Hilary Swank, at the age of 52, has revealed that she is expecting her third child, defying critics who question older women having children. In a clip from The Drew Barrymore Show shared on her Instagram stories, Swank highlighted the double standard in society regarding older parents, emphasizing that men are not subjected to the same scrutiny.
The two-time Oscar winner, who already has two children with her husband, Philip Schneider, shared the news with a playful Instagram video showing her family dancing with glow sticks, revealing her pregnancy with a glow stick figure on her belly. She humorously mentioned that her upcoming project releases in December, hinting at her due date.
Swank expressed her joy in waiting to have children later in life, noting that it has made her a more patient and present parent. She emphasized the value of the parent-child relationship, despite potential concerns about older parents not being around for their children’s entire lives.
Late pregnancies, such as Swank’s, are becoming more common, with statistics showing a rise in pregnancies past the age of 35 in North America. Advances in technology like egg-freezing and IVF have made pregnancies at older ages possible, offering more options for individuals looking to start a family later in life.
While the trend of late pregnancies is growing, medical experts caution that there are increased risks associated with advanced maternal age. Despite the advancements in fertility treatments, the decision to have a child at an older age should be carefully assessed by doctors to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.