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Statistically, women are having babies later in life. Whether this is to do with career paths or just a case of waiting for the right partner or financial status (or just as an ‘oopsie’), women previously considered past the age of child-bearing are revelling in becoming parents. At the same time, though, becoming pregnant over the age of 40 seems to draw criticism from people who consider it ‘too old’.
The risks of becoming a mom later in life are higher than for younger moms. The risks of early labour and birth defects escalate; as does the chance that the older mom may have a multiple pregnancy.
Then again, the older mom is often more financially secure and less likely to endure the stress of being able to afford a baby.
Second-time around at 46
Take movie star Halle Berry, for example. She only became a mom for the first time after the age of 40, and now, at 46, she’s pregnant again, and the tabloids are having a field day with the news.
Halle is engaged to French actor Olivier Martinez, who, at 47, is a year older than she. She is reportedly 'surprised', but says that the pregannacy news is 'most wonderful'.
Women in Western countries do have a longer life expectancy than in previous decades, so it’s quite possible that older moms will get to enjoy their children for decades to come.
Take a look at our gallery of celebs who became moms after the age of 40.
Do you think there’s an ideal age to have a baby?
The risks of becoming a mom later in life are higher than for younger moms. The risks of early labour and birth defects escalate; as does the chance that the older mom may have a multiple pregnancy.
Then again, the older mom is often more financially secure and less likely to endure the stress of being able to afford a baby.
Second-time around at 46
Take movie star Halle Berry, for example. She only became a mom for the first time after the age of 40, and now, at 46, she’s pregnant again, and the tabloids are having a field day with the news.
Halle is engaged to French actor Olivier Martinez, who, at 47, is a year older than she. She is reportedly 'surprised', but says that the pregannacy news is 'most wonderful'.
Women in Western countries do have a longer life expectancy than in previous decades, so it’s quite possible that older moms will get to enjoy their children for decades to come.
Take a look at our gallery of celebs who became moms after the age of 40.
Do you think there’s an ideal age to have a baby?
