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Serena Williams | Tennis star Serena Williams won the 2017 Australia Open while two months pregnant with her daughter Olympia. The 23-time Grand Slam champion hasn't won a Grand Slam title since giving birth, but she has finished runner-up in the 2018 Wimbledon, 2018 U.S. Open, 2019 Wimbledon and 2019 U.S. Open.
Serena Williams | Tennis star Serena Williams won the 2017 Australia Open while two months pregnant with her daughter Olympia. The 23-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t won a Grand Slam title since giving birth, but she has finished runner-up in the 2018 Wimbledon, 2018 U.S. Open, 2019 Wimbledon and 2019 U.S. Open.
Candace Parker | Former WNBA MVP Candace Parker gave birth to her first child during the 2009 WNBA season. Parker returned to the court six weeks after delivery.
Candace Parker | Former WNBA MVP Candace Parker gave birth to her first child during the 2009 WNBA season. Parker returned to the court six weeks after delivery.
Alex Morgan | Alex Morgan, the co-captain of the U.S. women's soccer team, was seven months pregnant while training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Morgan gave birth to her daughter Charlie Elena Carrasco in May of 2020. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics allowed Morgan more time to train and recover from giving birth.
Alex Morgan | Alex Morgan, the co-captain of the U.S. women’s soccer team, was seven months pregnant while training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Morgan gave birth to her daughter Charlie Elena Carrasco in May of 2020. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics allowed Morgan more time to train and recover from giving birth.
Kerri Walsh Jennings | American beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings won her third gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics while five weeks pregnant. She later gave birth to her daughter Scout Montgomery in April 2013.
Kerri Walsh Jennings | American beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings won her third gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics while five weeks pregnant. She later gave birth to her daughter Scout Montgomery in April 2013.
Cat Zingano | UFC fighter Cat Zingano became the first mom to ever step foot in the UFC octagon when she fought Miesha Tate in the second women's match in UFC history. After Zingano defeated Tate, she fought Ronda Rousey.
Cat Zingano | UFC fighter Cat Zingano became the first mom to ever step foot in the UFC octagon when she fought Miesha Tate in the second women’s match in UFC history. After Zingano defeated Tate, she fought Ronda Rousey.
Dara Torres | After giving birth to her daughter in 2006, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres had no intentions of returning to Olympic competition. Torres did return to swimming, however. She qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics at the age of 41 and won three silver medals.
Dara Torres | After giving birth to her daughter in 2006, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres had no intentions of returning to Olympic competition. Torres did return to swimming, however. She qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics at the age of 41 and won three silver medals.
Kristin Armstrong | After winning her second cycling world title, American cyclist Kristin Armstrong retired in 2009 to start a family. Armstrong's retirement didn't last long. One month after giving birth, the Olympic gold medalist started training for the 2012 London Olympics, where she won gold. And Armstrong wasn't done. She returned to the U.S. team for the 2016 Rio Olympics and won a gold medal there too.
Kristin Armstrong | After winning her second cycling world title, American cyclist Kristin Armstrong retired in 2009 to start a family. Armstrong’s retirement didn’t last long. One month after giving birth, the Olympic gold medalist started training for the 2012 London Olympics, where she won gold. And Armstrong wasn’t done. She returned to the U.S. team for the 2016 Rio Olympics and won a gold medal there too.
DeWanna Bonner | Two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner sat out the 2017 WNBA season and gave birth to twin daughters. Bonner returned to the league in 2018 and was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game.
DeWanna Bonner | Two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner sat out the 2017 WNBA season and gave birth to twin daughters. Bonner returned to the league in 2018 and was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game.
Jennie Finch | U.S. Olympic softball pitcher Jennie Finch gave birth to her first child in 2006, just six weeks before Finch would compete internationally. Finch went on to lead the U.S. team to a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Finch retired from the Olympic softball team in the summer of 2010.
Jennie Finch | U.S. Olympic softball pitcher Jennie Finch gave birth to her first child in 2006, just six weeks before Finch would compete internationally. Finch went on to lead the U.S. team to a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Finch retired from the Olympic softball team in the summer of 2010.
Dana Vollmer | Swimmer Dana Vollmer became the first American female swimmer to win a gold medal after giving birth when she won a pair of medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Vollmer also competed in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2017 Arena Pro Swim Series while six months pregnant.
Dana Vollmer | Swimmer Dana Vollmer became the first American female swimmer to win a gold medal after giving birth when she won a pair of medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Vollmer also competed in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2017 Arena Pro Swim Series while six months pregnant.
Alysia Montaño | American runner Alysia Montaño ran the 800-meter at the 2014 U.S. Track and Field Outdoor Championships while eight months pregnant. The five-time U.S. outdoor champion received a standing ovation after the race. Montaño later gave birth to her daughter Linnea dori Montaño in August 2014.
Alysia Montaño | American runner Alysia Montaño ran the 800-meter at the 2014 U.S. Track and Field Outdoor Championships while eight months pregnant. The five-time U.S. outdoor champion received a standing ovation after the race. Montaño later gave birth to her daughter Linnea dori Montaño in August 2014.
Kim Clijsters | German tennis player Kim Clijsters won one Grand Slam title before giving birth to her first child in 2008 and returned to the sport to win three more Grand Slam titles. Clijsters retired from tennis in 2012 and gave birth to her second child in 2013. She welcomed her third child in 2013 and returned to professional tennis in 2020.
Kim Clijsters | German tennis player Kim Clijsters won one Grand Slam title before giving birth to her first child in 2008 and returned to the sport to win three more Grand Slam titles. Clijsters retired from tennis in 2012 and gave birth to her second child in 2013. She welcomed her third child in 2013 and returned to professional tennis in 2020.
Lisa Leslie | Three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie skipped the 2007 season to give birth to her first child. Leslie returned to the WNBA for the 2008 season and retired at the end of the 2009 season.
Lisa Leslie | Three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie skipped the 2007 season to give birth to her first child. Leslie returned to the WNBA for the 2008 season and retired at the end of the 2009 season.
Nia Ali | Just 15 months after giving birth to her son, Titus Maximus, American track star Nia Ali won the silver medal in the 100 m hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Nia Ali | Just 15 months after giving birth to her son, Titus Maximus, American track star Nia Ali won the silver medal in the 100 m hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Christie Pearce | Christie Pearce took a break from the U.S. Women's National Team to give birth to her first child in 2005 and second child in 2009. Pearce still managed to compete in four Olympics and five Word Cups during her career.
Christie Pearce | Christie Pearce took a break from the U.S. Women’s National Team to give birth to her first child in 2005 and second child in 2009. Pearce still managed to compete in four Olympics and five Word Cups during her career.
Allyson Felix | U.S. track and field star Allyson Felix competed when she was four months pregnant. At 32 weeks into her pregnancy, Felix underwent an emergency C-section and her baby was born premature. Just 10 months after giving birth, her daughter was healthy and Felix won her 12th gold medal at the world championships in 2019.
Allyson Felix | U.S. track and field star Allyson Felix competed when she was four months pregnant. At 32 weeks into her pregnancy, Felix underwent an emergency C-section and her baby was born premature. Just 10 months after giving birth, her daughter was healthy and Felix won her 12th gold medal at the world championships in 2019.
Lindsay Davenport | Three-time Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport retired from professional tennis in 2006 and gave birth to her first child. After three months, Davenport returned to the sport in 2007 and won three of her first four tournaments following maternity leave.
Lindsay Davenport | Three-time Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport retired from professional tennis in 2006 and gave birth to her first child. After three months, Davenport returned to the sport in 2007 and won three of her first four tournaments following maternity leave.
Amy Rodriguez | Two-time Olympic gold medalist soccer player Amy Rodriguez missed the 2013 National Women's Soccer League season after finding out she was pregnant. After giving birth to her first child, Rodriguez returned to the U.S. Women's National Team.
Amy Rodriguez | Two-time Olympic gold medalist soccer player Amy Rodriguez missed the 2013 National Women’s Soccer League season after finding out she was pregnant. After giving birth to her first child, Rodriguez returned to the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Skylar Diggins-Smith | WNBA All-Star Skyler Diggins-Smith played the entire 2018 WNBA season while pregnant. After giving birth to her son in April 2019, Diggins-Smith sat out the 2019 season and returned for the 2020 season. The WNBA star openly discusses her issues dealing with postpartum depression.
Skylar Diggins-Smith | WNBA All-Star Skyler Diggins-Smith played the entire 2018 WNBA season while pregnant. After giving birth to her son in April 2019, Diggins-Smith sat out the 2019 season and returned for the 2020 season. The WNBA star openly discusses her issues dealing with postpartum depression.
Victoria Azarenka | Grand Slam tennis champion Victoria Azarenka stepped away from professional tennis following the birth of her son in December 2016. Azarenka returned to the court in June of 2017 but had to withdraw from the 2017 U.S. Open due to a custody battle.
Victoria Azarenka | Grand Slam tennis champion Victoria Azarenka stepped away from professional tennis following the birth of her son in December 2016. Azarenka returned to the court in June of 2017 but had to withdraw from the 2017 U.S. Open due to a custody battle.
Sydney Leroux | When Olympic gold medalist Sydney Leroux was pregnant with her first child, she missed the entire NWSL season in 2016 and returned a year later. Leroux suffered a miscarriage during the 2018 NWSL season. She returned for the 2019 season and trained while five months pregnant. Leroux intends to continue to play, signing a three-year contract with the Orlando Pride in 2021.
Sydney Leroux | When Olympic gold medalist Sydney Leroux was pregnant with her first child, she missed the entire NWSL season in 2016 and returned a year later. Leroux suffered a miscarriage during the 2018 NWSL season. She returned for the 2019 season and trained while five months pregnant. Leroux intends to continue to play, signing a three-year contract with the Orlando Pride in 2021.
Cornelia Pfohl | German archer Cornelia Pfohl won bronze in team archery at the 2000 Sydney Olympics while in early stages of her pregnancy and competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics while seven months pregnant.
Cornelia Pfohl | German archer Cornelia Pfohl won bronze in team archery at the 2000 Sydney Olympics while in early stages of her pregnancy and competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics while seven months pregnant.
Catriona Matthew | Scottish golfer Catriona Matthew won the 2009 HSBC LPGA Brazil Cup five months before giving birth to her second daughter, Sophie. Matthew went on to win the 2009 RICOH Women's British Open and compete on the 2009 European Solheim Cup Team.
Catriona Matthew | Scottish golfer Catriona Matthew won the 2009 HSBC LPGA Brazil Cup five months before giving birth to her second daughter, Sophie. Matthew went on to win the 2009 RICOH Women’s British Open and compete on the 2009 European Solheim Cup Team.
Kerstin Szymkowiak | German skeleton racer Kerstin Szymkowiak won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics while two months pregnant.
Kerstin Szymkowiak | German skeleton racer Kerstin Szymkowiak won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics while two months pregnant.
Martina Valcepina | Italian short-track speed skater Martina Valcepina was one month into her pregnancy with twins when she won the bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Martina Valcepina | Italian short-track speed skater Martina Valcepina was one month into her pregnancy with twins when she won the bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Anna-Maria Johansson | Swedish handball player Anna-Maria Johansson competed at the 2012 London Olympics while three months pregnant. Johansoon took a year off and then returned to her sport.
Anna-Maria Johansson | Swedish handball player Anna-Maria Johansson competed at the 2012 London Olympics while three months pregnant. Johansoon took a year off and then returned to her sport.
Amelie Kober | German snowboarder Amelie Kober won a silver medal at the 2006 Turin Olympics while two months pregnant.
Amelie Kober | German snowboarder Amelie Kober won a silver medal at the 2006 Turin Olympics while two months pregnant.
Anky van Grunsven | Three months after Dutch equestrian Anky van Grunsven won a gold medal in individual dressage at the 2004 Athens Olympics, she gave birth to her first son, Yannick.
Anky van Grunsven | Three months after Dutch equestrian Anky van Grunsven won a gold medal in individual dressage at the 2004 Athens Olympics, she gave birth to her first son, Yannick.
Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi | Malaysian shooter Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi competed at the 2012 London Olympics while eight months pregnant.
Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi | Malaysian shooter Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi competed at the 2012 London Olympics while eight months pregnant.
Diana Sartor | German skeleton racer Diana Sartor competed in the 2006 Turin Olympics while nine weeks pregnant and finished in fourth place.
Diana Sartor | German skeleton racer Diana Sartor competed in the 2006 Turin Olympics while nine weeks pregnant and finished in fourth place.
Sarah Brown | After American distance runner Sarah Brown gave birth in 2016, she only took a week off before training for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, which took place just six weeks postpartum.
Sarah Brown | After American distance runner Sarah Brown gave birth in 2016, she only took a week off before training for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, which took place just six weeks postpartum.
Michelle Waterson | Two years after giving birth to her daughter in 2011, Michelle Waterson defeated Jessica Penne to win the Invicta Fighting Championship atomweight title. This mom still fights in the UFC.
Michelle Waterson | Two years after giving birth to her daughter in 2011, Michelle Waterson defeated Jessica Penne to win the Invicta Fighting Championship atomweight title. This mom still fights in the UFC.
Yana Kunitskaya | UFC fighter Yana Kunitskaya retired from the sport in 2012 when she announced the pregnancy of her first child. After returning to the ring, Kunitskaya made her UFC debut against Cris Cyborg in 2018. The Russian fighter won her last bout in 2021 against Ketlen Vieira.
Yana Kunitskaya | UFC fighter Yana Kunitskaya retired from the sport in 2012 when she announced the pregnancy of her first child. After returning to the ring, Kunitskaya made her UFC debut against Cris Cyborg in 2018. The Russian fighter won her last bout in 2021 against Ketlen Vieira.
Bria Hartley | WNBA star Bria Hartley missed the majority of the 2016 season due to her pregnancy with her first child. Hartley returned to the WNBA for the 2017 season and signed a three-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury in 2020.
Bria Hartley | WNBA star Bria Hartley missed the majority of the 2016 season due to her pregnancy with her first child. Hartley returned to the WNBA for the 2017 season and signed a three-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury in 2020.
Kristie Moore | Canadian curler Kristie Moore won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics while five months pregnant.
Kristie Moore | Canadian curler Kristie Moore won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics while five months pregnant.