Written By Tracey Khan
For decades, the idea of “late motherhood” carried stigma but women over 40 are now giving birth at higher rates than teenagers, reshaping the cultural and medical landscape of parenting in the U.S.
Ashanti, Halle Berry and Janet Jackson are proving that motherhood doesn’t end in your 40s.
Meanwhile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows births for women 40–44 rose 2% in 2024, while teen births fell to a record low of 12.7 per 1,000, a 73% drop since 1990. Births for women in their early 40s are up 127% and for those 45 and older, a staggering 450%.
Breaking Barriers: Late Motherhood in the Spotlight
Other notable celebrity moms redefining late motherhood include:
Halle Berry — Daughter Nahla at 41, son Maceo at 47- Mariah Carey — Twins Monroe and Moroccan at 41 with Nick Cannon
- Iman — Second child at 45 with David Bowie
- Tamron Hall — First child at 48
- Da Brat — First child at 49 via her wife Jesseca Harris-Dupart’s eggs
- Gwen Stefani — Son Apollo at 44
- Celine Dion — Twin sons Eddy and Nelson at 42
- Sarah Jessica Parker — Twin daughters via surrogate at 44
- Eva Mendes — Second child, Amada, at 42
- Eboni K. Williams — First child after a six-year fertility journey
Berry captured the spirit of this generation of women when she told fans after her pregnancy, “We’re not done at 40, we’re just getting started.”
Redefining the Timeline
Motherhood today is increasingly intentional. The average age at first birth has risen to 27.5 years, and many women wait even longer to prioritize education, careers and financial security.
“These women show us that motherhood is not a race, it’s a right,” said Dr. Kendra Ross, a reproductive health specialist. “They’re redefining fertility as something you choose, not something that just happens to you.”
For Black women, later motherhood carries additional cultural weight. Historically scrutinized for reproductive choices, Black celebrities embracing pregnancy on their own terms model autonomy and resistance to societal pressure. Rihanna, for instance, has redefined maternity fashion, proudly showcasing her baby bump in couture looks.
Medical Advances and Economics
Medical technology has expanded options. In vitro fertilization, egg freezing, surrogacy and improved prenatal care have dismantled the once-rigid “biological clock” narrative.
Economic realities play a role as well. With rising childcare costs, limited paid leave and inflexible workplaces, many women delay motherhood until financially stable.
“Autonomy is part of the story, but so is economics,” Ross said. “Many women wait to have kids not because they want to, but because they can’t afford not to.”
Looking Ahead
CDC data confirms women over 40 are increasingly shaping U.S. birth patterns. The cultural message is clear: reproductive choices belong to individuals, not societal norms.
“There is no expiration date on becoming a parent,” Ross said. “Motherhood today is about readiness, not age.”
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