Up to what age can a woman give birth? 

Medical

The biologically optimal age for childbirth is up to 35 years, but with the help of modern reproductive technologies, a woman can give birth after 40, although the risks of complications increase.

Current trends and biology

According to data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average age of British women at the birth of their first child has increased significantly: from around 24 in the 1970s to around 30–31 in the 2020s.

In the UK, having your first child after the age of 30 has become commonplace, especially in London and other large cities. This reflects a broader social picture: women are keen to complete their university education, build a career, buy their own home or achieve financial stability before deciding to have children.

In recent years, the British media and medical communities have been actively discussing the topic of ‘delayed motherhood,’ which reflects not only social but also cultural priorities in society. For example, BBC Health publications and data from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) indicate an increase in the average age of first-time mothers. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK also regularly publishes reports on the risks of late motherhood, and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) provides official guidance on the use of ART.

In the United States, authoritative sources include the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA. However, doctors, based on data from The Lancet and numerous international studies, warn that a conscious decision to delay motherhood should be accompanied by awareness of the biological risks.

In addition, egg freezing is becoming increasingly common in the UK as a way of preserving fertility for the future. Many private clinics and even some university programmes offer women the opportunity to freeze their oocytes before the age of 35. This trend reflects a growing interest in reproductive medicine technologies among British women planning to delay motherhood. The media often emphasises that such measures give women more freedom of choice and allow them to combine a career with the possibility of motherhood in the future.

However, female physiology remains unchanged: the body functions according to biological rhythms, and its reproductive capabilities do not depend on career or personal plans. Therefore, when planning a family, it is important to take into account age-related factors, when fertility and egg quality are at their peak.

Biological and medical aspects of age

How does age affect fertility?

Over the years, the number of antral follicles in the ovaries decreases and the quality of eggs deteriorates. This process is natural and irreversible: all of a woman’s eggs are formed before she is born, and their biological age is directly related to the age of the woman herself. Medical research shows that the likelihood of natural pregnancy after the age of 35 is almost halved compared to women under the age of 30.

Menopause and the end of reproductive function

With the onset of menopause:

  • The number of eggs decreases sharply
  • Menstrual cycles cease
  • Ovulation disappears
  • The endometrium undergoes age-related changes

Despite this, residual ovarian hormonal activity persists, which helps to gently restructure the body, protects the cardiovascular system and maintains the overall well-being of women. British menopause specialists note that early diagnosis of symptoms and appropriate treatment can reduce the negative impact of this period on quality of life.

Optimal age and possible risks

Recommended age for childbirth

Medical practice shows that the optimal age for giving birth to the first child is between 20 and 28 years old, and for the second child — up to 35 years old. During this period, egg cells remain of high quality, and the risks of complications for the mother and child are minimal.

According to research by the ONS and NHS, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child is highest during this period.

The main risks of late pregnancy

  • Genetic: the likelihood of having a child with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases with the mother’s age.
  • Cardiovascular: after the age of 36, the load on the mother’s heart and blood vessels increases, which increases the risk of complications.
  • Gestational: pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and foetal hypoxia are more common.
  • Obstetric: the risk of complicated births, including the need for caesarean section, increases.

Publications by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom emphasise that women over 40 should be monitored more closely during pregnancy and undergo diagnostic tests more frequently.

Preparing for pregnancy after 35

Key steps in preparation include:

  • Genetic testing (karyotyping) to assess hereditary risks
  • Weight control, as obesity reduces fertility and increases the risk of complications
  • Medication to correct hormone levels and the blood coagulation system
  • Surgical intervention in the presence of fibroids, endometrioid cysts, polyps
  • Psychological support to promote a positive attitude

In addition, British doctors recommend that women consult with an obstetrician-gynaecologist or reproductive specialist in advance and undergo extensive testing, including determination of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. This approach allows for a more accurate assessment of the chances of natural pregnancy and timely consideration of assisted reproductive techniques.

Pregnancy after 40 and ART

Assisted reproductive technologies allow women over 40 to successfully become mothers. Methods include:

  • In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with own eggs
  • Nuclear transfer (PNT) or mitotic spindle transfer (MST)
  • Egg donation programmes
  • Embryo donation and surrogacy in complex cases

When is IVF with egg donation recommended?

This programme is recommended in the following cases:

  • Depleted ovarian reserve
  • Previous ovarian surgery
  • Hereditary diseases

The main prerequisite for success is a healthy endometrium and the ability of the uterus to accept the embryo. In the United Kingdom, such programmes are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which sets high standards of safety and transparency in the field of ART.

Late pregnancy: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of late motherhood

  • A more informed approach and sense of responsibility
  • Emotional maturity and relationship stability
  • Financial and social stability

Advantages of early motherhood

  • High egg quality
  • Minimal risk of genetic abnormalities
  • Natural pregnancy and childbirth
  • Fewer chronic diseases

British studies show that, despite the risks, many women over 40 successfully become mothers thanks to modern medical technology and high-quality specialist care.

What should you do if you are postponing motherhood?

  • Get your ovarian reserve checked (ultrasound, AMH).
  • Consider egg freezing when you’re young.
  • Treat any gynaecological conditions early.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle, which directly affects the quality of your future genetic material.
  • Talk to NHS doctors and specialist clinics for regular monitoring.

What is the ideal age?

From a biological point of view, the best age to have a baby is between 20 and 35. However, thanks to advances in reproductive medicine and the development of ART technologies, women today can become mothers later in life. It all depends on your health, lifestyle and timely access to specialists.

The team at the Natuvitro reproductive medicine clinic supports its patients at every stage, from planning to childbirth. An individual approach, highly professional specialists and the use of international treatment protocols help make the dream of motherhood come true at any age.