On March 19, a 66-year-old German woman, Alexandra Hildebrandt, gave birth to her tenth child. Hildebrandt, who serves as a museum director, shared that she conceived naturally without the use of fertility treatments. Her newborn son, Philipp, was delivered via cesarean section at Charité Hospital in Berlin. Weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces at birth, the baby was deemed healthy by medical professionals.
Embracing Motherhood with a Large Family and a Commitment to Health
Philipp joins a diverse group of siblings ranging in age from 2 to 46 years old. Hildebrandt, who values a large family, believes it plays a crucial role in raising children well. In an email to TODAY.com, she expressed her enthusiasm for motherhood, emphasizing that a big family offers joy and support. Despite her advanced maternal age, she received only positive reactions from her friends and family regarding her pregnancy.
Hildebrandt credits her ability to conceive naturally and maintain a smooth pregnancy to her healthy lifestyle. She avoids smoking and alcohol and follows a disciplined exercise routine, which includes swimming for an hour and walking for two hours daily. Her OB/GYN, Dr. Wolfgang Henrich, described the pregnancy as largely uncomplicated, which is rare for someone her age.
Medical Concerns and the Growing Debate on Late-Age Pregnancies
Despite Hildebrandt’s successful pregnancy, medical experts caution against late-age pregnancies. Dr. Brian Levine, a fertility specialist, pointed out that the chances of a 66-year-old conceiving naturally are extremely low. Furthermore, older pregnancies pose higher risks, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. Levine speculated that Hildebrandt might have an underlying condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which could delay menopause and prolong fertility.
Hildebrandt’s case is not unique; other women have also given birth at advanced ages. In 2023, a 70-year-old Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, welcomed twins through in vitro fertilization using donor eggs and her husband’s sperm. Despite concerns about her age, Namukwaya expressed gratitude, emphasizing her belief that motherhood is determined by divine will. These cases continue to spark debate about the possibilities and risks of late-life pregnancies.