The statistics come on top of an ONS analysis which showed that one in five women has not had a child by the time she reaches her 40s.
Most of this group will remain childless.
Sex education groups yesterday welcomed the shift towards older childbearing. Julie Bentley of fpa, formerly the Family Planning Association, said: "Every woman has to make her own decision.
"As long as women are aware that their fertility naturally declines over the age of 35, and that it will probably take a bit longer to get pregnant, late motherhood is a valid choice.
"These 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."
But Anastasia de Waal, of the Civitas think-tank, said: "These figures are a reflection of the assumption that couples will both have careers.
"That means there is often no room for children.
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1 comment:
Funny on one hand young women are told "You must have babies NOW" and on the other hand you see articles all the time about how more and more women over 40 are having kids.
Some how, I don't think people NOT having kids is a problem.
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