A 55-year-old tribal woman recently gave birth to her 17th child in Jhadol block of Udaipur district. This news about Rekha Kalbelia brings attention to the challenges of maternal health in India. It shows why there is a stronger need for awareness about family planning and the risks of late pregnancies.

The Rajasthan Family With 17 Children

Rekha and her husband Kavara live in Lilavas village. They have had 17 children till now, out of which sadly 5 could not survive soon after birth. They have seven sons and five daughters. Some of them are already married and have children. So, Rekha is already a grandmother.

Kavara collects scrap to feed his family and often borrows money at high interest. They lack proper housing. He has been sanctioned a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana But he cannot avail it because the land is not in their name. Sadly, not even a single child out of 12 has attended school.

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Rekha’s High-Risk Delivery

Rekha delivered her baby at the local Community Health Centre. Initially, she told doctors it was her fourth delivery. Only later did they know that this was her 17th childbirth. The lack of proper medical history made it hard for doctors to assess the risks.

Pregnancy at advanced maternal age carries many dangers. Gynecologist Dr. Roshan Darangi, who attended the delivery, said repeated pregnancies can weaken the uterus and increase the risk of severe bleeding. Though Rekha delivered safely, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of advanced pregnancies.

What Are Advanced Pregnancy Risks?

Deliveries beyond age 50 fall under extremely high-risk pregnancies. Both mother and child face potential complications. At an older age, the uterus weakens and the risk of hemorrhage increases.

Rekha Kalbelia’s is a rare case who has become a mother 17 times. Her story is an alert for society to educate and give healthier lives to women across India.