India, Jan. 22 -- U sha Vance, 40, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, announced on Tuesday that she is expecting her fourth child, becoming the first sitting second lady in US history to be pregnant while in office. Her announcement comes amid a wave of late-age pregnancies reshaping perceptions of the biological clock. In September last year, actor Katrina Kaif announced her first pregnancy at 42, followed a month later by comedian Bharti Siingh, who shared the news of her second pregnancy at 41. Together, these milestones indicate a shifting reality: an increasing number of women are opting to expand their families in their late 30s and early 40s. Doctors say that while the risks associated with advanced maternal age are real, they are no longer the barrier they once were. "Pregnancy later in life is no longer unusual. While risks are higher, informed planning, regular check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in ensuring the safety of both mother and child," says Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. According to Dr Neelam, pregnancy after 35 can carry an elevated risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia, as well as a higher chance of requiring a cesarean delivery. She adds, "Babies born to older mothers may have a higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. There is also an increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight."...