ABC cuts 'Scandal' Season 3 episode order

Photo: ABC

ABC announced today that Scandal season 3 will end with 18 episodes instead of 22. Have no fear, the show is no way in danger. Find out why the number has been reduced:

Although the network gave no reasoning for the reduction in episodes, the flagship drama series from ABC is likely getting cut due to the pregnancy of its star, Kerry Washington.

Currently Scandal is up in the ratings 57% to date in adults 18-49 and is the fastest growing returning series this season.

I assume this means they won't be writing Washington's pregnancy into the storyline?