Actor Hilary Swank announced that she is pregnant with her third child at the age of 52. The announcement was made via a social media video featuring Swank, her husband Philip Schneider, and their two children.
This news follows the birth of Swank's twins, daughter Aya and son Ohm. Swank previously stated in an interview that starting a family later in life allowed her to focus on her acting career before prioritizing motherhood.
The social media announcement featured the family dancing with glowsticks to reveal Swank’s pregnancy. A caption accompanying the video stated that the "project" is expected to be released in December. Medical professionals noted the rarity of the event, as most women in this age group are entering menopause.
Dr. Kameelah Phillips, an OB-GYN, stated that while ovaries may become inactive at this age, a uterus can be assisted to carry a pregnancy through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Phillips noted that a patient in this age group would likely be monitored by a high-risk medical team due to potential complications.
A person in this situation would face increased day-to-day medical monitoring for conditions such as gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy), preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. The medical team would also prepare for a higher likelihood of a C-section delivery. These health risks directly impact the mother’s physical wellbeing and the level of medical intervention required throughout the gestation period and birth.
The use of technologies like IVF shows how reproductive medicine can be utilized by women entering menopause. While the exact medical details of Swank's pregnancy were not disclosed, the event highlights the capabilities of fertility treatments for older parents. According to the social media announcement, the birth is expected to occur in December, though a specific date has not been released.