Hilary Swank, Pregnant at 52, Opens Up About Motherhood Later in Life

The actor once considered her career her “baby.” Now, with twins at home and another on the way, she’s opening up about timing, criticism, and what she wants every parent to know.

At 52, Hilary Swank is expecting her third child, and it’s a blessing she wants to savor.

“It’s such an extraordinary privilege and honor and blessing to carry life,” Swank said during a recent appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” She shared that she’s 28 weeks along and has just entered her third trimester. “It’s a dream come true, and I love being a mom,” she said.

Motherhood On Her Own timeline

Swank welcomed her twins when she was 48. On becoming a mother later in life, she said it felt like the right time for her. She acknowledged that “getting pregnant isn’t always in our own timeline.”

Swank had been focused on her career before becoming a mother, considering it her “baby” that she wanted to nurture. “And then now I can totally devote to my children,” she said

Swank is happy to be able to give hope to women who want to become mothers too, noting that for many women, “it’s a ticking clock,” which isn’t the same for men.

When one woman questioned whether she’d be around long enough as her children grew up, Swank said it made her think about her late father, who was one of her favorite people. “I would rather be born and have that person that was my favorite person and experience that than not at all,” she said.

Cravings, Then and Now

Part of relishing her pregnancy is indulging in her cravings. Swank says she’s been eating Rice Krispie treats and a vegan alternative to Cheetos, since she doesn’t eat cheese. During her first pregnancy, she craved everything from hamburgers and ramen to tamales and mint chip ice cream.

A Mission Inspired By Her Kids

Since becoming a mother, Swank has been actively advocating for maternal and children’s health. She is currently the chief innovation officer at HealthyBaby, a baby care and maternal health brand, and one of her efforts was devoted to supporting a new California law that requires diaper manufacturers to provide details of all their ingredients on both their packaging and online. She wrote a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom to get his support, and the bill passed in September.

“From the beginning with my twins, I was absolutely horrified at what ingredients were allowed to be out there,” she told USA Today. “If you don’t know, then you’re just in the dark. So once people learn, they can make their own choices. That’s what I want for everybody.”

This is the same for children’s food and products. Swank encourages parents to stay informed. “It’s just continued due diligence,” she said. “You just have to do your own homework” (USA Today).

Like many parents, Swank acknowledges there’s still room to learn. “I’m still learning so much, I’m learning all the time,” she said. “It’s never too late to make change.”