Former Home and Away star Melissa George revealed to fans that she had welcomed her third bundle of joy at the age of 47 years old. The ex-Australian soap star, who played Angel Parrish, excitedly told her fans that “her heart was so full” following the birth of her baby boy, sharing a sweet black and white snap of the newborn’s tiny feet. Her latest birth marks a third son for the actress, who announced her surprise pregnancy in January, 2024. The star, who is now based in Paris, is already mum to sons Raphaël, nine, and Solal, seven, with her ex-partner Jean-David Blanc, a French entrepreneur.
Melissa George is a proud mum of three boys after giving birth to her third at 47
(Image: Melissa George/Instagram)
Melissa George was a fan favourite during the 90s on hit Australian soap, Home and Away
(Image: Getty Images)
Fertility expert, Dr Gill Lockwood, Fertility Family revealed that whilst 35 years old is often seen as a ‘cut off’ for female fertility, there’s actually little scientific backing to this. “Natural fertility does decline with age, but many women, including Melissa George, are able to conceive in their 40s. In the UK, only 50% of women will have had a first baby by the age of 30 and in Australia, where George is from, the birth rate for mothers aged 40-44 years almost tripled between 1991 and 2022,” she said. Despite falling pregnant being more difficult in your 40s, it’s possible, but if you’ve been trying for six months it’s time to seek professional advice. Dr Gill added: “If you have been trying for six months and have good, regular trouble-free periods, a positive family history and your partner does not have a history of undescended tests, adolescent mumps or STDs, then you should seek expert advice as to why you haven’t been able to conceive yet. Waiting two years will reduce the available treatment options.”
Dr Gill Lockwood points out that it’s about the health of the male involved, too
(Image: Dr Gill Lockwood)
Dr Gill also added that the “majority of women” will be able to achieve successful pregnancies in their 40s, however it’s important to remember certain vital things. “F for those trying they should be aware that it may take longer to conceive at this age. Additionally, the risk of a miscarriage increases quite steeply after the age of 35, with a 40% risk of an early miscarriage for women aged 40 who can conceive. Women who want a larger family should be aware of these factors, and that it may be best for them to start trying in their early 30s.” Positively, most developmental factors that may impact a baby’s health are under a mother’s control and unrelated to her age. “Factors such as smoking, alcohol and taking recreational drugs will negatively impact the baby’s health, whereas sticking to a healthy diet, taking Folic acid and vitamin D and ensuring you get regular exercise can all be game-changing in ensuring healthy babies.” And it’s not just on the mum’s either. “Male health and lifestyle can also impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes” reminds Gill. “It is not just the women’s health that has an effect.”Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnHealth
