Here’s how 23 actors hid pregnancies on-screen with the help of wardrobe, props, and even aliens.

The drama concealed her pregnancy with a stack of winter coats and several large salad bowls.

The decision launched a number of mythology story arcs that continued throughout the series.

How 20 Stars Hid Their Real-Life Pregnancies on TV

Keri Russell and Lucille Ball.Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/FX; Courtesy Everett Collection

The producers relied on deceptive camera angles and CGI to edit out her pregnant belly.

Instead, producers simply dressed her in loose clothing and ignored her growing belly until the series wrapped.

They cut the season short so she could give birth.

Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings on The Americans

Craig Blankenhorn/FX

WhenJessica Capshawbecame pregnant the following season, they sent her character to Africa for a few episodes.

Instead, they filmed her frequently behind her desk and high cubicle walls.

Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy onModern Family

Julie Bowenwas pregnant with twins while filmingModern Family’s pilot.

Lucille Ball as Lucy on I Love Lucy

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She spent the episode shielding her belly with cereal boxes and loads of laundry.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes on Seinfeld

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Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully on The X-Files

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Alyson Hannigan and Cobie Smulders as Lily Aldrin and Robin Scherbatsky on How I Met Your Mother

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Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison on Homeland

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Kristen Bell as Jeannie van der Hooven on

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January Jones as Betty Draper on Mad Men

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Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope on Scandal

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Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski as Liz Lemon and Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock

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Jane Leeves as Daphne Moon on Frasier

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Courteney Cox as Monica Geller on Friends

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Kelly Rutherford as Lily van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl

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Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City

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Ellen Pompeo and Jessica Capshaw as Meredith Grey and Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy

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Parminder Nagra as Dr. Neela Rasgotra on ER

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Angela Kinsey as Angela Martin on The Office

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Zooey Deschanel as Jessica Day on New Girl

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Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy on Modern Family

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Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation

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