For the first time in decades, more babies are being born to women over 40 than to teenage mothers. This shift highlights changing societal norms, career priorities, and advancements in fertility treatments.
As reported per Motherly.com, according to a new report from the CDC’s National Vital Statistics System, births among women in their 40s have more than tripled since 1990 while teen births have plummeted to a historic all-time low.
Women in their 40s are giving birth more so now than ever. We see this truth highlighting a new reality, as celebrity moms such as: Eboni K. Williams, Uzo Aduba, Adaiba Lee Nonyem, Ashanti, Bresha Webb, Da Brat, Janet Jackson, Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Tamron Hall, Candiace Dillard, etc. etc. have all welcomed one, if not more, children to the world after 40.
As noted in the new CDC report, “the birth rate for women ages 40–44 jumped 127% since 1990, and for those 45 and older, it increased by a jaw-dropping 450% (yes, really). In 2023, women 40 and up accounted for 4.1% of all births, up from just 1.2% in 1990.”
The research highlights the fact that advanced fertility treatments have made later in life pregnancies possibly and viable. The data also sheds light on the fact that many women are waiting to be financially stable and mentally/emotionally ready to tackle motherhood.
Conversely, in 1990, teen pregnancy accounted for 12% of births. By 2023, that percentage dropped to only 4%. That is a true win for teen health, education, and teen economic futures. What can we thank for this 73-78% drop in teen pregnancies over this time period?
Well, researchers and “experts point to a mix of better sex ed, access to contraception, and a generational shift toward delaying big life milestones. Cue Gen Z saying ‘not right now, thanks’ to diapers and daycare.”
As teenage birth rates fall and more women over 40 embrace motherhood, the definition of “the right time” to have a baby is clearly evolving.
Photo: Freepik.com; Da Brat Instagram; Adobe Stock Images
