As the average age American women give birth has risen in recent years, new data suggest a similar trend in the United Kingdom. For the first time since the post-World War II baby boom, British women over age 40 are having more babies than women under 20, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The group found that, in 2015 in England and Wales, there were 15.2 births per 1,000 women ages 40 and over, compared to 14.5 per 1,000 women in their teens, BBC News reported. That year, there were 697,852 live births in the countries.
The number of teenage births in England and Wales has been on decline and is now down more than half from the 33 births per 1,000 women in 1990.
The average age British women give birth is now 30.3, a figure that has been on the rise since 1975, according to the ONS.
The group attributes this shift to advancements in fertility treatment, more women obtaining higher education, and changes in attitude around careers, as well as the rising costs of childbearing.
Data suggested that women ages 30 to 34 have the highest fertility of any age group— 111 births per 1,000 women.
"While the risks should never be overplayed, men and women should be aware that reproductive outcomes are poorer in older women,” professor Adam Balen, chairmen of the British Fertility Society, told BBC News. "As well as it potentially taking longer to get pregnant, later maternity can involve a greater risk of miscarriage, a more complicated labor, and medical intervention at the birth."
In January, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in the United States, the average age of women giving birth for the first time rose from 24.9 to 26.3 between 2000 and 2014. The report suggested that 9.1 percent of women having their first child were 35 or older.
To me no wonder. In this haste world we are in a constant hurry. We all do our best to achieve success in careers first, delaying pregnancies, right? And then have to pay for this immature opinion. We get older and when actually we are ready to give birth to kids - we cannot any more without medical help..Rather heartbreaking, isn't it. Yet others are trying to find their Mr Rights. and waste fertility time.. The best answer to keep control over the situation is to freeze eggs when they're still young and full of strength. and then use them with ivf to conceive. This way at least you know your chances to have a genetically related kid is very high. Things should be done at proper times. We cannot rule over so many things! Mom nature is compassionate for the majority and does allow us second chances.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is a widely spread tendency. And it concerns not only women from the UK. But throughout the world. People tend to get financially stable before having kids. Unfortunately it's not possible at 20 yrs old nowadays, so women have to ''wait'' for longer. As age increases, so does the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. While the rate of early pregnancy loss is around 15-20% for women under 30. It begins to increase at the age of 35. By age 40, the miscarriage rate is 40-50%. The risk of a baby having Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities is also directly related to the level of ''maturity'' of the mother. The risk rises gradually with age, until age 35. Then the risk increases more rapidly. At age 35, the risk of Down syndrome is 1/350 – but by 45, the risk approaches 1/35. We also see a slight increased incidence of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, C-section, and stillbirth in moms over the age 40. So additional ultrasounds and testing are often ordered in older moms.
ReplyDeleteI've shared this on another thread. Everyone, please do never ever beat yourself up about the egg freezing, etc.... being a single mom is really hard and without a lot of money and/or support, it's normal to not jump to do this before you are settled at least in some of those areas, especially financially. Unfortunately that takes time, our nemesis.... Also, recall that egg freezing wasn't fda approved until 2012 and was not publicized or even available at most clinics until 2012-2013 and onward....and you were embarking your ivf around that time. Less than 500 women in the whole country did egg freezing around 2012. Women have gotten bad health care and subpar information on all sorts of things for centuries and this fertility area (checking FSH/AFC/age/DOR etc) is no exception really. It's different for the next generation of women who have more technology available to them but that is just how it is. Try to make your own happy path in life and move forward towards healing so that the anger goes away. there is a way forward I am sure, and I know you will find your way!
ReplyDeleteThe fact tha ladies are giving birth to kids at their 40+ is no wonder. They just wanna get stable in life and then be able to dedicate their time to their babies. Have nothing against it. Only if this fertility path was much easier for them!
At the very beginning of our infertility journey we had several consultations with docs as for what was going to be done further. I experienced lots of dreadful things. And what’s bothering me is that I asked if the hospital’s policy is to not let women over 40 y/o go overdue, at all, and she said yes you’re right. The policy is to induce over-40‘s bang on 40w no matter what. She then mentioned a few stats that didn’t have clear parametres (eg, she said “40% of women over 40 have caesarians” and I had to interrupt with “at what stage? Were they induced?” etc).
ReplyDeleteSo let's think. I don’t like the idea of being induced at 40w on the dot for no reason other than age. If there were other indications I’d reassess, but if all else is normal, the magic 40/40 isn’t cutting it for me.
The GP said “vaginal birth for women over 40y/o never goes well”. I don’t accept that by itself, I’d need a lot more data to convince me and she couldn’t provide it. When I said I'm not keen on induction at 40w without another compelling reason, she said I could choose an elective caesar instead, which to me means they’ll do a caesar for no reason other than being over 40/40.
None of this sat well with me. So we began to look onto clinics abroad with no age restrictions and soon found biotexcom.
hi i am going to Ukraine for surrogacy and i am nervous and panic i need information about the clinics there,i would appriciate if you could please guide me about the best clinic and actual prices.and any other information that i need.many thanks. sam.
DeleteYep, this is a well-known growing tendency. I guess, the reasons for this change are manifold, including increasing numbers of women attending university and pursuing careers, the rising cost of raising a family, and relationship instability. Advances in contraceptive and reproductive technology have given women greater control in planning their family, which means that for many women, delaying motherhood is an active and empowered choice. There may also be a ‘celebrity effect’, as women see and read about celebrities having children after 40, apparently effortlessly. However, a woman’s fertility does decrease dramatically after 40 and it is important to know the facts about conception at 40 and above.
ReplyDeleteFor us, IF women/men everything differs dramatically. We We'd been ttc for 7 years. Doing multiple IUI attempts which sadly failed one after another. We underwent loads of tests to tell us what was wrong. We still gave a try to ivf with own egg which was called off because of only 1 additive test undone! And this 1 single additional test could have told us 7 years ago!! that it wasn't going to happen! Thankfully we found overseas Biotexcom where successfully completed our DE surrogacy program resulting in beautiful healthy twins. Thanks, guys, for your job!
hi i am going to Ukraine for surrogacy and i am nervous and panic i need information about the clinics there,i would appriciate if you could please guide me about the best clinic and actual prices.and any other information that i need.many thanks. sam.
DeleteI agree, this is quite a growing tendency worldwide. But the longer we wait, the more issues we may face in future. Mine was severe endometriosis. If endometriosis does carry a higher risk of miscarriage, studies have shown that treating the endometriosis may help to lessen the risks. Beyond the management of endometriosis, there are other important things that a woman can do to lessen the risks of miscarriage. These things include managing chronic diseases, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Doing these things will generally reduce risks of miscarriage much more than anything else that can be done. Dr advised surgery - so I did. Our 1st ivf att failed. Shot#2 ended in mc. Shot#3 - successfully fell prego with a baby boy. Surgeon can remove any endometriosis scarring and lesions during the laparoscopy. This is great unless he makes any sort of injury while invasion. As far as you've told about the possibity of your ovaries loss you should think twice. I don't know how severe your endo is, but if it concerns ovaries emoval than I guess you suffer much. I did lapo. But in my case I knew my eggs anyway were no more good for ivf. We used donor ones. So actually the surgery was done due to some pain relief. I got extremelly tired of those constant pains and painful intercourse. These are the things which don't make life easier.. I know ladies on forums who got prego with one ovary only. Chances are still high.
ReplyDeleteJust adding. If no medical way you may try the following foods for endometriosis.
DeleteOrganic foods – Pesticides can affect estrogen and other hormones, therefore it is important to choose only organic.
Wild-caught fish – Foods high in EPA/DHA reduce inflammation and reduces pain. Flax, hemp seeds and chia seeds – Will help improve estrogen levels, consume 3 tablespoons daily. Cruciferous vegetables – Increases Indole-3-carbinol, which supports liver detoxification. Avocados – Are high in healthy fats, fiber, potassium and magnesium all of which support hormone balance and reduce inflammation. Also have found this on the site. ~
Top 5 Natural Endometriosis Remedies
#1 Vitex (chasteberry) (400 mg 2x daily). It balances progesterone/ estrogen ratios.
#2 Fish Oil (1,000mg daily). It helps reduce inflammation and balance hormones.
#3 B-complex (50 mg daily). B vitamins are crucial in estrogen levels and hormone balance.
#4 Progesterone Cream (1/4 tsp, days 6-26 of cycle, stop after 3rd m. pregnancy) Low progesterone often contributes to endometriosis.
#5 Milk Thistle (150 mg 2x daily). It supports liver detoxification which can naturally balance hormones.
Hope this might be helpful.
Hi there, sorry to hear about your loss. Hugs for you! No matter what amount of conforting words I use your grief wont let you at peace anytime soon. Being a mother is more than just physiological. The emotional string is way to heavy to be torn down with the MC and the outbrust of insanity thereafter is overwhelming. But we're women we don't have a choice than to be strong and come out strong from any situation. It's much needed that you're hearty and healthy both to take on the round 2.
DeleteI can tell you that "time heals it all" or just teaches us to get accoustomed to living with it... eventually the severe heartbreak will be all gone for good. You're on medication to heal your body but please take counselling and vent out to heal emotionally as well. The fact that you’re on here says a lot about how dedicated you are to the process.
My husband let’s me vent. But the greatest thing he’s done for me is be optimistic. He’s positive and enthused.
I haven’t given him ANY restrictions on who he can or can’t tell about our fertility journey, because I want to make sure he has a network of support. I’d advise you to speak with your wife and see if she’s comfortable with you sharing things with others as needed. I also went and got therapy, joined a church and am in the process of finding a personal trainer. What this does for my husband is it builds my support network so that he isn’t the only one I rely on. I know that sounds expensive, but so is fertility treatment, so why not? I wish you both the best and I believe our babies will find us. Lots of love x
The current figures show that over the last couple of years the number of IVF cycles where fresh own eggs/ donated eggs are used is up by more than 50%. Among women over 45, more now use donated eggs than their own when using medical assistance to get pregnant. What’s happening at the moment is that more and more women are delaying motherhood until later in their lives. But the fact is that as you get older the quality of your eggs diminishes. Using donated eggs from a younger woman pushes the success rate right up for older women. It can be the difference between 3 or 4% using their own eggs, right up to as high as a 60% success rate using donated eggs. The thing is that the womb doesn’t age in the way eggs do. So a woman can carry a child at almost any age. I have also appreciated what egg donors/surrogates are doing for us.
ReplyDeleteAdding, we've got such a wonderful option nowadays as mitochondria replacement therapy. which is aimed to help women withh low ovarian reserve to restore the needed energy in their own egg cells. It's incredible we couldstill opt for keeping our genes even though amh is lower than accepted for the procedure.
It was painful to know that we’ll need at least 2 women involved into making our baby#2! Just imgine how miserable I felt!! Sometimes I start regret things: Why didn’t we apply for ivf earlier? Just after my son was born? Why were we so sure we could go for baby#2 the same way and be successful in 4 years?!! I do feel lie we lost our precious time..and this makes me feel angry and desperate. Poor thing I was to think we can rule over such matters!! Well, needless to say what additive sort of thoughts come to your head when you hear you’ll need a surrogate mother to carry your baby for you..I suppose you know this well..
ReplyDeleteSo were doing researches. First we looked onto the US options but found it absolutely unbearable for us. Traditional surrogacy programs in the United States cost more than $140,000 USD, but changes in the international landscape for surrogacy have introduced new programs modeled after lower-cost services overseas. These programs include all components of the surrogacy process. A single fee includes all medical procedures (including the IVF, embryo transfer prenatal care and the delivery), legal contracts and filings, the surrogate compensation and expenses as well as the logistical support from the Intended Parents’ agent. These ‘negotiated programs’ range from $85,000 to $120,000 USD, not including an egg donor!! Because of those matters we started looking onto European countries and first found Biotex on essentialbaby board. We got in touch with ladies who had experience with it, they seemed satisfied. We also did several privite messaging to get more insight into the surrogacy in Ukraine and decided to call the clinic. From that very moment the process went on fast we even didn’t expected. This was a huge factor for us the clinic was time wise so we didn’t have to spend another year on a surrogate search or getting hips of papers needed. Biotex guys guided us every other moment and soon they announced we’ll have a baby..
Sorry it took you a long time to read my post up to the end. I tried to make it shorter but as usual failed. Because it’s really hard to place all the thoughts in sentences moreover when it’s going on about a good qualified fertility center one can be sure to achieve success with.
Will start like this. I was 45 yo when together with dh we decided we wanted more kids. Here's what I was told when first saw my health care provider: Older motherhood has long-term implications for a women’s health. Increased risk is mainly because older women are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol when they become pregnant. This increases the risk of serious health problems later in life. Older mothers 'must take steps to improve their cardiovascular health'. But actually I came to him not for this. Not for being scared of all possible threats etc. You know, I knew I wanted a baby, so that I needed help. This was my first and the last consultation with that very expert.
ReplyDeleteSo at 45 when I started to try to have a sibling for our daughter, I suffered 6 miscarriages in a row. Testing showed I could probably conceive again, which I did. But I had other issues. Clotting disorder among other things. So I did 4 rounds of IVF and got 12 eggs and 8 embryos. 4 of those were profoundly abnormal! I did 4 expensive rounds of injectables and nothing. So it was down to donor egg or no child. Slowly I came to terms with it.
They say the number of older mothers has soared in recent decades, as more women concentrate on their career and start families later. I guess this was the particular thing for me. I've always been among those wanting more from life than just kids. How stupid was of me thinking like that!! I've also read that older motherhood also has long-term implications for a women’s health that may last for years. But I didn't care. I just wanted a baby. One more baby whatever cost it would be.
Having all this in mind I got to the using donor's egg mentally so to say. Guys at Biotexcom were awesome! I felt I was guided day'n'night which is so peculiar about this very fertility center. Currently I'm 9,6 weeks prego)
I don't know the exact reasons which make women give births to their kids late in life. This is a personal decision. Here noone can judge eventually.
I think I can relate. Thank you for sharing your story. Here's some of my background. After years of unsuccessful ttc we passed testings and had five IUI's resulting in failure. Further testing done and the following year I found out that I have low egg count. Amh test found only less than two of my eggs were left at age 35. Dh's sperm dna analysis indicated he has no drills in his sperm. This way we got two huge issues and explanations why no luck conceiving naturally.
ReplyDeleteThen we started first mock ivf cycle. Some time later we got good news. I had four follies on the right and three follies on the left. I started meds. On day 6 only two follicles were at 1.1 cm which made me worry so much. Clinic told that if less than five are 1.2 cm that they would want to cancel the cycle. Actually they did as they failed to grow to needed size. Our next cycle harvested one embie only but it failed to implant. I was heartbroken. They told us we'd better turn to donor's egg for higher success rates. We did a big research on the internet leading us to Biotexcom, Ukraine. We did hesitate first as it was going to be quite far from home and family's support but headed off and did just right.
Well, ladies have different reasons for postponing pregnancy. Career, ideas, no Mr Right by side.. this all is too comlicated. The thing I know it's better not to play this risky game with nature and do things on time. I may be mistaken but seems world's getting prego really ripe age these days..