The Surprising Rise in Parents Having Children After 40

A new study shows a major shift in parenting: more people now start families at 40 or older than ever before.

Today, this late parenthood trend reflects a growing comfort with delaying family planning. The Over-40 Birth Rate Rise signals a clear cultural change.

Birth Rates Are Dropping, But Older Parenthood Increases

Recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reveals a sharp decline in overall U.S. birth rates since 1990.

Between 1990 and 2023, the number of babies born dropped by 14%, continuing to fall through 2023. That downward trend remains steady.

In 2021 and 2022, the national birthrate averaged 1.66 children per woman. By 2023, that average dropped again to 1.62.

Rising housing costs, childcare expenses, and career-driven goals have led many young adults to wait longer before starting a family.

Over-40 Birth Rate Rise Surpasses Teen Births

A more remarkable trend is now unfolding across the country—older parents now outnumber teen parents for the first time in history.

This shift aligns with years of public health efforts to reduce teenage pregnancies—and now, it’s showing significant results.

The Over-40 Birth Rate Rise is not just statistical; it’s cultural. Parenting in your 40s has become widely accepted and common.

From 1990 to 2023, fertility among parents aged 35 to 39 increased by 71%, according to recent government health reports.

More astonishingly, fertility for ages 40 to 44—and beyond—rose by 127%, showing how dramatically this group is growing.

Why Are More Parents Having Babies Later?

There are many reasons people are starting families later. Medical advances and shifting priorities play large roles in this change.

Fertility Treatments Make Later Pregnancies Easier

Today, in vitro fertilization and egg freezing help many couples extend their reproductive timeline without added medical stress or fear.

According to Dr. Dallas Reed, egg freezing allows people to “freeze time” while they prepare emotionally and financially for parenthood.

Financial Security Is A Major Factor

The cost of raising children grows each year. Many people feel more stable after building careers throughout their 30s and 40s.

Dr. Reed adds that career development before parenting can minimize future work disruptions and help families manage responsibilities confidently.

What Older Parents Say About Waiting

Real parents share how maturity, mental health, and finding the right partner influenced their choice to have children later in life.

Author Katherine Rose Woller shares, “I wanted to know myself before becoming a parent. That self-awareness helps me stay grounded.”

She adds that she can parent with more patience and emotional clarity, which benefits both her daughter and her personal well-being.

Sarah Karger also waited. She says, “In my 30s, I gained clarity on life. That made parenting feel less overwhelming and more meaningful.”

Others like Stef Arck-Baynes waited until they met the right partner. She says emotional and financial support was essential for her decision.

Risks of Giving Birth Over 35

Despite the benefits, pregnancies after age 35 carry increased risks, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).

These include higher chances of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, C-sections, chromosomal conditions, and small birthweight babies.

C-sections and blood clots also occur more frequently in people who give birth in their 40s, compared to younger parents.

Doctors recommend monitoring and prenatal care to manage these risks effectively, especially for people over 35 considering pregnancy.

Benefits of Older Parenthood Are Significant

While medical risks exist, later pregnancies are often more intentional and emotionally prepared, leading to better parent-child relationships.

Dr. Tami Rowen says older parents tend to live healthier lives, avoid harmful substances, and make better long-term health choices.

She also notes that many older parents are past risky behaviors, leading to more stable environments for raising children.

Dr. Reed adds that older parents typically exercise more and eat healthier diets, which support a healthy pregnancy and family life.

Interestingly, some studies also link later parenthood to better brain health and longer life, suggesting additional benefits to delayed parenting.

Final Thoughts on the Over-40 Birth Rate Rise

The decision to have children later is personal and depends on emotional readiness, financial stability, and health considerations.

The continued Over-40 Birth Rate Rise shows that more people feel empowered to delay parenting for the right reasons.

Despite possible challenges, many older parents find joy, fulfillment, and stability in raising children later in life.

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