The line graph illustrates changes in the birth rates in the UK among women in six age groups between 1973 and 2008.
Overall, women aged 25-29 consistently recorded the highest birth rates, while women aged 40 and over had the lowest rates throughout the period. Another noticeable trend is that birth rates declined among younger women, whereas rates for women aged over 30 increased, particularly for those aged 35-39.
In 1973, the birth rate for women aged 25-29 was the highest, at approximately 140 births per 1,000 women. Although this figure fell to around 120 in the late 1970s, it rose again to about 135 in the early 1990s before gradually declining and stabilizing at roughly 120 by 2008. In contrast, the rate for women aged 20-25 steadily decreased from about 125 in 1973 to around 95 in 2008.
Birth rates among women aged 30-35 showed a moderate increase over time, rising from roughly 70 to about 85 births per 1,000 women. A more dramatic rise occurred in the 35-39 age group, which increased from around 40 in 1973 to approximately 65 by the end of the period.
By comparison, the under-20 group experienced a gradual decline from around 60 to about 40, while the rate for women aged 40 and over remained low and decreased slightly from about 18 to around 12.