Brigitte Nielsen has shared some words of caution for women considering motherhood later in life. The 60-year-old actress, who welcomed her fifth child, daughter Frida, at the age of 55 through in vitro fertilization (IVF) after a 13-year journey, emphasized that the process is highly personal and not suitable for everyone.
In an interview with People magazine, Nielsen acknowledged the expense of the procedure but encouraged those with hope and dreams of late motherhood to pursue it. She advised prospective mothers to gather information, seek guidance from those who have experienced similar journeys, and be well-informed before making decisions.
Nielsen, a Denmark native and mother to four sons, expressed her joy at discovering her pregnancy after a decade of attempts but admitted to feeling some apprehension due to the high-risk nature of pregnancies after the age of 35. Despite the initial fears, her pregnancy with Frida turned out to be the easiest she had experienced.
Brigitte Nielsen (Credits: Thomson Reuters Foundation News)
Highlighting the medical perspective, Nielsen referred to the Mayo Clinic’s classification of pregnancies after 35 as high-risk due to increased chances of complications and greater difficulty in conception with age.
Frida is Nielsen’s first child with her fifth husband, Mattia Desi. The couple began their quest for a baby when Nielsen was in her early 40s, facing slim odds of 1-2% for conception, according to her doctor. The actress encouraged women aspiring to be older mothers to pursue their dreams but advised managing expectations responsibly.
Addressing women considering single parenthood, Nielsen urged them to go for it, emphasizing the significant role women play in child-rearing. She also cautioned against early motherhood, recommending that women wait, explore life, save money, and understand themselves better before embracing the lifelong responsibility of raising a child.
Reflecting on her own journey, Nielsen expressed gratitude for having Frida and described the experience as a deep desire fulfilled. Despite acknowledging the changes and responsibilities that come with motherhood, she asserted feeling blessed by the addition to her family.
