Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough’s Journey to Parenthood

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert, the beloved dancing duo, are embracing their most meaningful performance yet: becoming parents. In July 2025, the couple shared heartwarming news with their followers that they were expecting their first child together. Their announcement came in the form of a touching Instagram video captioned, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small,” showcasing Hayley’s growing baby bump and Derek’s joyful reaction as he approached his wife, who proudly displayed ultrasound photos. The 40-year-old Dancing With the Stars judge and his 30-year-old dancer wife have been showered with love and support from fans and fellow celebrities since revealing their pregnancy journey. Derek later added to the sentiment by sharing maternity photos with the simple yet profound caption, “Already so loved ❤️,” highlighting the immediate connection they feel to their unborn child.

The expectant parents have particularly special timing for their new arrival, as Derek revealed during a September 2025 interview with Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell for the promotion of “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.” When Derek mentioned their December due date, Farrell, a father himself, enthusiastically noted, “God, great Christmas set up for you!” Robbie, who recently became a mother herself, added her support, saying, “Love Christmas, love babies, love it all. It’s so good.” This holiday timing adds an extra layer of magic to their already exciting journey, as they prepare to welcome their little one during the season of giving and family celebrations. The December timeline means the couple will be experiencing the wonder of new parenthood alongside the warmth and joy that typically accompanies the holiday season.

For Derek and Hayley, this pregnancy represents the culmination of their love story that began on the dance floor. The pair, who met through their shared passion for dance, have transitioned from dance partners to life partners, and now they’re preparing for their most important partnership yet. Hayley has been documenting her pregnancy journey through a series of beautiful bump photos that capture the radiance of expectant motherhood. These images not only chronicle the physical changes she’s experiencing but also reflect the deep emotional transformation that comes with preparing to bring new life into the world. Fans have been delighted to witness these intimate glimpses into their pre-parenthood experience, with each photo showcasing the couple’s growing excitement.

The timing of their baby news follows another significant chapter in their relationship, as Derek and Hayley married in a romantic ceremony after years of dating. Their journey hasn’t been without challenges—Hayley faced a serious health scare in 2023 when she required emergency surgery for a cranial hematoma, making this pregnancy announcement even more meaningful in the context of their resilience as a couple. Throughout their relationship, they’ve supported each other through professional triumphs and personal obstacles, creating a foundation of strength and mutual respect that will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate parenthood together. Their openness about both the joys and difficulties they’ve faced has endeared them to fans who appreciate their authenticity.

As their December due date approaches, both Derek and Hayley have been preparing for the major life change that awaits them. Derek, known for his meticulous choreography on Dancing With the Stars, is now choreographing a different kind of routine—one that involves nursery preparation, parenting classes, and adjusting professional commitments to accommodate their expanding family. Hayley has continued to embrace her changing body while adapting her active lifestyle to pregnancy, showing that the discipline and body awareness she developed as a dancer serves her well during this transitional time. Friends and colleagues from the dance community have rallied around the couple, offering advice and celebrating this new chapter in their lives with baby showers and heartfelt messages of support.

The couple’s Christmas baby will be arriving into a world of rhythm, movement, and creative expression—values that have defined both Derek and Hayley’s careers and relationship. While they haven’t shared details about whether they hope their child will follow in their dancing footsteps, it’s clear that music and movement will be fundamental elements in their parenting approach. As they await their December blessing, fans continue to follow their pregnancy journey through social media updates and public appearances, celebrating alongside them as they prepare for the most transformative performance of their lives. Their story resonates with so many because it reminds us that behind the glamour of television dance competitions and professional performances are real people experiencing the universal emotions that come with creating and nurturing a family. The greatest choreography of Derek and Hayley’s lives is just beginning, and their audience couldn’t be more delighted to witness it unfold.