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Just weeks after Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif surprised fans with the news of her first pregnancy at 42, another celebrity has joined the conversation about late-age motherhood. On October 6, comedian and TV host Bharti Singh, aged 41, joyfully announced that she is expecting her second child with husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa.
The announcement, made through a heartfelt post on Instagram, featured Bharti proudly cradling her baby bump while Haarsh embraced her lovingly against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The caption read simply but powerfully: “We are pregnant again.”
The couple, who welcomed their first child Laksh (affectionately known as Gola) in 2022, have once again captured the internet’s attention — not just for their joyous news, but also for reigniting discussions about pregnancy at an advanced maternal age.
The Rise of Late Pregnancies: A Changing Trend
In recent years, many women — including celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Farah Khan, and now Bharti Singh — have chosen to embrace motherhood later in life. This shift, experts say, reflects evolving priorities as women increasingly focus on career stability, financial independence, and emotional readiness before starting or expanding their families.
Dr Neelam Suri, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, spoke about this trend in a September 25 interview with HT Lifestyle. She explained,
“Pregnancy later in life is no longer unusual. With the right medical care and precautions, many women experience positive outcomes. However, the risks remain higher compared to pregnancies in the 20s or early 30s.”
According to Dr Suri, a late pregnancy is typically defined as one occurring after the age of 35. While medical advancements have made it safer than ever, it still requires closer monitoring and proactive care.
Understanding the Risks of Late Pregnancy
Pregnancy after 35 comes with both medical and biological challenges that can affect both the mother and the baby.
Dr Suri explained,
“Pregnancy after 35 can carry an elevated risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia. There’s also a slightly higher chance of requiring a cesarean delivery due to complications during labour. Regular prenatal care and early detection of these conditions play a critical role in reducing risks.”
She also highlighted that babies born to older mothers may face a higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, and might be more prone to premature birth or low birth weight.
However, she was quick to add that modern screening tools and prenatal diagnostics have significantly improved outcomes.
“Advances in screening tests and prenatal diagnostics allow many of these risks to be identified and managed effectively,” she said.
Dr Suri emphasized that many women in their late 30s and 40s have safe and healthy pregnancies, especially when they follow a few essential steps:
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Preconception Planning: Consulting a doctor before conception to evaluate health and manage pre-existing conditions.
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Regular Prenatal Check-ups: Frequent monitoring to catch and treat complications early.
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating balanced meals, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, and avoiding smoking or alcohol.
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Emotional Well-being: Stress management and strong family support are vital for a smoother pregnancy journey.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Expanding Possibilities
With the rise in late pregnancies, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have become a crucial part of the discussion. Celebrities like Farah Khan, who had children through IVF (in-vitro fertilization) at age 43, have openly credited ART for helping them experience motherhood.
In a September 27 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ila Guptya, Chairperson and Chief IVF Consultant at Pristyn Care Ferticity, discussed how ART has made late motherhood more achievable than ever.
She explained that pregnancies after age 35 are categorized as “advanced maternal age”, and a woman’s fertility naturally declines with time.
“In case you are delaying pregnancy, you should consider egg freezing at a younger age to avoid age-related risk factors like chromosome disorders and Down syndrome,” Dr Guptya advised.
She stressed that having a baby later in life requires additional medical attention, adding,
“Having a baby at a later age has complications and needs additional care. Women should take appropriate steps to protect themselves and the baby. Prioritising pre-pregnancy care, early prenatal visits, and good health habits will improve the pregnancy experience.”
Dr Guptya also applauded celebrities who are breaking societal stigmas around fertility treatments.
“Famous people choosing late pregnancies publicly will help reduce stigma and normalise the use of fertility treatments. Their narratives show that late motherhood is possible with appropriate medical help. However, every woman’s health and fertility are different,” she said.
Ultimately, both experts agree that each pregnancy is unique, and women should discuss their specific risks and treatment options with their doctors before making decisions.
Bharti Singh’s Pregnancy Journey: “Mote Logon Ka Pata Nahi Chalta”
While medical experts highlight the science, Bharti Singh’s own story adds a very human, humorous, and heartfelt perspective to late motherhood.
In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Bharti revealed that she didn’t realise she was pregnant for two and a half months — a revelation that left fans both amused and surprised.
She shared,
“When I got pregnant, for two and a half months, I did not even realise it. Mote logon ka pata nahi chalta. I was eating, shooting, running around, dancing on Dance Deewane. Then I thought, let’s just check it once. When I did, I put the test down and came outside. When I went back and saw the two lines, I told Haarsh about it. So that was a surprise for us. We did not plan that this is the right time to have a baby.”
The comedian’s candid admission resonated with many working women who juggle demanding schedules and might overlook subtle changes in their bodies. Her ability to laugh about it while being open about her experience made her announcement even more endearing to fans.
The Manifestation of a Dream
Bharti had previously spoken about her desire to have a second child — specifically, a daughter — and even said she had prayed for it at Lord Jagannath’s temple in Puri.
In a podcast earlier this year, she said,
“I still feel that this year, we should plan. I am not pregnant yet, but I do feel I should be. All I wonder is would we be able to love our baby the same way.”
Her wish seems to have come true. Before announcing her pregnancy, Bharti had also teased her fans in a YouTube vlog when someone asked if she was expecting again. Smiling and blushing, she responded,
“Arey nahi nahi bilkul bhi pregnant nahi hoon mai. Mai chahiti hoon ki 2025 mein mai ho jaun, Gola 3 saal ka hogya — perfect time hai yeh. Aap dua kijiye ki ek aur gola ya goli aa jaye.”
Her playful response hinted at her desire for a second child while reaffirming how deeply she cherishes motherhood.
Late Motherhood: A Blend of Science, Choice, and Hope
Bharti Singh’s pregnancy, much like Katrina Kaif’s, highlights the changing dynamics of motherhood in modern India. With advancements in medical science, the availability of fertility treatments, and a growing societal acceptance, women now have more autonomy than ever in choosing when to become mothers.
Experts stress that while age-related risks exist, timely intervention, preventive care, and emotional preparedness can make late pregnancies both safe and fulfilling.
As Dr Neelam Suri concluded,
“With the right care, women in their late 30s and 40s can absolutely have safe, healthy pregnancies and positive outcomes. The key is to plan, stay informed, and work closely with healthcare professionals.”
For Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, this pregnancy is not just about adding another member to their family — it’s about celebrating life, laughter, and love once again.
And as fans flood her social media with congratulations, one thing is certain: Bharti’s journey is inspiring countless women to believe that motherhood has no expiration date — only the right moment.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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