The Plus Sign That Changed Everything
When I looked at that positive pregnancy test, I was on a high. I had been praying to see that plus sign for months—and there it was, staring me in the face.
All the emotions rushed through me: joy, relief, nerves, excitement. I was ready. I wanted this.
Now, a lot of crazy things were happening in the world. The industry was on strike—first the writers, then the actors. So in a way, it felt like the perfect time to get pregnant… but also, maybe not. The future was uncertain. But one thing I knew for sure: I had spent years putting my life on hold for my career.
And I was done waiting for the “perfect time.” It just never would be.
Back on Set—With a Belly
Once the strike ended, our show got greenlit for Season 2. I was four months pregnant. Perfect. We could shoot before I started showing. We had a projected start date in January…
…but then January became February. Then March.
Now there was no hiding this belly. Thankfully, the writers decided to work the pregnancy into the storyline. It actually aligned beautifully with my character’s arc, which I had secretly hoped would happen.
Still, I had to give production a hard out. I live in L.A., but we film in Atlanta. My biggest fear? Going into labor on set. We were locked in to shoot between my 27th and 34th weeks of pregnancy, while I was away from my husband for four weeks during my third trimester.
Yeah. That was pushing it.
But the alternative? Filming six weeks postpartum. And I wasn’t rushing back. Who’s to say I’d even be able to?
14-Hour Days in the Third Trimester and How I Survived
Shooting a 7-episode drama with 14-hour days in your third trimester isn’t easy. But I made it work and stayed safe, healthy, and mentally grounded.
Here’s how:
🫶🏾 Tips for Working While Pregnant on Set (or Anywhere)
1. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Legally, you’re entitled to reasonable accommodations. If a scene called for standing, I’d ask, “Can I be seated instead?” If the script had me running, maybe my character could be hiding instead.
Being #1 on the call sheet gave me a bit of leverage, but this advice is for every working momma: Speak up. Ask for what you need.
2. Hydration and snacks matter more than ever.
I made sure there was water, fruit, and healthy snacks in my trailer. I also asked for more bathroom breaks, because hello! Baby on bladder.
3. Request medical support if possible.
A nurse came to set to check my blood pressure, stress levels, and the baby’s heart rate. That peace of mind was priceless.
4. Build in rest time.
When I wasn’t filming, I was in my trailer, feet up, napping, hydrating, studying lines, or listening to rain sounds. I lived in that calm space.
5. Stay connected to care, even from afar.
I had virtual check-ins with my midwife back in L.A. She reminded me to count kicks every day and made me feel safe despite the distance.
6. Move intentionally and gently.
On days off, I took slow walks, got prenatal massages, and treated myself to fresh smoothies. I moved through the world gently and listened to my body.
7. Prep early to avoid stress.
This allowed me to walk slowly wherever I needed to go. No running. No fast walking. Strolling. Waddling and all. I arrived early to wardrobe and set so I never felt rushed. Changing six times a day, moving from scene to scene, set to set, while pregnant is no joke. It’s exhausting. And being rushed can heighten anxiety and stress.
8. Pee before and after every scene. Even if you don’t think you have to.
Remember when your mom would make you pee before a long car ride? Here we are, yet again. It became a routine. I didn’t want to get caught off guard mid-take, and it saved me every time.
9. Keep your phone on you.
My husband had just one rule: keep your phone close. Just in case. It brought us both peace of mind.
Feeling Safe On Set
Everyone on set made me feel protected. A PA walked me to and from set each day. Hair and makeup became a safe space. A mini beauty salon where I could just be.
And when we wrapped… they surprised me with a baby shower that brought me to tears. I truly felt held.
From Set to Delivery Room
This experience was one of the biggest challenges of my life. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
But I made it home safely at 34 weeks pregnant.
And six weeks later, on May 11, 2024, at 12:37 PM, my greatest challenge (and greatest joy) arrived: A healthy 7 lb 12 oz baby boy, 20.5 inches long.
And the coolest part? I watched Season 2 with him in my arms, catching little moments on camera where I could see him kicking inside me.
💜 Final Words for Working Moms
Whether you’re acting on set or managing a classroom, a team, a business, or your household:
You deserve support.
You deserve accommodations.
You deserve rest.
You deserve joy.
Pregnancy doesn’t have to be hidden. It’s not a burden, it’s a miracle. And with the right support, you can create life while still showing up for your purpose.
✨ If you’re a working momma navigating pregnancy or postpartum, I see you.
Share your story in the comments or pass this along to a friend who might need the encouragement. 💜
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