The fertility rate in England and Wales has dropped to its lowest level on record, with women now having an average of 1.44 children, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Simultaneously, the age of first-time mothers has reached an all-time high, sparking questions about whether younger generations are delaying parenthood by choice or due to external pressures.
The ONS report highlights a sharp decline in fertility rates among millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Zs (born 1997-2010). Only one in five millennial women has had a child before the age of 25, a significant drop compared to earlier generations.
Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan, Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, explained:
“Women born since the mid-1990s are seeing lower fertility rates in their 20s than any generation since 1920. Despite this, there are more women of childbearing age than ever—nearly 11.9 million aged 15-44 in 2023. Yet, only 591,072 live births occurred, marking the lowest figure in nearly 50 years.”
Regions such as Wales and the Northwest of England experienced the steepest declines in fertility rates between 2022 and 2023.
Delayed Parenthood: Choice or Necessity?
While many women are choosing to prioritise education and careers, financial and social pressures also play a role in postponing parenthood. Dr Narayanan cited research from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies showing that only 25% of millennials who wish to have children are actively trying, with many citing financial constraints, housing costs, and the lack of a suitable partner as barriers.
“More than half of women born in 1997 were attending university by the age of 18, and over 70% were working by age 25,” noted Dr Narayanan. “However, financial pressures, particularly childcare and housing costs, are influencing family planning decisions.”
Health Implications and Opportunities
Later parenthood offers both benefits and challenges. Children born to older mothers often achieve higher educational outcomes, and older mothers themselves may experience longer lifespans. However, delayed childbearing can increase risks such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and complications like preeclampsia.
Dr Narayanan stressed the importance of fertility hormone blood tests to help women plan effectively. Tests such as the Fertility Hormones Profile measure hormone levels crucial for fertility, including oestradiol, luteinising hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
“Amid competing pressures, women should know that when the time feels right, they have a strong chance of conceiving successfully. Advances in fertility testing empower women to make informed decisions about family planning.”
London Medical Laboratory offers next-generation tests designed to evaluate fertility, menopause, and menstrual health. Dr Narayanan highlighted these as tools to help women navigate reproductive health with confidence.
As societal and financial factors continue to evolve, the debate over whether declining fertility rates are a result of personal choice or systemic challenges remains ongoing. ‘The test can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/fertility-hormones-profile