Average age of first-time mothers is now 30 - how old were you?

[KateMumsnet]

Hello all

Research published yesterday shows that the average British woman is now having her first child at the age of 30 - and we wondered whether this matches MNers' own experiences. So do share your thoughts - are you bang on average, or under, or over? Does it matter - and would you make the same decision again, given the chance?

Yes, the elderly prima gravida was a bit disconcerting... I was 37, and 41. Would have liked to have had them maybe 5 years earlier, but happy I have them now :) I'd imagine I would have had a bit more energy if I was younger, but don't in any way consider myself an 'old' mum

Actually I think all of my friends had their babies over 30, and most of them were mid thirties.

i was 25 which apparently was the average age of a first time mom at that time.

I was 18. In a loving relationship. No regrets.

We are on no.3 and im 22. I liked the idea of 'growing up' with my kids.

28

Another reason im happy with the age I started was ds1has a lot of sn. I will hhopefully still have the energy to run around him when hes older too.

29 very nearly 30. In some ways I wish I'd started a little earlier! We kept waiting to be financially ready - which doesn't seem to exist.

I was 18, dp (now dh) was 21. 12 years on and we are ttc no. 5. No regrets.

I had DD 2 days before my 27th birthday. She's 7 months now. At nursery I'm one of the youngest mums, I think in my local area the average age must be at least 32.

41. Wouldn't change a thing.

The ons stats show that the avergae age for all births was 29.8. First births was 28.1. Based on 2012 births.

25 and 26

34 and 39 just the way life goes both ivf ,2 out of 3 goes worked feel so so lucky .

29 and 32. Im older than most mums in the area!

I certainly wouldn't have wanted them really young, and hope my daughters don't. I was probably ready about 25/26

33

I'm happy to have waited until my 30s, because despite swearing it would change nothing, having a child is definitely hampering our travel and career plans. I've done enough on those fronts in my 20s to not mind having a few years off .

34 for DC1, 36 for DC2. I probably would have started a couple of years earlier but DH wanted to do the traditional engagement & wedding stuff first

27 and I'm about to have number 2 at 29. Older than my friends and SiLs but DS took a while - wed been married 5 years before we had him.

42

Actually 43. 42 when conceived though.

I was 25 (& had three more in the next ten years). DH & had had both graduated, been married for a couple of years, jobs established & had bought a house. We knew we'd like a biggish family & it turns out I had very complicated pregnancies - if we'd waited longer I doubt we'd have had more than two (or even one).

StealthPolarBear, yes that sounds right for 2012. The stats this time (currently being reported) are for 2013. Oly4 linked to the 2013 stats above.

Was wondering whether the 30 number which all the papers are reporting is actually average for all births, not first time mums.

23 and 25 - they're 6 and nearly 8 now. Absolutely no regrets - I have a degree and still completed the Bar Vocational Course whilst pregnant with the second. I like to think that barring accidents, we will have a footloose and fancy free middle age. After all, by the time my youngest is 18, I will only be 43... My partner's the same age as me and he was brilliant throughout - even taking control of the colander of doom with the birthing pool with our second! Still just as hands on now :)

32 and 34.

19 then I went to university. I had 3 DC and my degree by the time I was a 30 and now really enjoying my 40's. In fact just back from being taken to lunch by my 25 year old DS1.