pointed out Ashanti’s age. At 43 years old, many are stating that she is on the older end of having a baby.
However, many Black women, including Black celebrities, have not let their age hold them back from having a child. Ashanti is now added to a list of Black celebrities like Da Brat, Tamron Hall, Kenya Moore, and Janet Jackson who became mothers after turning 40.
Thanks to new technology like IVF and other fertility services, we have seen the overall maternal birth rate increase over the years.
According to a CDC report, “…women 40 to 44, the birth rate has risen by 4% and the number of births by 6% since 2021. Birth rates among women 45 and older increased for the first time since 2015 and the number of births increased by a whopping 12%.”
With new advanced technology options, more women are opting for a “pregnancy pause,” and we expect these numbers to continue increasing.
If you’re 40 and planning to have a baby, doctors recommend monitoring pregnancy risks. This includes “gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and miscarriage,” according to various studies.
Due to medical bias, Black women who become pregnant are at a higher risk of experiencing complications, including a higher rate of maternal mortality. It is crucial for expectant Black mothers to have plans in place to advocate for themselves and receive support from loved ones throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
As for Ashanti and Nelly, congratulations to the couple on this happy news!