The graph illustrates the birth rate of British women in six different age ranges between 1973 and 2008.
Overall, it can be seen that the birth rate of women aged 40 and over was the lowest figure. While the number of births recorded in the 30-35 age group demonstrated a slight increase, others experienced downward trends or fluctuations.
In 1973, the birth rate of women in the 25-29 age range reached a peak, with 140 births per 1000 women respectively, followed by the group of 20-25-year–old, reaching over 120 births. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in the number of women giving birth under 20 and those aged 30-35, recording at around 60 and 70 births per 1000 people. The birth rate for the 35-39 age group was considerably lower, at 40 births, which was double that of their counterparts over 40.
The birth rate among women aged 25-29 fluctuated between 130 and 140 births, ultimately reaching 120 births per 1000 women at the end of the period, therefore, considered as the highest among all age ranges. Conversely, the birth rate for women aged 20-25 saw a sharp decline, only recording 90 births in 2008. Similar to this age group, women under 20 and those aged over 40 also fell to 40 and 10 births. The figure for women aged 30-35 and 35-39 experienced an upward trend, rising to approximately 90 and 70 births by 2008.