The Season 13 finale of Chicago Fire ended with an emotional revelation—Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) told Severide (Taylor Kinney) she was pregnant. For fans, it was a heartfelt moment after years of struggles and detours in their parenthood journey. But as always at Firehouse 51, good news often comes with challenges. Ahead of the October 1 premiere, showrunner Andrea Newman explains why Stella’s pregnancy is set to be “very loaded” in season 14.

A Baby for Stellaride

Stella and Severide have endured countless obstacles—from career separations to life-threatening calls—and their season 13 storyline finally gave them hope for a family of their own. While Severide embraced the idea immediately, the pregnancy carries a different weight for Stella, especially as a lieutenant on Truck 81.

“It’s very loaded for Kidd in particular going in,” Newman shared during NBC’s One Chicago press day. “She had a lot of concerns and struggles, especially work-related. How will it affect her work and life? And then when it actually happens, a lot of those go right out the window, and suddenly it just becomes about family and your kids.”

Balancing Parenthood and Duty

Chicago Fire hasn’t featured two active firefighters navigating pregnancy since Dawson and Casey, making Stella’s situation uniquely compelling. Her journey will explore the tension between being a first responder and preparing for motherhood—a dual role filled with sacrifices, risks, and heart-stirring choices.

Newman noted that much of season 14 will focus on Stella’s transition from hesitations to the realities of becoming a parent. For Severide, the challenge will be supporting his wife while continuing his dangerous work, especially as the firehouse welcomes new blood like firefighter Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente).

Expect Obstacles Ahead

True to form, Newman teased that the writers won’t make the road easy. “Parenthood is tricky. It’s a struggle. We like to throw every obstacle and wrench we can in every direction. In a good way,” she hinted. That statement has fans bracing for emotional highs and lows, especially given Chicago Fire’s history of both joyful and tragic parenting arcs.

• Dawson and Casey’s pregnancy ended in heartbreak.

• Cruz and Chloe found happiness through adoption and their baby Otis.

• Casey left Chicago to raise the Darden boys.

• Brett fulfilled her dream of adopting a child before leaving to join Casey.

Stellaride’s story could follow any of these paths—or carve out something entirely new.

A Season of High Stakes

While NBC’s logline for the season premiere, “Kicking Down Doors”, emphasizes new challenges at Firehouse 51 and citywide chaos, fans know the most personal battle will unfold within the Dutton household. Stella’s pregnancy isn’t just another storyline—it’s a defining chapter for one of the show’s most beloved couples.