A 66-Year-Old German woman, Alexandra Hildebrandt, recently gave birth to her 10th child. She claims she conceived naturally, without medical assistance. The baby boy, Philipp, was born on March 19 at Charité Hospital in Berlin. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Hildebrandt, who works as a museum director, believes having a large family is important for raising children. She says a big family provides love, support, and strong values. Despite her age, the 66-Year-Old German insists that her pregnancy was natural and went smoothly.
Mother Insists She Did Not Use Fertility Treatments or IVF
Hildebrandt strongly denies using IVF or any fertility drugs. In an interview with the German newspaper Bild, she said she never used contraceptives and has always maintained a healthy lifestyle. She believes good nutrition and an active routine helped her conceive. Her obstetrician, Dr. Wolfgang Henrich, confirmed that her pregnancy was mostly uncomplicated. However, he noted that older mothers face higher health risks. These risks include high blood pressure, heart problems, and premature birth. Since Hildebrandt had multiple C-sections before, her case was even more delicate.
Experts Say Natural Pregnancy at 66 Is Highly Unlikely
Dr. Brian Levine, a fertility expert, doubts that a 66-Year-Old German could conceive naturally. He says the chances are incredibly low without medical help. He also warns about potential health risks. Older mothers have a higher risk of gestational diabetes, genetic abnormalities, and preterm labor. Despite these concerns, Hildebrandt remains firm in her claim. She says she received only positive feedback from friends and family. Her story has sparked debate about fertility, aging, and the limits of natural conception.
Raising 10 Children While Managing a Busy Career
Hildebrandt is not only a mother of 10 but also a busy professional. The 66-Year-Old German runs the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. Her children range widely in age, from 46-year-old Svitlana to 2-year-old Katharina. She also has 12-year-old twins, Elisabeth and Maximilian. Managing both a large family and a demanding job is challenging, but she embraces it. She believes that being active and engaged keeps her strong. Her story has gained international attention, with people wondering how she balances it all.
Other Women Have Given Birth at an Even Older Age
Hildebrandt’s case is rare but not the oldest on record. In 2023, a 70-year-old Ugandan woman gave birth to twins using IVF. She said she felt blessed to have children despite her age. Even older, in 2019, an Indian woman named Erramatti Mangayamma set the record by giving birth at 73. She had twin girls through IVF after trying to conceive for decades. Doctors performed a C-section and closely monitored her recovery. Because of her age, she could not breastfeed, so her babies received milk from a milk bank.
Science and Ethics of Late-Age Pregnancy Continue to Be Debated
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine says pregnancy is possible for any woman with a healthy uterus. However, it usually requires IVF and donor eggs. Many doctors believe there should be more transparency about fertility treatments. Some argue that older pregnancies should be more carefully considered. Women often do not receive enough information about the risks of IVF. As technology advances, more women may have children later in life. Still, experts stress the importance of informed choices and medical safety.
Hildebrandt’s story is unusual and has sparked curiosity worldwide. Medical experts doubt her claim of natural conception, but she stands by it. Her case adds to the ongoing debate about pregnancy at an older age. As science progresses, more women might be able to give birth later in life. However, doctors emphasize the need for caution and awareness of the risks involved.
