Oz women increasingly putting off motherhood until their late 30s

Melbourne, Nov 24 (ANI): A new report has revealed that Australian women are increasingly putting off motherhood until well into their 30s because of economic pressures and technology that helps to slow a ticking biological clock.

Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) confirm the steady rise in the average age of women giving birth, and mums aged over 35 accounted for almost a quarter of all babies born in 2008, reports the Courier Mail.

Women aged 40 and over made up almost four per cent of those who gave birth over the year.

Victoria had the highest proportion of older mums, while the Northern Territory had the youngest mothers, with just 15.9 per cent 35 and over.

"The proportion of older women giving birth has continued to rise over the past 18 years," said Associate Professor Elizabeth Sullivan, of the AIHW.

"There are a number of factors that contribute to delayed childbearing, including social, educational and economic factors and increased access to assisted reproductive technology," Dr. Sullivan said.

The report was released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (ANI)