of UNICEF [PHOTO]

Columbian songstress Shakira announced back in September that she is expecting her first child (a baby boy) with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué. On Wednesday (Jan. 16) the couple posed for an intimate, black-and-white photograph in support of Shakira's virtual online baby shower. The "Whenever, Wherever" beauty, flaunting a healthy-growing baby bump, announced that fans would have the opportunity to donate to UNICEF by purchasing "inspired gifts" for underprivileged children around the world during her World Baby Shower. Hosting a public baby shower for fans in support of a good cause - how much more adorable can Shakira and her handsome beau get?!

Shakira, a dedicated UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, posted the couple's World Baby Shower invitation on her website on Wednesday:

"Become a UNICEF Champion, raise awareness, share exclusive pics - and win prizes!

Shakira and Gerard Piqué are throwing a baby shower... with a twist!

It's online, it's interactive, and it's for the benefit of babies everywhere. Shakira and Gerard want to highlight how children around the world still suffer from preventable illnesses, and they want your help!

Here's how it works: guests can help save babies lives around the world by giving a UNICEF Inspired Gift - polio vaccines, therapeutic food, rehydration salts and more - to celebrate the occasion.

Guests can also become 'UNICEF Champions' and win prizes by spreading the word about the event with their friends. Champions earn points for each piece of exclusive content they share and increase their chances of winning signed Shakira CDs and DVDs and FC Barcelona shirts and footballs!

So come celebrate with Shakira, Gerard, UNICEF and thousands of others!"

If fans choose to participate in the virtual baby shower, they will be guided to the couple's interactive "living room" to purchase an "inspired gift" for a UNICEF child. Such items include: a $5 mosquito net and $10 polio vaccine (to keep children safe from malaria), $37 baby-weighing scale, and a $110 Therapeutic Food (to help malnourished children).

Shakira went on to explain in a statement:

"To celebrate the arrival of our first child, we hope that, in his name, other less privileged children in the world can have their basic needs covered through gifts and donations. Thank you for sharing this unforgettable moment with us... Every expectant parent around the world shares all the same hopes and dreams for their children that we do... Yet many don't share the same opportunities. Together we know we can change that."

According to a press release, "Some 19,000 children under the age of five still die globally every day from largely preventable causes." In celebration of her pregnancy, Shakira hopes to help change that statistic.

Along with the invitation, the couple posed for an intimate photo baring lots of skin:

Congrats to the happy couple! To learn more about their World Baby Shower, go here.