Mothers in their forties are making history in the United States as they outrank teen births for the first time.

According to a new CDC report, births to women over 40 have risen 193% since the 1990s, while teen births have declined by 73%. While many factors affect births and natality, the report focuses on showcasing why women are choosing motherhood later in life, and how society affects their decisions.

Women are choosing motherhood later in life

Over the last decades, the age of first pregnancies in the U.S. has risen. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 19 percent of all births, and 11 percent of first pregnancies, were in women 35 years or older.

There are many factors at play as to why women are choosing pregnancy later in life. Among them is a focus in their career, economic barriers, lack of maternity benefits, and higher levels of sexual education. The CDC report states in 2023, 4.1% of all births were in women 40 years or older. Teen births that year were at 4.0%.

Additionally, births are on the decline in general. Total births dropped by 14% between 1990 and 2023, approximately 3.6 million per year. The report shows the decline is in part to less young people having children. Statistics also show that births in women aged 20-24 also dropped by 44%.

Societal factors greatly affect why women are choosing to be mothers later in life

A major societal factor influencing women to birth later in life is the pursuit of education and career advancement. While many of our families relied on the community, such as grandparents, to help with childcare, modern times are different. Many women are choosing to stabilize themselves financially to support their families.

Economic pressures and lack of systems that support motherhood play a huge role in postponing motherhood. The rising cost of housing, childcare, and healthcare access make it difficult for people to feel financially prepared for children. Additionally, job insecurity and lack of comprehensive family leave discourage childbearing for younger women.

Advances in fertility treatments and reproductive healthcare are helping women conceive well into their forties, reducing biological pressures. In many ways, age is becoming less of a factor and more of an advantage for motherhood.