Figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that more than 100 women aged 50 and over had babies last year – a 55 per cent increase on 2008.
Fourteen of the women were over 55.
The growing numbers of fifty-plus mums in the UK is down to fertility clinics relaxing their cut-off ages for older patients.
Whilst the NHS will not treat women over the age of 39, private fertility centres are free to use their discretion. Although many impose a cut-off at 50, some are treating women beyond that age.
The London Women's Clinic has treated eight women aged between 50 and 54 in the past four years, with five of the patients having babies. All were impregnated with the eggs of younger women.
The Office for National Statistics figures show that overall 140,000 babies were born to women aged 35 or older in 2009 - one in five of all births in England and Wales. Latest figures also reveal that dads are more likely to be approaching middle age with young children with two thirds of new fathers being over 30.
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Should women over 50 be allowed IVF?
Would you consider having a baby in your 50s?