She gave birth at 66—here’s why she chose to have a 10th child at such an age
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The arrival of a baby at the age of 66 is an extraordinary event, sparking conversations about health, age, and the limits of fertility.
For one German mother, this milestone has become a reality, but her story is not without its complexities.
What drives a woman to have a 10th child later in life, and what are the health considerations involved?
In an unexpected turn, a 66-year-old woman from Germany gave birth to her 10th child on 19 March.
Alexandra Hildebrandt, who had no fertility treatments, revealed that she did not face difficulties conceiving.
Her son, Philipp, arrived by cesarean section at Charité Hospital in Berlin, weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and was reported to be ‘healthy’.
Philipp joins a large family, with siblings ranging in age from 46 to 2 years old, including Svitlana, Artiom, Elisabeth, Maximilian, Alexandra, Leopold, Anna, Maria, and Katharina.
When asked why she wanted a 10th child, Hildebrandt explained in an email: ‘A big family is not only something wonderful, but above all, it is important for raising children properly.’
Despite concerns some might have about her age, Hildebrandt said she received only positive feedback from friends and family.
She has welcomed eight children since turning 53, all with her second husband, former CDU politician Daniel Dormann.
In an interview, Hildebrandt mentioned that she doesn’t smoke, drink, or use contraceptives.
She maintains a healthy lifestyle, eating well, swimming regularly, and walking for two hours daily.
Dr. Wolfgang Henrich, Hildebrandt’s OB/GYN, noted that her pregnancy was ‘largely uncomplicated’.
Dr. Brian Levine, a fertility expert, told that the chances of conceiving naturally at 66 are ‘incredibly low’.
Levine also pointed out the higher health risks at her age, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm labour.
He added that the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases significantly with age.
However, Levine suggested that Hildebrandt may not have reached menopause if she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting the ovaries.
Hildebrandt’s story follows in the footsteps of Safina Namukwaya, a 70-year-old woman from Uganda who gave birth to twins in 2023.
Namukwaya used in vitro fertilisation with donor eggs and her husband’s sperm to conceive.
She shared through an interpreter that she felt ‘great’ after giving birth.
‘Some might argue that 70 years is old, but God decided that I get to have twins at 70,’ Namukwaya said. ‘There is no one that can put a limit on God’s authority and power.’
To further explore the incredible journey of older mothers, check out the video of Safina Namukwaya’s story.
Watch now and let us know what you think in the comments!
Source: Youtube/Women's Hospital International & Fertility Centre
As we witness more extraordinary stories of late-in-life pregnancies, it raises the question: what do you think about having children later in life? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For one German mother, this milestone has become a reality, but her story is not without its complexities.
What drives a woman to have a 10th child later in life, and what are the health considerations involved?
In an unexpected turn, a 66-year-old woman from Germany gave birth to her 10th child on 19 March.
Alexandra Hildebrandt, who had no fertility treatments, revealed that she did not face difficulties conceiving.
Her son, Philipp, arrived by cesarean section at Charité Hospital in Berlin, weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and was reported to be ‘healthy’.
66-year-old woman gives birth to 10th child in Germany. Image source: Alexandra Hildebrandt
Philipp joins a large family, with siblings ranging in age from 46 to 2 years old, including Svitlana, Artiom, Elisabeth, Maximilian, Alexandra, Leopold, Anna, Maria, and Katharina.
When asked why she wanted a 10th child, Hildebrandt explained in an email: ‘A big family is not only something wonderful, but above all, it is important for raising children properly.’
Despite concerns some might have about her age, Hildebrandt said she received only positive feedback from friends and family.
She has welcomed eight children since turning 53, all with her second husband, former CDU politician Daniel Dormann.
In an interview, Hildebrandt mentioned that she doesn’t smoke, drink, or use contraceptives.
She maintains a healthy lifestyle, eating well, swimming regularly, and walking for two hours daily.
Dr. Wolfgang Henrich, Hildebrandt’s OB/GYN, noted that her pregnancy was ‘largely uncomplicated’.
Dr. Brian Levine, a fertility expert, told that the chances of conceiving naturally at 66 are ‘incredibly low’.
Levine also pointed out the higher health risks at her age, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm labour.
He added that the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases significantly with age.
However, Levine suggested that Hildebrandt may not have reached menopause if she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting the ovaries.
Hildebrandt’s story follows in the footsteps of Safina Namukwaya, a 70-year-old woman from Uganda who gave birth to twins in 2023.
Namukwaya used in vitro fertilisation with donor eggs and her husband’s sperm to conceive.
She shared through an interpreter that she felt ‘great’ after giving birth.
‘Some might argue that 70 years is old, but God decided that I get to have twins at 70,’ Namukwaya said. ‘There is no one that can put a limit on God’s authority and power.’
To further explore the incredible journey of older mothers, check out the video of Safina Namukwaya’s story.
Watch now and let us know what you think in the comments!
Source: Youtube/Women's Hospital International & Fertility Centre
As we witness more extraordinary stories of late-in-life pregnancies, it raises the question: what do you think about having children later in life? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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