History That's More Than 2-Dimensional.

Collection: Working While Pregnant

Mary Patten (1837-1861)

The First American Woman to Command a Ship

When her husband became deathly ill, this pregnant teen took the reins to become America's first female boat commander - all while fighting off a mutiny and keeping her husband alive.

Soraya Tarzi (1899-1968)

The Human Rights Queen of Afghanistan

1920s Afghanistan was a progressive and rapidly-modernizing country in large part to the most powerful, empathic, and maligned queen it had ever seen.

Isabella of France (c.1295-1358)

The She-Wolf of France

After years of neglect and abuse from her husband, this queen raised an army and took over England for herself.

Freydís Eiríksdóttir (c. 1000 CE)

Sword-Wielding Pregnant Viking

When attacked by Native Americans, this pregnant viking bared her chest, brandished a sword, and took them on by herself. And she won.

Rebecca Lukens (1794-1854)

Iron-Willed 1820s CEO

First her father died. Then her sons. Then her husband. Pregnant, saddled with debt, a failing company, and an overbearing mother, Rebecca Lukens rolled up her sleeves and showed the world what she was made of: iron.

Susan la Flesche Picotte (1865-1915)

The Mom Who Built a Hospital

The first Native American medical doctor endured back-breaking labor, years spent alone, and institutional racism to better the lives of her people.

Anita Garibaldi (1821-1849)

Heroine of Two Worlds

This heroine of South America and Italy fought in numerous civil wars alongside her husband, Giuseppe Garibaldi, often while pregnant or while carrying her children.

Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643)

New England's Rebel Preacher

This uneducated rebel preacher upstaged New England magistrates so much that they founded Harvard University in part to prevent women like her from gaining power.

Pope Joan (9th century)

The Pope Who Gave Birth

This pope was largely assumed to be male until she gave birth in the midst of a procession - and largely assumed to be factual until the 13th century.