In 2022, Singapore witnessed the remarkable story of its oldest mother to a newborn, a 55-year-old woman who defied societal norms by giving birth. This article explores the growing trend of late-in-life motherhood, shedding light on the challenges and risks associated with conceiving at an advanced age.
The Unprecedented Birth
Last year, Singapore’s annual report on birth registrations revealed a remarkable occurrence. Out of approximately 35,000 women who gave birth, only one mother, a 55-year-old university graduate, defied conventional expectations and welcomed her second child into the world. This event marked the third recorded instance of a woman aged 55 or older giving birth since the publication of birth and death records in 1989.
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Changing Dynamics of Motherhood
Over the past few decades, the boundaries of motherhood have expanded, with an increasing number of women aged 50 and above embracing the possibility of having children. From 1989 to 2009, a total of six women aged 50 and older gave birth, including one who had twins. However, between 2010 and 2019, the number rose significantly to 33 women giving birth to 41 babies. The trend continued from 2020 to 2022, with nine women in this age group giving birth to nine babies.
Fertility Challenges and Assisted Reproductive Technology
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Dr. Liu Shuling, director of the KKIVF Centre at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, explains that as a woman ages, the quantity and quality of her eggs decline significantly. Most women reach menopause by the age of 50, making natural conception impossible. While it is exceedingly rare for women over 50 to conceive naturally, advancements in assisted reproductive technology have opened doors for late-in-life motherhood.
IVF and Egg Donation
Dr. Suresh Nair, medical director of Monash IVF Singapore, highlights that women in their 50s who give birth often rely on egg donors for successful in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Although the babies are not biologically related to the mothers, they are genetically linked to the egg donors and the mothers’ husbands. These IVF procedures are often performed overseas, as Singapore’s age limit for IVF treatment was only lifted in 2020.
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Challenges and Risks
Late-in-life pregnancies come with significant risks and challenges. Associate Professor Su Lin Lin from the National University Hospital emphasizes that older women face a higher risk of miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities in their babies, and various pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Dr. Liu warns that a 45-year-old woman has a 90% risk of miscarriage, with the risk increasing as age advances.
Inspiration from Celebrities
The growing number of late-in-life mothers is partly attributed to the inspiration provided by celebrities like singer Janet Jackson and supermodel Naomi Campbell, who have become mothers in their 50s. Such public figures have reignited hope for older women, showcasing the possibility of motherhood through assisted reproductive technologies.
Indeed, with advancements in assisted reproductive technology, women can pursue their dreams of becoming mothers later in life, but careful consideration of the associated risks and thorough medical evaluation are imperative to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and child.
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