Hilary Swank, 48, cradles 'miracle' baby bump in Christmas photo

Hilary Swank has shared a sweet festive snap showing off her ‘miracle’ baby bump saying pregnancy is the ‘gift of a lifetime’.

The 48-year-old star recently announced she and husband Philip Schneider were expecting twins after getting pregnant for the first time.

Announcing the good news during an appearance on Good Morning America, Hilary said: “I'm so happy to share it with you and with America right now.

"This is something that I’ve been wanting for a long time, and my next thing is I’m gonna be a mom. And not just of one but of two.”

Later on the same day, while appearing on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Hilary added: "It's such a blessing. It's a total miracle. It's unbelievable.”

Now, Hilary has showcased her growing bump in a Christmas post on Instagram.

In the cute photo, Hilary can be seen cradling her bump while wearing a candy-cane striped onesie; alongside the snap, she wrote: “We couldn’t wish for a more incredible miracle. So grateful for these two gifts of a lifetime!!

“Merry Christmas Everyone!! Wishing you all miracles in your own lives in whatever forms they take.”

The post has been flooded with well-wishes from Hilary’s celebrity pals with Cruel Intentions star Selma Blair writing: “So happy for you!!! Cutest little elves.”

American brain coach Jim Kwik commented: "Merry Christmas, congratulations on your baby blessings."

And Will & Grace star Debra Messing wrote simply: “Mama!!”

While Lindsay Lohan also wished her a ‘merry Christmas’ alongside a string of emojis.

Hilary has recently spoken about why she waited until she was older to have children, saying becoming a mum was something she’d always wanted to do.

During an interview with Extra, she said: “I was having a career and not having the right relationship until … four years ago, and all the elements needed to come together and be right.”

She added: “It’s just something I thought about even as a young girl.

“It’s something that was on my mind, so it’s nice to be here and just be pregnant.

Hilary has also revealed the twin’s very poignant due date next year.

During an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show she said her due date is 16 April.

The date has a very special meaning for the Hilary as it’s also her late father Stephen Michael Swank’s birthday.

Becoming emotional, she said: “They’re due on his birthday.” Sadly, Hilary’s dad passed away in October last year.