Hilary Swank, aged 52, is expecting her third child, as announced by the star of “Yellowjackets.” Addressing critics, Swank highlighted the double standard in societal perceptions, noting that older men becoming fathers do not face similar scrutiny. Already a mother of twins, Aya and Ohm, born when she was 48 after freezing her eggs at 37, Swank shared the news through a playful Instagram video featuring her family dancing with glow sticks, revealing her pregnancy in a creative way.

In a preview clip from “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Swank discussed the criticism older parents face, emphasizing the unique bond shared between parents and children. The acclaimed actress expressed her happiness at having waited to start a family, noting that she feels more patient and present as a parent in her 50s than she might have been in her 40s.

Swank’s pregnancy at 52 aligns with a growing trend of late maternal age pregnancies in North America. Data shows a significant increase in the proportion of births to mothers aged 35 and older in recent years. While advancements in reproductive technology, such as egg-freezing and IVF, have enabled later pregnancies, medical experts caution that risks and complications can still arise with advanced maternal age.

Celebrities like Anne Hathaway have also embraced late-in-life pregnancies, underscoring the evolving landscape of family planning and fertility options. Despite the financial barriers associated with assisted reproductive technologies, the trend towards delayed parenthood continues to shape the modern family dynamic.