Pregnancy After 40 Increases Globally, Highlighted by Anne Hathaway's Announcement

Births to women over 40 are rising sharply in Brazil, the United States and Europe. In Brazil, the IBGE recorded more than 90,000 such births in 2018, climbing to over 106,000 in 2022 – the only age group with growth in the period. The CDC reports a similar upward trend in the United States, while Eurostat notes continued increases across several European countries.

Experts attribute the surge to social and behavioral factors combined with advances in reproductive medicine. Gynecologist Igor Padovesi says, "The increase in the number of pregnancies after 40 is due to both social‑behavioral factors and advances in reproductive medicine." He notes that career priorities, financial stability, divorces and new relationships often delay motherhood, while technologies such as egg freezing and IVF expand possibilities. Nevertheless, physicians stress that biological fertility still declines sharply after the mid‑30s.

The trend gained additional public attention when actress Anne Hathaway, 43, announced her third pregnancy. Her appearance in a luxury "Anne" dress by La Ligne during a weekend in Saint‑Tropez showcased a shift in maternity fashion toward versatile, high‑end garments that adapt to a changing body, underscoring the broader cultural impact of later‑life motherhood.