As a mum to two young children in my forties I fall into the category of pregnant after 35 category. I was never made to feel like an old mum, even when I had my first baby at 36 and my second at 39, but there are some facts and figures which as a mum-to-be, you are made aware of. So here are some useful pregnant after 35 statistics which may be of interest, especially if you’ve been considering IVF or have recently had a positive test.
Pregnant After 35 Statistics
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, a time of joy and anticipation, but it also comes with its share of challenges and considerations which shouldn’t be taken lightly. One of these considerations is the age at which a woman decides to embark on the path to motherhood. In the UK, a growing number of women, like me, are choosing to have children later in life. The age of 35 often marks a significant milestone in the world of pregnancy, as it is associated with unique statistics and concerns. In this blog post, I’ve pulled together some key statistics and considerations surrounding pregnancy after 35.
The Rise of Pregnancy After 35
Over the past few decades, the trend of delayed motherhood has become more prominent. Women are pursuing education and careers, which often leads to delayed family planning. This has given rise to the phenomenon of advanced maternal-age pregnancies, typically referring to women who become pregnant after the age of 35.
Babies Born to Mums Over 35
In 2022, 25% of babies were born to mums aged 35 and over. This compares with 18% in 2002 and just 7% in 1982. The concept of older mothers, once considered unusual, is now becoming the new norm for birth rates.
Mums’ Average Age at Childbirth
In 2022, the average age of a mother at childbirth was 30.9 years old. In 2002, it was 28.7 and in 1982 it was 27.1.
Fertile Days and Timing
Understanding your fertile days is crucial when trying to conceive, especially for older women. The window for conception narrows with age, making it essential to track ovulation and plan intercourse accordingly. Being able to identify different types of discharge is easy, the discharge after ovulation on your underwear provides crucial insights into your fertility cycle, helping you predict potential pregnancy.
Dads’ Average Age
In 2021, the average age of a dad was 33.7, in 2001 it was 31.8 and in 1981 it was just 30.
While much of the focus is on female fertility, it’s important to note that male fertility can also decline with age. Male partners should also consider their reproductive health when planning a pregnancy.
Married or Civil Partnerships
Of babies born to mums aged 35 and above in 2021, 63% were born within a marriage or civil partnership and 37% were not. In 2001, 72% of babies born to mums aged 35 and above were born within a marriage or civil partnership. In 1981, that was 91%.
In comparison, in 2021, 44% of babies born to mums under 35 were born within a marriage or civil partnership. That compared with 57% in 2001 and 87% in 1981.
Sole Registrations
19% of all babies registered by a sole parent or guardian in 2021 were aged 35 and over.
Girls vs Boys
Of all babies born to mothers aged 35 and older in 2021, 49% were baby girls and 51% were baby boys.
Statistics are from the Office of National Statistics.
Fertility Concerns
Fertility is one of the primary concerns for women who decide to become pregnant after 35. Let’s explore the relationship between advanced maternal age and fertility.
Egg Quality
As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs tend to decline. This decrease in egg quality can lead to a reduced chance of pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage.
The percentage of women (by age) who become pregnant within a year is approximately –
20 to 24: 47 percent
25 to 29: 45 percent
30 to 34: 41 percent
35 to 39: 34 percent
40 to 44: 20 percent
over 45: 4 percent
If there is an issue with fertility that can be helped along, it’s better to have these as soon as possible. This is because the success rate of IVF decreases as you get older. You’ll see the rates drop significantly when you get to your late 30s.
On average, the percentage of IVF treatments that are successful is –
29 percent for women under 35
23 percent for women aged 35 to 37
15 percent for women aged 38 to 39
9 percent for women aged 40 to 42
3 percent for women aged 43 to 44
2 percent for women aged over 44
Statistics from Baby Centre
For those facing fertility challenges, reproductive technology, including fertility treatments like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), can be viable options. These treatments can help older women increase their chances of getting pregnant.
Chromosome Abnormalities in Older Mothers
Moreover, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, such as Down syndrome, is higher in pregnancies of older mothers.
Statistics from Public Health England recorded in 2018 show genetic chromosomal anomalies were approximately 7 times higher in older mothers (women aged 40+) compared with younger mothers (women aged less than 20).
At age 35, your chances of having a baby with Down’s Syndrome will rise to one in 270. Statistic from Baby Centre.
Egg Quantity
As you get older, it is much more likely that you will have multiple births. In the UK in 2021, the rate of maternities with multiple births was 13.7 births per 1000. In mums aged 35 – 39, that rate increased to 16.3 per 1000, for mums aged 40 – 44 it was 19.0 per 1000 and for mums over 45 years old it was 58.3 per 1000.
43% of triplets were born to mothers over 35 in 2021.
31% of twins were born to mothers aged over 35 in 2021.
Statistics are from the Office of National Statistics.
Health Considerations
Women who choose to have children later in life should be aware of the potential health risk factors and considerations that come with advanced maternal age.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is much more common in older women trying to have a baby. The rate of miscarriage increases steadily so that by the age of 35, you have about a 2-in-10 risk of miscarrying. So this is something to bear in mind if you are waiting to have your children. Statistic from Baby Centre.
Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure
Older pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring and managing this risk.
Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Older mothers also face an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Managing blood sugar levels through diet and medication, if necessary, is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy increases by 6.52% every year after the age of 18, for those living in European countries.
Statistics are from Science Direct.
Risk of Placenta Previa
Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, is more common in older pregnant women. This condition may require careful monitoring and adjustments to the birth plan.
Greater Risk of Pregnancy Complications – Pregnant After 35 Statistics
Overall, older mothers are at a higher risk of pregnancy complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, and certain birth defects. Consulting with your midwife regularly can help mitigate these risks.
29% of stillbirths in 2021 were from mums aged 35 and older.
The good news is that, in 2021, there was no difference in when baby was born compared to mums under and over the age of 35. 90% of babies were born at 37 to 41 weeks to mums over 35, the same percentage as mums under 35.
96% of babies born to mums over the age of 35 in 2021 were born in NHS locations. 3% of babies were born at home. This compares to 2% of babies born at home to mums under 35 years old.
Statistics are from the Office of National Statistics.
Lifestyle and Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for women who decide to have children after 35.
Folic Acid and Prenatal Vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, is vital for the development of a healthy baby. This should ideally begin before conception.
Healthy Weight and Physical Activity
Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to a smoother pregnancy. Women should aim to be in the best physical shape possible before becoming pregnant.
Reproductive Technology and Egg Freezing
Egg freezing can be an option for women who wish to preserve their fertility while pursuing other life goals. It allows women to have children at a later age while using younger, healthier eggs.
Pre-Pregnancy Advice – Pregnant After 35 Statistics
For those who are particularly worried about falling pregnant over the age of 35, scheduling a pre-pregnancy visit with your doctors can help. They can assess your overall health and address any concerns or conditions that might affect your pregnancy. If you’ve been trying for over 6 months and haven’t fallen pregnant, you should speak to your doctor anyway.
While pregnancy after 35 does present unique challenges, it’s important to note that many women in this age group have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. With proper planning, medical support, and a healthy lifestyle, the chances of a successful pregnancy are still very high.
Pregnancy after the age of 35 is a significant and growing trend in the UK. It’s essential for women considering this path to be aware of the unique statistics, fertility concerns, health considerations, and lifestyle choices that come with it. With the support of your doctor, midwife, health visitors, a personalized healthcare and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, many older mothers go on to have safe pregnancies and bring beautiful, healthy babies into the world. The decision to have children later in life can be empowering and fulfilling, and with the right knowledge and preparation, it can lead to a joyful journey into motherhood. I hope you’ve found these pregnant after 35 statistics useful.
For more useful parenting posts, why not take a look at my post why do babies jump in their sleep, or check out games to play with 14 month old babies. I also have a post detailing when babies can sleep in their own room, one covering the topic are babies born with kneecaps? and my last recommendation is to have a read of are babies natural swimmers? These are all interesting topics for new and prospective parents.
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