Senator announces her pregnancy, and it's gonna be a historic one - here's why

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois announced Tuesday that she was pregnant with her second child, meaning she will make history when she gives birth.

A first in the Senate

Duckworth, 49, will be the first senator in U.S. history to give birth to a child while in office.

"Bryan and I are thrilled that our family is getting a little bit bigger, and Abigail is ecstatic to welcome her baby sister home this spring," Duckworth said in a statement.

"As tough as juggling the demands of motherhood and being a senator can be, I'm hardly alone or unique as a working parent," she added. "And Abigail has only made me more committed to doing my job and standing up for hardworking families everywhere."

Only nine other women have given birth while a member of Congress, and she would be the first senator.

Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran, and a double amputee. She was first elected to Congress in 2013.

A new "duckling"

She posted a celebratory tweet on her official Twitter account:

"Cadet bone spurs"

Duckworth made headlines when she criticized President Donald Trump over his claims that the Democrats' government shutdown would hurt the military.

Here's what she said:

The senator said she is expected to give birth in April.