Hilary Swank Pregnant Again at 52: Why She’s Glad She Waited Until Her Late 40s for Kids
Swank’s pregnancy and age
Swank announced in 2022 that she was pregnant with twins at 48. The news prompted discussion of pregnancy risks for people over 35. The medical community has traditionally classified pregnancies at 35 or older as “advanced maternal age.” Studies have associated older pregnancies with greater risks of complications, including high blood pressure and chromosomal abnormalities, and research indicates that risk rises with age.
Why she valued waiting
In 2024, at 50, Swank told Business Insider she was glad she had children at 48. She said older parents may have more time and flexibility to show up for their children.
More time with her children
Swank said spending time with her children is crucial. Describing the difficulty of having little sleep and not seeing her babies, she told Business Insider, “that’s really hard.” She said the experience made her empathize with parents who work long hours and have less time with their children. Swank also said she could focus less on herself than when she was building her acting career in her 20s and 30s, giving her more room to meet her children’s needs.
A different perspective in her 40s
Swank said she now has more patience and grace to offer her children and others. She also described feeling more comfortable with herself during pregnancy in her late 40s. She said priorities shift with time, calling it “a beautiful place to be.” Swank also said 45 was the age when she felt her best, adding that she hears many women say the same.
Key points
- Swank announced twins in 2022 at age 48 and later said she was glad she had children then.
- She said she took a year and a half off for maternity leave and did not rush back to work.
- Swank said more time and flexibility helped her prioritize her children.
- Pregnancy at 35 or older has traditionally been classified as advanced maternal age, with risks increasing with age.