The internet collectively gasped in excitement at the news of Ashanti’s pregnancy and engagement to Rapper Nelly.
At 43, the ageless songstress shattered societal expectations and sparked a conversation far more significant than her baby bump. This announcement is a powerful symbol of a cultural shift where women, particularly Black women, redefine motherhood on their terms.
For generations, a societal clock loomed large over women’s lives. The age of 35 was often presented as a fertility deadline, a point of no return for healthy pregnancies. But statistics tell a different story. A Pew Research Center study revealed that the share of U.S. women who gave birth at the end of their childbearing years was higher in 2016 than 10 years earlier. Some 86% of women ages 40 to 44 are mothers, compared with 80% in 2006.
The Journal of Family and Reproductive Health echoes this, highlighting the fastest-growing birth rates in women over 35. Celebrities like Da Brat, Mariah Carey, Nia Long, Janet Jackson and Naomi Campbell have all proudly become mothers later in life, paving the way for a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of motherhood.
Ashanti’s announcement wasn’t just a cute video showcasing a positive pregnancy test. It subtly yet powerfully introduced Proov, a company she co-owns, specializing in affordable at-home fertility and hormone marker tests.
Proov was founded by Dr. Amy Beckley, an infertility veteran and PhD Scientist who is another inspiring woman who battled infertility for two years. She offers a variety of tests catering to different needs. From early pregnancy detection kits to “Hers and His” bundles that assess fertility and sperm motility to “Reserve” kits that check egg count, Proov empowers couples with crucial information.
Their “Predict + Confirm” kit goes a step further – it pinpoints a woman’s most fertile days and measures the hormone progesterone, a key indicator of successful ovulation. In other words, the test provides an inexpensive solution for women seeking to conceive and identifying fertility issues, including treatable ovulation dysfunctions.
The message is clear: age is a number, not a barrier. Science is no longer an intimidating mystery. Companies like Proov, led by women who understand the complexities of fertility, are changing the game. They’re providing women with the tools and knowledge to take charge of their reproductive health and make informed decisions about their baby-making journeys.
This cultural shift extends beyond celebrity circles. Social media is filled with stories of Black women in their late 30s and 40s proudly documenting their healthy pregnancies, challenging outdated narratives, and inspiring others. Online communities dedicated to Black motherhood offer a supportive space for women to share experiences, ask questions, and celebrate each other’s journeys.
There’s still a way to go. Access to affordable healthcare, including fertility treatments, remains a hurdle for many women, particularly those from marginalized communities. However, the tide is turning.
Ashanti’s pregnancy announcement is a beautiful celebration of life and defying expectations. But it’s also a rallying cry for a future where women, especially Black women, are supported and empowered throughout their reproductive journeys.
Motherhood is a personal choice, not a societal deadline.
