What Gisele Bündchen Should Consider
As reported by U.S. media, Gisele Bündchen is expecting another child at the age of 44. A gynecologist assesses the high-risk pregnancy, and a couples expert offers tips for the patchwork family.

At 44 years old, model Gisele Bündchen is pregnant again. It is her third child but her first with her new partner, Joaquim Valente.
Due to her age, Gisele's pregnancy is considered high-risk. Nevertheless, such pregnancies have become increasingly common in recent years—even in Switzerland. In 2023, the rate of live births was already at 36 percent. Dr. Johanna Janku, specialist FMH in gynecology and obstetrics, provides insight into the top model's surprising baby news.
What risks does Gisele's pregnancy pose for her?
Janku: The pregnancy carries risks for her body. Diseases of internal organs, such as cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders, are more common. Blood pressure, which plays an important role during pregnancy, can also be affected. Generally, pregnancy is a significant burden on a woman's body, which becomes harder to bear with advancing age, especially if pre-existing conditions are present. Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, hypertension, or diabetes can occur more frequently.
What should Gisele pay particular attention to?
Janku: Gisele should ensure she has excellent obstetric care with more frequent check-ups. Specific tests to detect chromosomal abnormalities and/or the intake of additional supplements or medications to prevent pregnancy complications are recommended. It may be advantageous that she has already given birth to two children, as her body is "trained" in a sense. Additionally, she appears to be very fit and maintains a healthy diet, which will benefit her during this pregnancy.
What risks does Gisele's age pose for the baby?
Janku: Complications can occur in older pregnant women. Premature births and miscarriages are more common. The gametes—in a woman's case, the egg cells—lose quality with age. This can favor chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21 or genetic defects. It's also possible that the child's growth may be impaired.
How common is it to become pregnant at 44?
Janku: Basically, it's possible to become pregnant until menopause. However, it's less common for the pregnancy to proceed without complications, so close monitoring is necessary.
How advisable is it?
Janku: A high-risk pregnancy isn't generally advisable. However, one must always consider the individual's situation and the woman's health condition. For a healthy and fit woman, the risks are lower.
Bündchen and the jiu-jitsu trainer Valente have been dating for about a year. The patchwork family is growing with the soon-to-arrive new member. With her ex, Tom Brady, she has children Benjamin (14) and Vivian (11). The former NFL quarterback also brought his son John from a previous relationship into their former marriage. Belinda Daniele, couples counselor and mediator at Couples Counseling & Mediation in the Canton of Zurich, reveals the challenges this constellation brings.
Tom and Gisele have two children together. What difficulties might arise?
The future patchwork family is based on the happiness of a new love with children who were already present beforehand. Loss and injuries are embedded in Gisele's and the children's relationship history. Therefore, it will take time and patience for the new situation to settle. Good organization will be central to meet the needs of all involved, especially the two older children.
What should the couple pay particular attention to?
For a successful relationship, a good balance between closeness and autonomy is crucial, as well as a respectful atmosphere among everyone. In a patchwork family, this poses a particular challenge. Meeting the demands and needs of all involved is challenging.
What should they consider regarding their joint children?
It will be crucial, despite being in love and the anticipation of the upcoming baby, to keep the entire patchwork structure in focus. This means that Tom must also be respected and considered in his role. For the children, it often signifies a significant change, which they may perceive as threatening. Existing rituals and consciously planned time solely with the children provide support and orientation in the new situation. Open and honest communication is central. It can take several years for the patchwork family to establish itself. This requires a lot of patience, humor, and sometimes strong nerves.
What role can new partners play?
The new partner is an important figure for the children but should not replace the father. When the children are young, they usually find it easier to adjust to the new situation and the new partner than when they are older and have more of their own will. Ideally, the new partner gradually takes on responsibilities without overwhelming themselves or the children, finding their place over time.
How does the new child change the dynamics between the couple?
A baby needs closeness and attention around the clock. This means a reorganization for the couple and the rest of the family. Everyone is affected and must find their place accordingly, taking on new tasks in their new roles.
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