The Unbelievable Timeline: When Did Serena Williams Get Pregnant? The Full Story Of Her Two Miraculous Journeys

The question of "When did Serena get pregnant?" is not just a simple inquiry; it's a deep dive into one of the most astonishing chapters in sports history. As of December 2025, tennis legend Serena Williams has completed two incredible pregnancy journeys, each one marked by a stunning public announcement and a timeline that defied expectations, proving her superhuman status both on and off the court.

Her first pregnancy created an iconic, almost mythical moment in her career, while her second capped off a legendary run. This article breaks down the exact timeline of both her pregnancies, revealing the specific dates and events that led to the birth of her two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira River Ohanian, offering the most current and detailed information available.

Serena Williams: A Brief Biographical Profile

To truly appreciate the timing of her pregnancies, it is essential to understand the context of her career and personal life. Here is a complete profile of the tennis icon:

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• Full Name: Serena Jameka Williams
• Date of Birth: September 26, 1981
• Place of Birth: Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Alexis Ohanian (Co-founder of Reddit)
• Marriage Date: November 16, 2017
• First Child: Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.
• Second Child: Adira River Ohanian
• Professional Debut: 1995
• Career Highlights: 23-time Grand Slam singles champion (Open Era record), four-time Olympic gold medalist, former World No. 1 in singles and doubles.
• Retirement: Played her final professional match at the US Open in September 2022.

The First Pregnancy: Winning a Grand Slam While Expecting (2017)

Serena Williams’ first pregnancy story is arguably the most legendary in modern sports. The timeline reveals that she was already pregnant when she achieved one of the most significant victories of her career.

The Australian Open Shockwave: January 2017

The journey began in January 2017, when Serena Williams competed in the Australian Open. Unbeknownst to the world, and even to herself initially, she was in the very early stages of pregnancy. She reportedly took six pregnancy tests before the tournament began after feeling symptoms, confirming the news shortly before the first match.

The Astonishing Feat: When she defeated her sister Venus Williams in the final to claim her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, she was approximately eight weeks pregnant.

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This victory cemented her status as the only player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title while pregnant, a feat that is often cited as the ultimate display of her mental and physical fortitude.

The Official Announcement: April 2017

The world learned the shocking news in April 2017. Serena initially posted a picture on Snapchat with the caption "20 weeks," which she later deleted, but the news had already broken.

Her representative later confirmed that she was indeed 20 weeks pregnant, meaning she was about five months along at the time of the announcement.

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Following the announcement, she withdrew from the remainder of the 2017 season, including the US Open, to focus on her health and the coming birth.

The Birth of Alexis Olympia: September 2017

Serena Williams gave birth to her first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on September 1, 2017.

The birth was followed by serious, life-threatening complications, including a pulmonary embolism, which required multiple surgeries and a long recovery. Her candid sharing of this experience brought significant attention to maternal health issues, particularly for Black women.

The Second Pregnancy: A Stunning Met Gala Reveal (2023)

After a celebrated, emotional farewell to professional tennis at the 2022 US Open, Serena and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, began their journey to expand their family. The timeline for her second pregnancy was just as public and memorable as the first.

The Met Gala Announcement: May 2023

Serena Williams chose one of the world's biggest fashion stages to announce her second pregnancy. On May 1, 2023, she arrived at the Met Gala in New York City with her husband, wearing a custom Gucci gown that clearly revealed her baby bump.

She confirmed the news on the red carpet, telling reporters, "There are three of us here," a playful nod to her growing family.

This announcement came just eight months after her final professional match, signaling a new, dedicated chapter to her family life.

The Birth of Adira River: August 2023

The second pregnancy culminated in the birth of their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, who arrived on August 22, 2023.

Alexis Ohanian confirmed the name and date via an Instagram post, sharing a portrait of the now-family-of-four.

The birth of Adira River Ohanian was met with global well-wishes and marked a beautiful, healthy addition to the Williams-Ohanian household, almost exactly one year after Serena’s final tennis match.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to Serena Williams' Pregnancies

The narrative of Serena Williams’ pregnancies is rich with specific people, places, and events that enrich the story and provide topical depth. These elements are key to understanding the full scope of her personal and professional life during these periods.

• Alexis Ohanian: Serena's husband and co-founder of Reddit, who has been a vocal supporter of her career and family life.
• Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. (Olympia): Her first daughter, whose birth story is tied to the 2017 Australian Open.
• Adira River Ohanian: Her second daughter, born in August 2023.
• Australian Open 2017: The Grand Slam tournament she won while in her first trimester.
• Met Gala 2023: The high-profile event where she officially announced her second pregnancy.
• Venus Williams: Her sister and opponent in the historic 2017 Australian Open final.
• Pulmonary Embolism: The severe, life-threatening medical complication she suffered after the birth of her first child.
• Maternal Health Advocacy: The cause she championed after her personal experience with post-delivery complications.
• 23rd Grand Slam Title: The record-breaking title won while pregnant.
• Retirement Announcement: The period leading up to and after her final US Open match in 2022, which paved the way for her second pregnancy.

These entities—from her husband and children to the specific medical condition she overcame—all weave together to form a comprehensive picture of her life as an elite athlete and a mother. Her openness about her experiences has made her a powerful advocate for women's health and a role model for mothers everywhere.

The Legacy of Pregnancy and Professional Sports

Serena Williams' two pregnancies have redefined what is possible for female athletes. Her ability to return to the elite level of tennis after her first daughter's birth, despite the severe medical setbacks, was a monumental achievement. Her second pregnancy, announced after her retirement, marked a graceful transition into a new phase of life, prioritizing family.

The specific timeline—winning a major tournament at eight weeks pregnant, announcing her pregnancy at 20 weeks, and then choosing a major public event like the Met Gala for her second reveal—demonstrates a consistent theme in her life: control, power, and impeccable timing. Her story will forever be a benchmark for athletes balancing a demanding career with the profound experience of motherhood.