Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, and for many women, it’s a time of change, excitement, and physical challenges. However, for celebrities, pregnancy doesn’t always slow down their careers. In fact, some have continued to work tirelessly while carrying their babies, showcasing not only their professional prowess but also the resilience and strength of women in antenatal stages. One of the standout examples is Emerald Fennell, who directed the Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman while pregnant. But she’s far from the only celebrity who has achieved extraordinary feats while expecting. Let’s take a look at some of the most awe-inspiring examples of celebrities who’ve managed to do incredible things while navigating their antenatal journeys.
Emerald Fennell: Directing Promising Young Woman While Pregnant
Emerald Fennell’s achievement is nothing short of remarkable. While pregnant with her second child, Fennell directed Promising Young Woman, a film that would go on to win multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Fennell worked through all the stages of the film’s production—writing, directing, and even editing—while carrying her baby. She has openly discussed how the experience of working while pregnant was challenging but also rewarding, with her creative focus providing both an outlet and a source of strength.
For Fennell, managing the physical demands of pregnancy while maintaining a demanding career in the film industry was no easy feat. But she’s not the only one who has continued to accomplish amazing things while pregnant.
Serena Williams: Winning the Australian Open While Pregnant
Serena Williams is another exceptional example of a celebrity pushing boundaries while pregnant. In 2017, the tennis champion won the Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant. Not only was Williams playing at the highest level of her sport, but she was also unknowingly in the early stages of her pregnancy at the time. She only discovered she was pregnant after her victory.
Serena Williams’ incredible performance was a testament to her determination and physical fitness. Her ability to win such a prestigious event while pregnant has been an inspiration to many women who strive to maintain their fitness levels and career goals while navigating the changes of pregnancy. Williams, who has always been a champion of prenatal care, regularly emphasises the importance of staying healthy and strong during pregnancy, which is vital for both antenatal support and overall well-being.
Beyoncé: Headlining Coachella While Pregnant
Beyoncé, the Queen of Pop, is well known for her powerhouse performances and undeniable work ethic. In 2017, while carrying twins, Beyoncé headlined the Coachella music festival. Her performance was historic, as she became the first Black woman to headline the festival. Despite being in her second trimester, Beyoncé performed a high-energy set with elaborate choreography, showcasing her unmatched stamina and dedication to her craft.
Her Coachella performance while pregnant became a defining moment in her career, cementing her status as an icon. She took to social media later to share her excitement and pride in performing at such a huge event while expecting, showing that it is possible to achieve greatness during the antenatal period. Beyoncé’s ability to balance pregnancy and work is a testament to her mental strength, preparation, and support from her team.
Natalie Portman: Starring in Jackie While Pregnant
Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman was pregnant with her first child while filming the biographical drama Jackie in 2016. Despite the challenges of working in a demanding role while pregnant, Portman delivered an Oscar-nominated performance as Jackie Kennedy, the former First Lady of the United States.
Portman’s dedication to her craft, even during her pregnancy, has been widely admired. She worked through the physical demands of the role, including long hours on set and the need for focused emotional preparation. Portman later spoke about how her pregnancy brought a new layer of depth to her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy, who was also a mother. Her work during pregnancy is a reminder that women can achieve excellence, even during one of life’s most transformative and physically demanding periods.
Chrissy Teigen: Writing a Cookbook While Pregnant
Chrissy Teigen, known for her cooking skills, sense of humour, and candidness on social media, took on the challenge of writing her cookbook Cravings while pregnant with her first child. As a model and TV personality, Teigen’s career continued to flourish, even as she juggled the demands of pregnancy. She managed to write and publish a highly successful cookbook while dealing with the physical changes and challenges of pregnancy.
Teigen’s ability to balance pregnancy with creative work is a reflection of her strong work ethic and her commitment to health and wellness. She has been a vocal advocate for antenatal care, sharing her experiences with pregnancy openly and encouraging her followers to focus on health, self-care, and nutrition during pregnancy.
Keeping It Real: Pregnancy and the Power of Working Through It
While the stories of these celebrities are awe-inspiring, they also serve to highlight the challenges of pregnancy and the immense strength required to balance career, family, and health. Celebrities like Fennell, Williams, Beyoncé, Portman, and Teigen are all examples of women who worked hard to maintain their professional lives while navigating the physical, emotional, and mental shifts of pregnancy. Their stories remind us that the antenatal journey can be both exciting and demanding.
For many women, pregnancy can come with a need to slow down, take care of oneself, and make room for the health of the baby. But for others, staying active in their careers, remaining productive, and using the energy from the pregnancy experience to fuel their work can be empowering.
The Importance of Prenatal Care
While it’s inspiring to see celebrities push the limits during pregnancy, it’s essential to remember that taking care of one’s health and well-being should be the priority. Accessing prenatal care is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy. Regular antenatal appointments, taking antenatal vitamins, and prioritising mental and physical health should be part of any woman’s pregnancy journey. Women who are juggling work, creativity, and personal responsibilities during their pregnancy should always seek support and advice from their healthcare professionals to ensure their health and the health of their baby are prioritised.
Incorporating antenatal yoga, getting regular antenatal massage, and staying physically active in ways that feel good to the body are also important aspects of prenatal care. The journey of pregnancy is deeply personal, and while some may choose to work through it, others may need rest, relaxation, and self-care.
The incredible accomplishments of these celebrities during their pregnancies serve as a reminder that women are capable of achieving greatness in all areas of life, even while pregnant. Whether directing a film, winning a sports tournament, or performing at a major music festival, these women exemplify the balance of hard work, perseverance, and self-care. But it’s equally important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating the antenatal journey.
By prioritising self-care, antenatal support, and proper prenatal care, women can embrace the strength within themselves to navigate both the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy, just like these inspiring celebrities.
References
- The Ultimate Antenatal Classes
Prepare for labour, birth, and baby care with nine experts, including senior NHS midwives and an award-winning obstetrician!
https://unii.com/en/journey/ultimate-antenatal-classes