Number Of Late Pregnancies On The Rise In U.K.

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London, England (AHN) - More British women are becoming pregnant as they approach their menopausal years. According to the Office for National Statistics, overall conception rates in England and Wales went up by almost 3 percent between 2005 and 2006. But the rise was felt most in the 40 and above age group, which registered a 6 percent growth rate.

In 2005, British women between 40 and 44 who became pregnant was at 11.5 per 1,000 women. The following year, their number grew to 12.2 per 1,000 women.

Julie Bentley, chief executive of the Family Planning Association, told Guardian Unlimited, "The figures illustrate that the traditional approach of 'get married young and have children' isn't the reality for many British women. Improved education and career opportunities, different lifestyle choices and expectations mean their lives may take a different path."

Together with the spike in pregnancies among above 40 women is an increase in number of older fathers. According to the ONS, in 2004, one out of 10 children born had a father who was over 40. The delayed parenthood was attributed by Lindsey Harris, founder of a website for older mothers, to priority on careers, especially for those with higher educational qualification.

Harris added, "Majority of women I speak to either didn't meet the right man until later in life or they are on their second serious relationship and the two of them want to have a baby together."

Source: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010178255

Category: menopause