For the first time in history, there are more babies born to mothers over 40 than teenagers!

[quote][i]According to the most recent Statistics Canada data, in 2012, women over 40 gave birth to 13,395 children, while teenagers produced 12,915. Demographers have been expecting this tipping point for decades. In 1974, the older age group gave birth to just 3,550 children while teenagers produced 38,650—and the numbers have shifted each year since. The transition has just been confirmed in the U.K. and Australia as well, while data show that men are also fathering children later in life: the average age of Canadian fathers at birth of their children was 41 in 2011, compared to 39 in 1995.[/i][/quote]
http://www.macleans.ca/society/health/forget-teen-pregnancies-older-moms-new-normal/

What do you think? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

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SW-User

good thing, more capable mothers

Ynotisay · M

Good point. I also have to guess it's more of a choice than an "accident."

Ynotisay · M

Wow. That's interesting. I think it makes some sense. Longer lives, better diets, more professional opportunities for women.
I'm curious if the Canadian health care system comes in to play. I've got to assume young women have easy access to birth control and abortion.
Thanks for sharing that. Every once in a while I learn something on this site. :)

newgirl · 56-60, F

I don't think it matters much. But for me personally, I'm glad I had my kids in my 20's.

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newgirl · 56-60, F

One other nice perk about having kids younger is that when you are in your 40's, they are grown and you are still young and have your own life to live. I can't imagine having small children in my 40's. But for some people that works.

NineLives · 41-45, F

I feel like I will rest when I die. Life is for living!

newgirl · 56-60, F

Well I"m definitely not resting. I'm living my life now that they are out of the house. But I think it's impressive that you are going to have kids with such a wide age span. You must have a lot of energy!