Pregnant Jill Duggar and husband Derick Dillard write out Bible passages to hold onto for encouragement during their baby's birth - which is still six months away

In the lead-up to the birth of their first child, Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard are turning to the Bible for encouragement.

The 23-year-old 19 Kids and Counting star posted a photo from the porch of their home, where they were writing out inspiring passages from the Bible to hold onto during the baby's birth.

'Writing out bible verses for encouragement during pregnancy, labor and delivery!' Jill captioned the image. '#Scriptureboard #babydilly #pregnancyprep #blessedparents.'

With God's help: In the lead-up to the birth of their first child, Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard have been writing out Bible verses to hold onto for encouragement during delivery

Inspiration: A photo Jill posted shows the passages all laid out on a table - including Isaiah 26:3, which reads: 'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you'

Inspiration: A photo Jill posted shows the passages all laid out on a table - including Isaiah 26:3, which reads: 'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you'

In one of the photos, the mother-to-be - who announced her pregnancy via Instagram on August 25 - shows off the slightest hint of baby bump as she sits on her husband's lap.

Another photo shows the passages all laid out on a table - including Isaiah 26:3, which reads: 'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.'

Jill, who married Derick, her father's former prayer partner, in June, is due to have their baby in March 2015.

She told Us Weekly that they had a short engagement period after Derick proposed so as not to tempt themselves to get physical too quickly. 

Coming along: Two weeks ago, Jill showed off her 13-week baby bump

Coming along: Two weeks ago, Jill showed off her 13-week baby bump

Parents-to-be: The couple were busy creating a registry of gifts for the baby last month 

Parents-to-be: The couple were busy creating a registry of gifts for the baby last month 

According to the Duggar family rules, the children are not allowed to kiss until marriage, and cannot even hold hands until they are formally engaged.

‘If you are financially ready, and things are in place (which should be at the time the question is popped), we believe an engagement should only be long enough to plan a wedding!' said Jill.

Just two months after their wedding, Jill's younger sister Jessa, 21, and he boyfriend Ben Seewald announced that they, too, were engaged and set to walk down the aisle.

Strict: According to the Duggar family rules, the children are not allowed to kiss until marriage, and cannot even hold hands until they are formally engaged. (Pictured: Jill, middle, with her sisters)

Strict: According to the Duggar family rules, the children are not allowed to kiss until marriage, and cannot even hold hands until they are formally engaged. (Pictured: Jill, middle, with her sisters)

Big family: The Duggars first entered the spotlight in 2008 on TLC's show 17 and Counting, a series which followed the life of parents Michelle and Jim Bob and their then 17 - now 19 - children

Big family: The Duggars first entered the spotlight in 2008 on TLC's show 17 and Counting, a series which followed the life of parents Michelle and Jim Bob and their then 17 - now 19 - children

The Duggars first entered the spotlight in 2008 on TLC's show 17 and Counting, a series which followed the life of parents Michelle and Jim Bob and their then 17 - now 19 - children.

They are considered representative of the Quiverfull movement, which 'teaches that children are God's blessing and that husbands and wives should happily welcome every child they are given.'

Defending his family against critics, Mr Duggar once said: 'People think we are overpopulating the world [but] we are following our convictions.' 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now