Do you really know? Why are we having children later and later?
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Oct 20, 2025 Birth rates in the UK have plummeted, hitting record lows not seen since 1938, sparking discussions about a potential 'baby bust.' The average age for mothers has risen from 26 in 1975 to 30 in 2020, with a significant number having their first child after 30. Factors like career aspirations, education, and financial stability contribute to this delay. Biological fertility peaks in the 20s and declines after 32, raising concerns for later pregnancies. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that the right time for parenthood is when individuals feel ready.
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Delaying Parenthood Shrinks The Fertility Window
- UK birth rates have fallen while parents delay childbearing, which reduces the fertility window.
- Societal shifts like longer education and career focus push average parental age upward.
Average Maternal Age Has Risen Decades
- The average age of first-time mothers in the UK rose to 30 in 2020 from 26 in 1975.
- 28% have their first child after 30 and 5% after 40, reflecting a long-term upward trend.
Education, Careers And Contraception Shift Timing
- Longer education and career-building in the 20s delay relationship formation and family planning.
- Widespread contraception and abortion access also reduce surprise pregnancies, lowering birth rates.