Pregnant, but not ready to announce it? Take a cue from these celebrities. Of course, there are some who publicise their pregnancies to the point where it feels like we are witnessing every one of their sonograms, but there are also the super stealthy ones who are awfully skilled at hiding the good news. And we can’t really hold it against them because, for women who are supposed to look a certain way, camouflaging the bump is especially important. In the realm of celebrity culture, there are few things about their private lives that they succeed in keeping from the ever-watchful eye of the paparazzi – finding themselves having to constantly fight off flashbulbs and probing questions about their lifestyles.
In the real world, revealing one’s pregnancy is entirely up to the person expecting the baby, but sadly it is not the same for our celebs. Dodging endless and often imprecise assumptions can be exhausting for anyone, so it’s not unsurprising when some stars go to exorbitant lengths to hide their pregnancies. Clearly, one can’t conceal her baby bump for ever and the truth would eventually have to be out – but here are 18 celebrity moms-to-be, who were caught trying very hard to cover up their baby bumps.
18 Back In 2014 When Mila Was Pregnant With Her First Child
In early 2014, when Mila appeared on the CinemaCon red carpet with her Jupiter Ascending co-star Channing Tatum, she tried her best to hide her baby bump in a blousy blue number. The short Acne Studios dress carefully disguised the bulge, puckering up around her waist and keeping the focus on her lean legs. This was months after speculations on whether or not she was engaged to her That ’70s Show co-star Ashton Kutcher. All assumptions were, however, put to rest once the couple welcomed their first child, daughter, Wyatt Isabelle, in October 2014. Soon after, they tied the knot in July 2015 – much to their surprise, as Kunis once told People magazine: “We started dating with the idea we were both never going to get married.” The couple also has a son named Dmitri.
17 Khloe Kardashian Surprisingly Doesn't Want Everyone To Keep Up
While the reality TV star is yet to address the speculation, Khloe Kardashian has previously appeared to be showing signs of a bump – despite her repeated attempts at hiding it underneath baggy clothes – while out and about with boyfriend Tristan Thompson. And to top it all, Kris Jenner seemingly let it slip as she attended the WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit. Speaking on Entertainment Tonight about Khloe, Kris said: “I’m over the moon for her. We love Tristan so much and she’s so happy, and she’s been through so much… to be in such a great place in her personal life is amazing. She’s really happy.” If the rumours are indeed true, Khloe may be welcoming her child with boyfriend Tristan by April 2018.
16 Third-Time Mom-To-Be Kate Middleton Knows Well How To Hide The Bump
Ever since announcement of the Royal Couple expecting their third child, the Duchess of Cambridge had been battling severe pregnancy illness, keeping her from doing her public duties. So, when she finally stepped out earlier this month to celebrate World Mental Health Day at a special Buckingham Palace reception – to honour those working in the mental health field and the Head’s Together campaign – the paparazzi was more than keen to capture the mom-to-be. However, as Kate walked into The White Drawing Room with William and Harry, the shutterbugs were left disappointed as her pretty, blue Temeperley London dress managed to disguise the slight hint of a baby bump quite well. The event marked her first public outing since August 30, when she and the royal brothers marked the 20th death anniversary of Princess Diana.
15 When It Comes To Covering Up, Eva Mendes Has Quite A Few Tricks Up Her Sleeve
When it comes to strategically covering her baby bump, Eva Mendes is a pro. And we are not surprised, given The Lost River actress and her long-time love Ryan Gosling have been quite secretive about their family life from the very beginning. Last year, while expecting her second child with the La La Land star, Mendes took on a series of clever cover-ups for the growing bulge. For instance, last April when she stepped out in a flowery maxi dress, she kept her belly well hidden by holding an oversized brown bag and a peacoat close to her body. Mendes and Gosling began dating after meeting on the set of The Place Beyond the Pines in 2011 and welcomed their first child, Esmeralda, in September 2014.
14 Trust Blake Lively To Hide Her Bump Behind Something As Misleading As A Surf Board
Last year, Blake was pregnant with her second child during the filming of The Shallows. No wonder she looked like she had something to hide when she found herself in tight neoprene on a beach in Malibu, California, during the last leg of the shoot. Despite being known for her enviable frame, The Age of Adaline star tried to keep herself as covered up as possible as she waited for her cue. And, the big heavy dressing gown was doing a good job until Lively decided to take her arms out of the gown and tie it around her midsection thereby raising further suspicion. She knotted the grey robe high above her hips to obscure her tummy completely from the view. And as if that wasn’t enough, next she tried to hide her bulge behind a surf board!
13 Kylie Jenner Is The Queen Of Baggy T's And Oversized Hoodies
The youngest sibling of the Kardashian clan, Kylie Jenner has caused quite a stir with her rumoured pregnancy this year. For the uninitiated, Kylie is reportedly over six-months pregnant with her first-ever child. Fans have accused the 20-year-old of keeping out of the limelight, ever since the rumours of a possible pregnancy with rapper Travis Scott hit the headlines in September. Her followers believe that Kylie has been hiding her curves in figure-swamping clothes and strategically sharing chest-up social media snaps of just her face – which is so not like her. Some sources close to their family have told People.com that the couple is “thrilled” about the “unexpected” pregnancy. “Everyone is overjoyed for her. This is the happiest she’s ever been” they said.
12 Even The Super-Puffy Jacket Couldn't Save Jessica Biel's Day
Ever since the news of Jessica Biel’s first pregnancy with Justin Timberlake was revealed in 2014, the couple did everything to stay out of the limelight. During the initial days, the actress used to try concealing her baby bump when stepping out. On one such occasion, when the mom-to-be ventured out with a friend in Los Angeles, Biel opted for some comfy casuals hoping it would do the trick. However, the puffy vest really stood out because of the growing bulge that it was trying so hard to conceal. The Sinner star had cleverly covered up her tummy with the vest and kept her hands in her pocket in an attempt to keep the pregnancy hidden but it was clearly too late for that. The first-time parents welcomed their child, Silas Randall Timberlake in April 2015.
11 Because Peplums Are FailSafe When It Comes To Hiding The Bulge, What Say Scarlett?
In early 2014, all of Scarlett Johansson’s appearances reeked of efforts gone into the hiding of her baby bump. She was promoting Captain America: The Winter Soldier back then, while expecting her first child with fiancé Romain Dauriac. She attended the press conference of the film in Beijing, China in a peplum-designed Antonio Berardi dress which did more than a fine job of hiding the swell. Instead of a high-waist pencil skirt, the actress who plays the Black Widow in the film, opted for a slightly flared shorter number to ensure complete discretion. She paired the dress with grey peep-toes from Christian Louboutin and completed the look with an Anya Hindmarch clutch. The light make-up and glossy lips only added to her natural pregnancy glow.
10 For Beyoncé, Nothing Works Wonders Like A Good Old Jacket
Queen Bey was accused of hiding what many believed to be a baby bump when she stepped out with husband Jay Z in Los Angeles in early 2016. The couple was spotted several times in and around L.A but every time the photographers aimed for a picture, the singer had been quick to cover up her tummy with a jacket. However, Beyoncé confirmed she is pregnant with twins in February this year. The “Halo” singer, who already has daughter Blue Ivy with the rapper – made the announcement with a stunning portrait of her baby bump on Instagram, writing: “We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over.” The couple welcomed their twins, Sir and Rumi Carter in June 2017.
9 Kerry Washington: "Behind Flowers, Prada Purses, Big Coats And Capes"
Kerry Washington knew exactly how to keep her bulge under wraps during the filming of the sixth season of the ABC series, Scandal. She joked about concealing her pregnancy as her second child was on the way during an episode of Good Morning America. “You could play a really fun game for the first five episodes of find the bump. We shot five episodes before I gave birth,” she revealed. Washington, who plays the strong-willed political fixer Olivia Pope, explained how she relied on props and costumes to hide her pregnancy while filming: “Behind flowers, behind Prada purses. Behind big coats and capes.” The actress and her husband, ex NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, welcomed their son, Caleb Kelechi, in October last year. They also have a daughter, Isabelle.
8 Perhaps Katie Thought A Silent Pregnancy Would Lead To A Perfect "Silent Birth"
When Katie Holmes was pregnant with Suri Cruise (now 11 years old), she was spotted hiding her baby bump with an exceptionally oversized bag. Amid criticisms, her then husband Tom Cruise had clarified: “We’re just a couple that are gonna have a baby and are very excited about it, about this new life.” There were also rumours that Holmes would follow the Scientology practice of “silent birth”. The philosophy of silent birthing, according to Scientology, is that if children hear negativity while they are being born, it can cause permanent psychic scars. Several stories even reported that Holmes would not be able to make any noise whatsoever during the birth and that Cruise had even had a special “pacifier” made for her to keep her quiet! No wonder Katie was so keen on hiding her pregnancy.
7 The Jacket Seems To Do The Trick For Megan Fox
That’s a seven-month pregnant Megan Fox! Back in 2013, when Fox stepped out with her husband Brian Austin Green and their the 14-month-old son, Noah, for a quick visit to the doctor – the Transformers star looked effortlessly beautiful in her casual wear – not to mention, hardly pregnant! But speaking of her pregnancy, the second time around, she told E! News: “For the most part, I would say it’s been a lot easier. I think that could have a lot to do with the fact that I already have a baby, so I am so distracted taking care of him, that I don’t really have time to sit and lament on the fact that I’m pregnant or indulge in my pregnancy.” The actress now has three children with husband Green.
6 Kourtney Kardashian Expecting Her Third Child With Scott Disick - But Where's The Bump?
She had been tight-lipped when rumours about her being pregnant with a third child kept everyone guessing. Back in 2014, just a day after the news that she is allegedly expecting broke, Kourtney Kardashian was spotted in the Hamptons in a printed smock that hid any signs of a baby bump with the ensemble’s empire line cut. The reality star who was seen leaving an Italian deli, held her cream leather back in front of her belly, perhaps to avoid giving away the bulge. The blue tribal dress was teamed with a pair of comfortable snakeskin gladiator sandals that were almost knee-high. Later in the day, she stepped out again in a loose-fitted plaid shirt and skinny jeans. This woman sure knows a thing or two about hiding bumps!
5 Rachel Bilson Even Managed To Hide Her Bump During The Filming Of Hart Of Dixie
When Rachel Bilson stepped out to run errands in North Hollywood, she did a good job of hiding her bump under a baggy jumpsuit. This was back in 2014, when she was expecting her first child with boyfriend Hayden Christensen. The O.C alum welcomed her daughter in October that year and named her Briar Rose after the 1959 Disney classic Sleeping Beauty, in which the three fairies call the princess by the same name while under Maleficent’s dreadful curse. During her pregnancy, Rachel was filming for the CW series, Hart of Dixie and the show’s producers had to find a variety of ways to cover up her growing belly. From baggy clothing to kitchen counters to conveniently large stereos, they used everything available to hide her bump.
4 Keira Knightley Knows How To Hide Her Bump In Style
When British actress Keira Knightley arrived at the 2015 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, she ensured that her strapless, ruffled dress would make her growing tummy almost impossible to notice. Keira teamed the midi-length Giambattista Valli dress – that came with a floral top and a black and white skirt – with black stilettos to complete her look for the night. As the Bend It Like Beckham star made her way down the red carpet, she kept warm in a black leather biker jacket while clutching husband James Righton’s hand. Though she failed to win the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in The Imitation Game that night, the happy couple welcomed their first born, a baby girl, soon after.
3 Natalie Portman: Long Live The Empire Line
For the most part of 2016, Natalie Portman had kept her blossoming baby bump well out of public view, but the premiere of her film, Jackie, was a complete giveaway. The Black Swan star walked the red carpet in a simple navy sheath dress that did a good job of hiding her pregnancy curves with its shapeless empire line, but it couldn’t take away her obvious pregnancy glow. Keeping the entire look subdued, the actress paired her no-fuss dress with simple black pumps and a structured black clutch. She even had her hair swept back in a sleek bun. This was the Thor actor’s second pregnancy with hubby Benjamin Millepied as they are already parents to six-year-old son Aleph Portman-Millepied.
2 What Better Than A Scarf To Hide That Bulge. Right, Emily?
When Emily Blunt was expecting her second child with husband John Kransinski last February, the Edge of Tomorrow star was spotted hiding her bulge behind a long Lily and Lionel scarf while out for shopping in Beverly Hills. This was just two weeks after she had confirmed her pregnancy. The announcement came days after John admitted that he and Emily wanted to welcome a baby brother or sister for their daughter, Hazel, who turned three this year. She was still filming for The Girl on the Train around that time but that did not deter the mother-to-be in any way. She was seen shooting in New York’s Central Park with any hint of her baby bump safely concealed under a powder blue coat and skinny jeans – though there was no hiding her pregnancy glow.
1 Reese Witherspoon: Third Time Shy
No matter how hard Reese Witherspoon tried covering her bump with the oversized bag, there was no hiding it. In 2012, when the Big Little Lies star was expecting her third child with husband Jim Toth, she had been surprisingly mum about her pregnancy. Stepping out in Brentwood, California, the actress had covered her eyes up in dark sunglasses and appeared a little shy of the attention her bulge was receiving from onlookers – which explains why she was trying to cover it up with the large silver bag. The mother of two further matched the accessory with a pair of flat grey pumps, a long cardigan and a purple dress. The couple welcomed their baby boy Tennessee James in September 2012.
Sources: People.com, RadarOnline.com, UsMagazine.com
