“We’re pregnant in our 40s!”: Viral pregnancy announcement sparks conversation about motherhood later in life

“We’re pregnant—when our kids are 27, 21, 19, and 15.”

That’s the surprise news shared by Nicole Jackson (@mrs.jackson_10) and her husband, Scott, in a now-viral TikTok video with over 1.3 million views. The couple broke the big news to Scott’s parents through a clever pregnancy reveal using a lotto scratch-off ticket, leaving their family in shock, joy, and laughter.

The video struck a chord with viewers, racking up over 100,000 likes, comments, and congratulations—and sparking a conversation about having babies later in life.

The reality of pregnancy in your 40s

Here’s the reality: Pregnancy in your 40s is often viewed as a medical anomaly—or worse, it’s stamped with the outdated and, frankly, offensive term “geriatric pregnancy.”

First of all, can we retire that phrase already? As Motherly has written before, labeling someone “geriatric” for being pregnant after 35 is not only ridiculous but also dismissive of the unique journey many women take to start or grow their families. It’s true that fertility naturally declines with age, and pregnancy in your 40s does come with additional challenges, but let’s also acknowledge the power and wisdom that comes with becoming a mom in your 40s.

According to research, the average age of motherhood in the U.S. has risen steadily over the years. In fact, the average age of a first-time mom is now 30, compared to 24 in the 1970s. So while pregnancy in your 40s may still raise eyebrows for some, it’s becoming less unusual as more women delay starting families to focus on careers, financial stability, or personal goals.

What the science says

From a scientific standpoint, yes, having a baby in your 40s can be more challenging. Fertility rates decline as women age, and pregnancies later in life carry a higher risk of complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and chromosomal abnormalities. However, advancements in reproductive medicine, prenatal care, and overall health mean that pregnancy in your 40s is far from impossible.

 Dr. Robin Kalish, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Alexandra Cohen Hospital for Women and Newborns, is an expert who frequently offers valuable insights on pregnancy after age 35. She notes that while delivering at this age is considered “advanced maternal age,” there’s no definitive age that dictates risk levels. Dr. Kalish emphasizes that with proper care and monitoring, the majority of women in this age range can have healthy pregnancies.

The key takeaway? It’s important to acknowledge the risks without letting them overshadow the fact that many women in their 40s successfully carry healthy pregnancies.

Related: No, nothing happens to your eggs the day you turn 35

Rewriting the narrative

What makes the Jacksons’ pregnancy announcement so refreshing is how unapologetically joyful it is. For them, this baby is a blessing to be celebrated by the whole family—and that’s a perspective we need more of.

Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, having a child is a meaningful and intense experience, so let’s stop attaching stigmas to moms based on their age. Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights in your 20s or pregnancy symptoms alongside PTA meetings in your 40s, there’s no “right” or “wrong” time to embrace motherhood.

Related: What people get wrong about being a mom in your 40s

And let’s definitely retire the term “geriatric pregnancy,” okay? Moms deserve better than that.