Scots women waiting longer to give birth

Published on Friday 7 August 2009 20:43

MOTHERS are waiting longer before they decide to have a baby, according to new figures.

Women over 30 accounted for almost half of all births in 2008, continuing an upward trend over the past three decades.

The General Register Office of Scotland revealed the figures as part of annual statistics report on the country's population, which stated: "The key point is that, as well as choosing to have fewer babies, women are also choosing to have them later in life."

The share of births among women aged 20 to 24 dropped from about one-third between 1976 and 1980 to 19 per cent last year.

The report also confirmed that Scotland's population has risen by 24,300 to 5.17 million, its highest level since 1981.