A 66-year-old woman from Germany has made headlines after giving birth to her 10th child without using in vitro fertilization (IVF). Alexandra Hildebrandt welcomed her son, Philipp, on March 19 at Charité Hospital in Berlin. The baby, delivered by cesarean section, weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces at birth.
Philipp joins a large family that includes his nine siblings: Svitlana, 46, Artiom, 36, Elisabeth and Maximilian, both 12, Alexandra, 10, Leopold, 8, Anna, 7, Maria, 4, and Katharina, 2. Hildebrandt described her family as “wonderful” and emphasized the importance of having many children to raise them properly.
Despite her busy life as the managing chairwoman and director of the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Hildebrandt says she has received only positive reactions from friends and family regarding her latest addition.
“I have only received positive feedback,” she told TODAY.com.
Hildebrandt also shared that she had no difficulty conceiving Philipp. She maintains a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food, swimming regularly, and walking for two hours each day.
Dr. Wolfgang Henrich, Hildebrandt’s obstetrician, confirmed that her pregnancy was mostly uncomplicated. However, he noted that older women, particularly those who have had multiple cesarean sections, face higher risks during pregnancy, including complications from premature birth, cardiovascular issues, and high blood pressure. Hildebrandt has had eight previous cesarean sections.
While rare, Hildebrandt’s case is not entirely unique. Dr. Henrich mentioned that he has treated around a dozen patients over 50 who have been pregnant during his career.
In related news, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has stated that pregnancy is possible for most women with a normal uterus, even without ovarian function. In November 2023, a 70-year-old woman from Uganda, Safina Namukwaya, gave birth to twins through IVF, making headlines for her achievement.
Hildebrandt’s story serves as a testament to the possibilities of motherhood later in life.
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