66-year-old woman defies age barrier, gives birth to 10th child

A 66-year-old German woman, Alexandra Hildebrandt, has made headlines after giving birth to her 10th child without the aid of fertility treatment.

The baby, Philipp, was delivered via caesarean section on March 19 at Charité Hospital in Berlin, Germany. In an interview with TODAY.com on March 26, Hildebrandt shared that Philipp weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces at birth and is in good health.

A growing family

Hildebrandt, a well-known public figure who manages the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, described Philipp as a perfect addition to her large household, which now includes children ranging in age from 2 to 46 years old.

“A big family is not only something wonderful, but above all, it is important for raising children properly,” she expressed in an email.

Despite her age, Hildebrandt insists that her pregnancy occurred naturally without any medical intervention. She credits her healthy lifestyle, which includes a nutritious diet, daily swimming, and long walks, for her ability to carry the pregnancy smoothly.

Medical perspective

Her doctor, Dr. Wolfgang Henrich, confirmed that Hildebrandt’s pregnancy was largely uncomplicated, despite her history of eight previous C-sections.

However, he acknowledged that pregnancies at an advanced age carry higher risks, such as high blood pressure, premature birth, and cardiovascular complications.

Breaking motherhood barriers

Hildebrandt’s case follows other recent examples of late-age motherhood. In November 2023, a 70-year-old Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, gave birth to twins through IVF, having also welcomed a baby girl in 2020.

Medical experts note that while pregnancies in older women are uncommon, they are not impossible. A 2019 Healthline report, citing the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, states that pregnancy is possible in virtually any woman with a normal uterus, regardless of age.

Despite the public curiosity surrounding her case, Hildebrandt has received only positive reactions from her loved ones. “I have only received positive feedback,” she told TODAY.com.

Her story adds to the growing list of women defying age-related pregnancy norms, proving that modern motherhood continues to challenge boundaries.