Why mom-to-be Mahira Khan, 41, is making headlines at TIFF debut: ‘Definitely more challenging’

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, 41, has made waves at her Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) debut, sharing her pregnancy journey. She is expecting her second child, a stark contrast to her first pregnancy at the age of 24. In an interview with Images Drawn, Khan expressed that this pregnancy is "definitely more challenging" both physically and emotionally.

The Pakistani star shared her stunning hand-embroidered sari, a creation that took 1,440 hours to complete by two skilled artisans, adorned with fertility and renewal symbols like kashidakari, cutdana, silver zari, and lotus motifs. Khan, who carried her son Azlan from her first marriage, shared the challenges she faced this time around, including physical limitations and an adjustment to her lifestyle.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Deepthi Ashwin, a senior consultant at Aster Women & Children Bangalore, assures that both pregnancies at 24 and 41 can lead to a healthy mother and baby. However, she emphasizes that pregnancy after 40 increases the risk of complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and fetal growth problems.

Dr. Ashwin recommends a preconception consultation to optimize pre-existing conditions and ensure proper nutrition for a successful pregnancy.