The graph describes the changes in the UK’s birth rate for women in six different age groups between 1973 and 2008.
Overall, while the birth rate of women in the UK aged 25–29 years was at a peak, that of women aged over 40 years was at the lowest point. Women aged 30–39 increased the total birth rate, but there was a decline in the birth rate of women in other age groups.
In 1973, the birth rate of women in the UK aged 25–29 years was the highest, with 150 people. This was more than 14 people than that of women aged 20–25 years. The third highest birth rate in 1973 was for women aged 30–35 years, with 70 people. From 1973 to 2008, there was a significant decrease in the birth rate of women aged 25–29 years, standing at 121 people. Similarly, the birth rate of women aged 20–25 years dropped considerably by about 40 people. On the other hand, women aged 30–35 years had an upward trend, with a total birth rate of 82 people.
In 1973, the birth rate of women in the UK aged under 20 years was 60 people, and that of women aged 35–39 years was 40 people. The lowest birth rate was for women aged 40 years and over, with only 20 people. While the birth rate for women under 20 years old and for women aged 40 years and over decreased, that for women aged 35–39 years increased dramatically between 1973 and 2008. Specifically, in 1990, the birth rate for women aged under 20 years and for women aged 35–39 years was equal. In 2008, the birth rate for women aged 40 years and over was still the lowest point, with a total birth rate of 16 people.