While medical wisdom often highlights declining fertility with age, a growing number of women—including several high-profile celebrities—are experiencing the joy of motherhood well into their 40s and beyond.
Natalie Portman recently confirmed she is expecting her third child at age 44, her first with boyfriend Tanguy Destable. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the actress expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging the privilege of pregnancy. "I’m just very grateful," she said. "I know it’s such a privilege and a miracle." Portman, who is also a mother to two children from her previous marriage, emphasized her awareness of fertility challenges, noting, "I grew up hearing about how hard it is to get pregnant. I have so many people I love who’ve had such a hard time with it."
Gwen Stefani shared a similar story of surprise and gratitude. At 43, she believed having another child was impossible until her son Kingston expressed his wish for a sibling. "I really wanted to have another baby. I really did," Stefani recalled on the Hallow podcast. "And I couldn't and I was old." After Kingston prayed for her, she became pregnant naturally and welcomed son Apollo at 44, calling the experience a "full-on gift" and a "miracle."
Hilary Swank, who gave birth to twins at 48, reflected on the advantages of becoming a mother later in life. "The person that I was in my 20s and even into my 30s would've been a very different mom than I am now," she told Business Insider. Swank explained that waiting allowed her to bring more mental energy and patience to parenting. "I’m a very different parent than I would’ve been, even in my early 40s," she added. "I’m much more patient. I’m much more understanding."
Other celebrities have also embraced motherhood after 40. Gisele Bündchen welcomed a son at 44 with her partner Joaquim Valente, while Claire Danes described her pregnancy at 44 as a shocking but joyful surprise. "It was a pure—it was all meltdown," Danes admitted on the Good Hang podcast. "None of this was by design. I didn't know it was physically possible."
These stories highlight a broader trend of women having children later in life, often finding unique fulfillment and perspective in their journeys to motherhood.