When it comes to acting, there is definitely only so much these talented people can do to keep their real life at bay when they're on set. Of course, this is especially true for all those mothers out there that were still crushing their career with a bun in the oven.
While it's certainly hard for costume designers and directors to hide a growing belly, there are some show and movies that certainly do a bit better job than others. Sometimes - there's just nothing they can do. When it comes to our favorite shows and films, fans knew something was up with these actresses - and it had to with a showing baby bump.
Reese Witherspoon - Vanity Fair (2004)
Reese Witherspoon and the rest of the crew definitely lucked out with some costuming, mood lighting, and unique camera angles. For this period piece, Witherspoon actually had to announce her pregnancy, and the director did a decent job at hiding it.
However, underneath the costumes, fans can definitely look back and see the baby bump of this popular and well-loved actress. They lucked out, though, because they actually used it as an advantage, since the director even wanted her to gain weight for the role!
Kerry Washington - Scandal (2012-2018)
This talented and brilliant actress is definitely well-known for many things, but this drama series was certainly one of her most popular. Everyone is a fan of Washington, but viewers weren't totally stoked that the crew seemed a bit lazy at hiding her baby bump.
From a totally different wardrobe to desks to handbags, nothing really lined up, and their attempts only actually drew attention to her growing belly.
Blake Lively - The Shallows (2016)
Blake Lively starred in this shark thriller a few years back, and most of it involves her in her bikini on the beach. Unfortunately for the crew, they had to get a bit more creative as the filming went on.
At the end, there's a lot of scenes with surfboards and wetsuits, and it's likely because they were doing everything they could to hide her growing belly. Unfortunately, fans weren't totally fooled. However, they were happy that Lively was welcoming a child with Ryan Reynolds.
Debra Messing - Will & Grace (1998-2020)
While fans are definitely willing to look past a little belly to continue watching their favorite actresses bring their favorite characters to life, it is a bit strange when the effort seems to be lacking.
Debra Messing was pretty pregnant in this hit show, and the crew turned to dressing her in loose and flowy gowns. Unfortunately, anyone who watched the show knew that Grace would never wear such a thing.
Helena Bonham Carter - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)
With all things considered, the crew did a pretty great job at hiding Helena Bonham Carter's baby bump during this musical horror, where she starred alongside Johnny Depp.
However, fans were pretty quick to notice that her stomach and breasts were actually noticeably bigger at the beginning of the film (which was filmed last). Everyone could have a laugh though, because the director was her baby daddy.
Sarah Jessica Parker - Sex And The City (1998-2004)
In season 5 of this hit series, the crew finally had to call the season quits while they waited for Sarah Jessica Parker to give birth to her beautiful child. This was another case where the wardrobe gave it all away.
Carrie Bradshaw is a fashion icon, and fans immediately noticed some looser clothes and some interesting wardrobe choices at the beginning of the season.
Kate Winslet - Divergent (2014)
This is one of those movies that will probably be funny to re-watch after learning that Kate Winslet was pregnant during filming. Every scene involves a close shot from her chest up, or an iPad covering her stomach.
They did their best, but the scenes ended up looking a bit awkward and strange. It's probably because they wouldn't do those things if Winslet wasn't expecting!
Anna Paquin - True Blood (2008-2014)
Fans were elated to find out that Anna Paquin was expected a baby with her co-star from this hit vampire series, but that was only after they were a bit confused and annoyed at the show for their strange filming choices.
From weird outfits to totally out-of-place pillows, it was more than obvious to fans that something was off with Paquin's character. Of course, it had nothing to do with the character at all.
Emily Blunt - Into The Woods (2014)
This musical drama had a dream cast, and that definitely includes Emily Blunt. After fans learned that was pregnant during filming with John Krasinski's baby, it couldn't be more obvious on a re-watch.
From extremely loose-fitting gowns to throwing just about every other character (mainly James Corden) in front of her, there was a lot of strange blocking of Emily Blunt's stomach.
Alyson Hannigan & Cobie Smulders - How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
This show had to deal with two talented and pregnant ladies during the run of this hit series. When the story came to Marshall and Lily about to have a baby, it was Cobie Smulders (who played Robin) that was pregnant!
Earlier on in the series, Hannigan was also pregnant, which is why her character takes a short absence. Luckily, the writers were finally able to actually write in Hannigan's second pregnancy. Again, they relied on a lot of handbags and loose clothing.