Elizabeth Siders, the Ohio mother at the center of a major child-welfare investigation, drew fresh attention in court this week after appearing to cradle a noticeably swollen abdomen — prompting speculation that she may be pregnant again.

Siders, 34, appeared in Vinton County Common Pleas Court wearing orange jail clothing as she pleaded not guilty to 19 counts involving alleged child endangerment and additional sex-related charges involving an underage relative.

When asked directly whether Siders was pregnant, her attorney, Thomas Stolly, declined to confirm or deny the speculation.

“I can’t address that at this time,” Stolly reportedly said.

Instead, the attorney focused on Siders’ long history of pregnancy and limited access to medical and postpartum care. He argued that her circumstances may have contributed to mental-health concerns and raised questions about whether she is currently competent to stand trial.

“We have an individual… who was married at age 15 who has essentially been pregnant for the better part of two decades,” Stolly told the court, according to local reporting.

He also argued that Siders had not received consistent medical care following her pregnancies and said he was concerned about the long-term effects of her circumstances.

The hearing comes as authorities continue investigating conditions involving 16 children who were found living in a Hamden, Ohio, home. The children ranged in age from about 20 months to 18 years.

Investigators have alleged that the children experienced severe neglect and lacked regular access to education and appropriate care. Authorities have also said some of the children had significant difficulties communicating, while the oldest was described as having developmental disabilities.

Siders, her husband Gary Siders II, and his parents, Christina Siders and Gary Siders Sr., have all faced felony child-endangerment and neglect charges connected to the investigation.

Siders and Gary II were later indicted on additional allegations involving sexual conduct with a minor. Both have entered not-guilty pleas regarding the charges.

Siders remains in custody with a total bond of $550,000.

Earlier in the case, Siders asked through her attorney for permission to see the children. The court, however, maintained a no-contact order.

For now, the pregnancy speculation remains unconfirmed. Siders’ attorney has not publicly verified that she is pregnant, and the court proceedings remain focused on the allegations, her legal status and questions surrounding her ability to participate in the case.

The case is ongoing, and the charges against Siders and the other defendants are allegations unless proven in court.