Births Among Women Over 40 Surge in the U.S. as Teen Pregnancy Hits Record Low

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What’s fueling this motherhood transformation and how and future fertility trends in America.

Between 1990 and 2023, the U.S. experienced a significant shift in maternal age demographics. Teen birth rates plummeted by 73%, while births among women aged 40 and older surged by 193%. This marks the first time in U.S. history that more women over 40 are giving birth than teenagers, reflecting evolving societal norms and advancements in reproductive technologies.​

Key Trends:

• Teen Birth Rates: In 1990, approximately 12.5% of births were to teenage mothers. By 2023, this figure dropped to 4%, with a birth rate of 13.1 per 1,000 females aged 15–19—a record low.
• Births Among Women Over 40: In 1990, women aged 40 and above accounted for 1.2% of births. By 2023, this increased to 4.1%, indicating a growing trend of delayed motherhood .​
• Overall Fertility Decline: The total number of U.S. births declined by 14% from 1990 to 2023, with a notable decrease among women under 30 and an increase among those over 30.​

Factors Contributing to These Trends:

• Educational and Career Priorities: More women are pursuing higher education and career advancement, leading to delayed childbearing.​
• Economic Considerations: Financial stability is a significant factor in family planning decisions, influencing the timing of parenthood.​
• Advancements in Reproductive Technology: Techniques such as egg freezing and assisted reproductive technologies have made it more feasible for women to conceive later in life.​
• Cultural Shifts: Changing societal norms have reduced the stigma around delayed motherhood and non-traditional family structures.​

The demographic landscape of motherhood in the U.S. is evolving, with a notable increase in births among women over 40 and a decline among teenagers. These trends have significant implications for healthcare, social services, and community planning, particularly within the Latino community, which is experiencing its own unique shifts in reproductive patterns.