Anne Hathaway on pregnancy at 43: "We were completely shocked"

Anne Hathaway has spoken candidly about her third pregnancy, revealing how she and her husband Adam Shulman have come to terms with the challenges of having children later in life. The Oscar-winning actress, who is 43 years old, shared her thoughts during a promotional event for the film Odysseus, in which a Slovenian actor also appears. She described the experience of becoming pregnant again at this age as both a blessing and a rare occurrence. The couple announced their plans to welcome a third child earlier this month, marking a joyous moment for them after already raising two sons, Jonathan, 10, and Jackson, six. While they had low expectations for another child, the news brought them immense happiness. Anne spoke openly about the difficulties of conceiving at an older age, noting that while hope exists, it becomes increasingly slim once a certain threshold is reached. “I’ve always believed there’s still a small chance,” Anne said, reflecting on the emotional journey of motherhood at 43. “But once you reach a certain age, that hope is just one or two percent.” She emphasized that she and Adam chose to surrender themselves to life’s direction without high expectations, embracing a more realistic and grounded approach to parenthood. Their decision was influenced by personal experiences, with Anne acknowledging that luck doesn’t always follow those who desire it most. “Some never get it, and some do, even when they’re most desperate,” she said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to become a mother again. The couple, married since 2012, has found that having two sons has significantly shaped their daily lives and even their fashion choices. Anne admitted that being a mother to boys has influenced her style, making her more comfortable with practical and versatile clothing. She also mentioned how she has learned to adapt to all aspects of life, from business meetings to spontaneous basketball games with her sons. Anne’s openness about the realities of late motherhood resonates with many women facing similar situations. Her candidness highlights the emotional and physical complexities of pregnancy beyond the traditional narrative, offering a nuanced perspective on family planning and aging. As she continues to navigate this new chapter, her words provide insight into the evolving nature of motherhood in modern times.