“70-Year-Old Woman Defies Odds and Welcomes First Baby Through IVF”
In a remarkable tale that defies conventional expectations, an Indian woman at the age of 70 has welcomed her first child, marking her as one of the oldest first-time mothers in the world.
Jivunben Rabari, believed to be 70 years old, proudly announced the birth of her baby boy, who was conceived through the miracle of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). After more than five decades of marriage, Jivunben and her 75-year-old husband, Maldhari, are now experiencing the joys of parenthood for the very first time.
Dr. Naresh Bhanushali, the medical professional who assisted the couple with their IVF journey, shared insights into their extraordinary story: “When they first approached us, we expressed our concerns about the challenges of conceiving at such an advanced age. However, their determination was unwavering.”
“They cited that many members of their extended family had embarked on similar journeys,” Dr. Bhanushali added.
While the birth of a healthy child is often the outcome of pregnancy, medical experts advise that pregnancies beyond the age of 40 are accompanied by a higher risk of complications. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommends the optimal childbearing age to be between 20 and 35 years.
Natural pregnancies for women in their 70s are considered virtually impossible due to menopause occurring between the late 40s and early 50s. Yet, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) emphasizes that medical interventions, such as IVF, remain a viable option for women regardless of age, provided they possess a “normal uterus.”
Medical procedures involve utilizing eggs donated by younger women, fertilizing them with sperm outside the body, and subsequently placing the embryo into the womb in hopes of achieving pregnancy.
However, Jivunben’s story isn’t the only one of its kind. Another Indian woman, Erramatti Mangayamma, previously held the title of the world’s oldest mother after giving birth to twin girls at the age of 74 in September 2019.
Residing in the modest town of Mora, Gujarat, India, the Rabari couple’s journey spans 45 years of marriage and a long-held desire to conceive. Their persistence finally bore fruit with the success of IVF, an option that becomes feasible post-menopause.
Dr. Bhanushali expressed his astonishment at the couple’s determination, stating, “This is one of the rarest cases I have ever seen.” Their experience serves as an inspiration, reaffirming the power of hope, medical advancements, and the unbreakable bond between parents and their child.
In India and beyond, tales of women in their 60s and 70s embracing motherhood through IVF are a testament to the triumph of the human spirit and the boundless possibilities that science and determination can achieve.
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