More women aged 40 and over are having babies than women under 20 for the first time since 1947.
In 2015, there were 15.2 births per 1,000 women in this age group, compared to 14.7 in 2014, the latest figures released by Office for National Statistics (ONS) in England and Wales show.
For the under 20s, there were 14.5 births per 1,000 women, compared to 15.6 in 2014.
The ONS data also showed the average age of mothers giving birth in 2015 was 30.3. This has only risen slightly from the average age in 2014, which was 30.2.
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Overall, there were 697,852 live births in England and Wales in 2015, an increase of 0.4% from 2014.
The stillbirth rate decreased to 4.5 per 1,000 total births, the lowest rate since 1992.
But the number of babies each woman has decreased slightly from 1.83 children per woman in 2014 to 1.82 in 2015.
The ONS data also showed more than a quarter (27.5%) of live births in 2015 were to mothers born outside the UK, the highest level on record.
Clare Murphy, director of external affairs at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said of the latest figures: “The trend towards older motherhood is here to stay, and there are many understandable reasons why women today are waiting longer to start or expand their families than those in previous decades.
“Rather than bemoaning this development, we should seek to understand and support the decisions women make.
“More affordable childcare and improved maternity rights may make it easier for some women to start their families earlier if they wish, but we also need to ensure we have high quality reproductive healthcare services configured to meet women’s needs, whatever the age at which they conceive.”
Commenting on the findings, Siobhan Freegard, founder of ChannelMum.com told HuffPost UK: “Once women were expected to have their children very young, but now that has almost been reversed.
“With teens now staying in education until the age of 18, having a baby before 20 is something very few young families can afford.
“The sky high cost of housing and rising cost of living means mothers are being forced to wait until their 40s to have enough money, job security or a family home.
“While this social change means older mums may have more money and life experience, they also face the worry of declining fertility so being made to wait could be seen as a mixed blessing.”
Pregnancy worries and words of comfort
I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)
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You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )
I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)
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This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )
I'll lose the baby(03 of10)
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It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )
My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)
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It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )
I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)
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You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )
I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)
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If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )
I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)
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There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )
Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)
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You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )
I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)
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No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )
I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)
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You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )