Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
Having a baby after 40 is increasingly common in the UK. The average age of first-time parents continues to rise, and more people are starting or growing their families later in life. While pregnancy after 40 does carry some additional risks, with good antenatal care, the vast majority of people over 40 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
More common than ever. ONS data shows that birth rates for people aged 40 and over have been increasing steadily for the past three decades. In England and Wales, around 5% of all births are now to parents aged 40 or older. In London, the figure is even higher.
The reasons are varied: career priorities, later partnerships, financial considerations, fertility treatment availability, and simply not feeling ready earlier. There is no single right time to have a baby.
Conceiving naturally becomes harder after 40. Monthly conception rates drop to around 5% or less per cycle, compared to 20 to 25% for someone under 30. This does not mean it is impossible, but it may take longer, and the chance of needing fertility treatment increases. NICE recommends that people over 40 are offered one cycle of IVF on the NHS if they meet specific criteria.
The risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, increases with egg age. At 30, the risk is approximately 1 in 800. At 40, it is approximately 1 in 100. At 45, it is approximately 1 in 30. Screening tests (combined screening, NIPT) are offered to all pregnant people in the UK, and diagnostic tests (amniocentesis, CVS) are available if screening suggests a higher risk.
Certain complications are more common after 40, including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, placenta praevia, a higher chance of caesarean delivery, and a slightly increased risk of stillbirth (though the absolute risk remains low with good monitoring).
If you conceive through fertility treatment, the chance of twins or multiples is higher, which carries its own additional risks.
Older parents often bring significant strengths to parenthood, including greater emotional maturity, financial stability, established careers with more flexible options, a strong sense of identity, and life experience that supports confident decision-making.
Research published in the European Journal of Developmental Psychology found that older parents tend to report higher wellbeing and more positive parenting experiences than younger parents.
Pregnancy after 40 is typically classified as consultant-led rather than midwife-only care. This means additional monitoring including more frequent blood pressure and urine checks, screening for gestational diabetes (glucose tolerance test around 24 to 28 weeks), growth scans in the third trimester to monitor the baby's development, discussion about timing of delivery (many consultants recommend delivery by 40 weeks for people over 40, or earlier if complications arise), and closer monitoring in late pregnancy.
You will still have midwife-led day-to-day care, but an obstetrician will oversee your pregnancy plan.
Your care team will discuss the timing and mode of delivery with you. Because the risk of stillbirth increases slightly after 39 weeks for people over 40, many consultants recommend induction at 39 to 40 weeks. This is a discussion, not a mandate, and you have the right to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
Caesarean rates are higher in people over 40, both planned and emergency. This is partly due to the higher rate of complications and partly because labour may progress differently.
The same evidence-based advice applies regardless of age, but it becomes even more important after 40. Take folic acid (400mcg daily) and vitamin D (10mcg daily). Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Stay active with regular gentle exercise. Attend all your antenatal appointments and screening tests. Stop smoking, avoid alcohol, and limit caffeine. Manage any pre-existing health conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) in close consultation with your GP.
More common than ever. ONS data shows that birth rates for people aged 40 and over have been increasing steadily for the past three decades. In England and Wales, around 5% of all births are now to parents aged 40 or older. In London, the figure is even higher.
Older parents often bring significant strengths to parenthood, including greater emotional maturity, financial stability, established careers with more flexible options, a strong sense of identity, and life experience that supports confident decision-making.
Pregnancy after 40 is typically classified as consultant-led rather than midwife-only care. This means additional monitoring including more frequent blood pressure and urine checks, screening for gestational diabetes (glucose tolerance test around 24 to 28 weeks), growth scans in the third trimester to monitor the baby's development, discussion about timing of delivery (many consultants recommend delivery by 40 weeks for people over 40, or earlier if complications arise), and closer monitoring in late pregnancy.
Your care team will discuss the timing and mode of delivery with you. Because the risk of stillbirth increases slightly after 39 weeks for people over 40, many consultants recommend induction at 39 to 40 weeks. This is a discussion, not a mandate, and you have the right to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
The same evidence-based advice applies regardless of age, but it becomes even more important after 40. Take folic acid (400mcg daily) and vitamin D (10mcg daily). Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Stay active with regular gentle exercise. Attend all your antenatal appointments and screening tests. Stop smoking, avoid alcohol, and limit caffeine. Manage any pre-existing health conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) in close consultation with your GP.
Milestones, partner sharing, notes, photos, and a curated essentials guide. Free, no app to install.
Get Started Free© 2026 Nuhah. All rights reserved.