Are you ever too old to have a baby? - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

BBC World Service・2 minutes read

Women globally are increasingly having children at older ages, with IVF treatments aiding conception. Factors like education, urbanization, and environmental concerns impact delayed motherhood, affecting population growth and prompting policy responses.

Insights

  • Women globally are increasingly giving birth at older ages, with some having children in their 60s and 70s, facilitated by IVF treatments.
  • Delayed motherhood is influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors, with education and urbanization playing significant roles, impacting population growth and prompting policy changes to address declining fertility rates.

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Recent questions

  • What is the average age for first-time mothers globally?

    28

  • How are older women assisted in conceiving and delivering babies?

    IVF treatments

  • What are the consequences of delayed motherhood on society?

    Decline in population growth

  • How do economic and social factors influence delayed motherhood?

    Education and urbanization

  • What role do fertility treatments play in addressing delayed motherhood?

    Egg freezing

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

  • Recipe for classic spaghetti carbonara
  • Boil 200g spaghetti for 10 minutes
  • Fry 100g pancetta until crispy
  • Whisk 2 eggs with 50g grated Parmesan
  • Drain spaghetti, mix with pancetta
  • Add egg mixture, toss until coated
  • Season with black pepper, serve immediately

00:00

Trends in Delayed Motherhood and Fertility Decline

  • Women globally are having children at older ages, with some even giving birth in their 60s and 70s.
  • IVF treatments are being used to assist older women in conceiving and delivering babies.
  • The trend of delayed motherhood is being explored, along with its implications.
  • The average age for first-time mothers globally is 28, a significant increase from previous decades.
  • Factors influencing delayed motherhood include economic, social, and cultural aspects.
  • Education and urbanization play key roles in delaying childbirth, especially in Africa.
  • Concerns about the environment are also impacting decisions on having children.
  • Female fertility starts declining around age 35, but fertility treatments like egg freezing can help.
  • The consequences of delayed motherhood include a decline in population growth and potential impacts on society.
  • Governments are implementing various policies to address declining fertility rates, with mixed success.
  • The private sector, including companies offering fertility treatments, is also getting involved.
  • Changing the narrative around parenthood and highlighting its joys is crucial to addressing declining birth rates.
  • Investing in healthcare, education, and other social policies is seen as essential in tackling the challenges of delayed motherhood and declining fertility rates.
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