Throughout late December, “Dancing With the Stars” judge and six-time winner Derek Hough kept fans up-to-the-minute on what he and his wife, troupe member Hayley Erbert, were doing in anticipation of their little one.
The pair announced the pregnancy in an emotional Instagram post on July 26, 2025, in which they showcased the baby’s ultrasound photos and declared the little one is “already so loved.”
Erbert has let fans in on multiple tricks she has tried while attempting to induce labor. One of those included eating a famous salad at the Los Angeles area restaurant Caioti Pizza Cafe.
Fans Think Derek Hough’s Social Media Silence Means the Baby Has Arrived
After a long stretch of frequent daily updates, Derek and Hayley have gone quiet on social media. Hayley briefly broke that silence on Tuesday, December 30, by posting a gorgeous set of photos showing her pregnancy progression and highlighting each stage as her bump grew.
Hayley captioned the set of photos, “This pregnancy,” before adding a heart emoji and saying, “Forever in awe of my body!” The dancer then followed up with another comment, saying, “The last frame is me feeling being VERY pregnant.” She wore the same pair of light-wash baggy jeans and gray bra top for each snap.
The post, along with the pair’s halted updates, prompted fans to begin sharing theories in the comments. Many of them think the baby is already here.
One fan wrote, “I bet baby Hough has arrived and they are enjoying the moments.”
Another fan agreed, “I believe Baby Hough has arrived; Haley and Derek were quiet the last couple days. We are all waiting in anticipation of first photos, probably of hands or feet.”
Derek’s sister, former pro and current “Dancing With the Stars” host Julianne Hough, commented on the photos but didn’t leave any hints. She simply wrote, “You are magic.”
Yet another fan was convinced the baby has made its way earthside, writing, “It has been quiet for two days, hope baby Hough has arrived safely.”
Derek Hough Previously Discussed Becoming a Dad on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’
In a September 2025 appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Derek discussed the fact that he’s going to be a dad. He said, “Sometimes I forget. Like I’m just doing things, and then I glance over there and I see her bump and I’m like, ‘Whoa!’ And I cannot wait.”
The ballroom star went on, “I felt the baby kick. I get emotional every time I talk about it! I felt the baby kick for the first time, and it was that feeling everybody describes. Where all of a sudden, everything became vivid and different.”
Five days before Christmas, Derek and Hayley performed a fun dance in matching flannels.
